We closed the 2023 Summer Issue during the second half of July, amid showers, humidity, Beanie Babies, and Barbie. I’ve been drifting off to sleep above the covers with a fan pointed directly at me, or deep under a duvet in an air-conditioned room. A New York summer nap is an escape like no other. My […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2023/08/16/somnambulant-summer-leanne-shapton/
Sophia Rose is here with a series I one day hope to continue. Resonance Surge by Nalini Singh is the seventh book in the Psy-Changeling Trinity series. Come check out Sophia’s thoughts. Grab an iced coffee and check out her review.
Resonance Surge
by Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling Trinity #7
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Rating: 
Heat Level: 
Where are the broken? A propulsive question that unleashes a world of secrets in New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh’s Resonance Surge . . .
StoneWater bears Pavel and Yakov Stepyrev have been a unit since birth, but now Pavel’s life is veering in a new direction, his heart held in the hands of Arwen Mercant, a Psy empath—and the only man who has ever brought Pavel to his knees.
This is it. A point of irrevocable change. For Pavel . . . for Arwen . . . for Yakov . . . and for another pair of twins whose bond has a far darker history.
A low-gradient Psy, Theodora Marshall is considered worthless by everyone but her violently powerful twin, Pax. She is the sole person he trusts in their venomous family to investigate a hidden and terrible part of their family history—an unregistered rehabilitation center established by their grandfather.
Places of unimaginable pain designed to psychically wipe minds, leaving the victims shells of their former selves, the Centers are an ugly vestige of the Psy race’s Silent past. But this Center was worse. Far, far worse. And now Theo must uncover the awful truth—in the company of a scowling bear named Yakov who isn’t about to take a Marshall at face value . . . especially a Marshall who has turned his dreams into chilling nightmares.
Because Yakov is the great-grandson of a foreseer . . . and he has seen Theo die in an unstoppable surge of blood. Night after night after night . . .
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I would have leaped at this new series installment no matter what, but when I spotted we were back with the bear changelings, I was itching to devour Resonance Surge in one go- and nearly did.
Resonance Surge is book seven in the follow up Psy-Changeling Trinity paranormal romance series. The series reads like urban fantasy in many ways. Hence, they should definitely be read in order and the original series shouldn’t be skipped.
Since Silence fell, the new Psy leaders have time to dig into the dark secrets and atrocities their predecessors hid during their time in power. Like the Psy secret compound hospitals where some unfortunate psy were sent to have their minds wiped. It was all chilling mad house torture stuff in my mind complete with a bloody serial killer and so I needed little assistance to find portions of Resonance Surge hair-raising.
I enjoy a good thriller so I appreciated that element paired with the sensational slow-burn romance between a sizzling hot and fun senior bear clan member and a lethal psy who was abused and manipulated in the past, but guilt-ridden and needing answers in the present.
Actually, make that two romances because both Yakov and his twin Pavel get their romances.
Pavel and Arwen Mercant, a powerful e-Psy have had something going through a few books now, but they finally get time in the spotlight with Yakov and Theo.
Yakov was a wonderful hero. He’s brash, dominant, and capable, but he is oh so careful with Theo who has known only darkness and pain in her life save her hidden connection with her twin, Pax. Pax was the family golden child to their sadistic Counselor grandfather and Theo was the disappointing dud that their grandfather didn’t hesitate to abuse and treat like a killing tool. Yakov’s sunny demeanor and open love and closeness with his tight-knit family and pack are exactly what she needs. I loved seeing them enjoying food, play, family, and even work together paired with the exciting or tense moments brought on by the mission she is on and danger hunting Theo.
The series arc didn’t get much advancement save for brief look-ins here and there, but I couldn’t really care because I’m such a sucker for time spent with the Stone Water bears and Mercants. That last chapter was a monster teaser leaving me needing to know what comes next in this world. I tried to take my time reading this, but there was no pumping the breaks once I got going. Love this series so much and can’t wait for each new installment.
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Come see why Sophia Rose was a sucker for time spent with Stone Water Bears & Mercants in Resonance Surge by Nalini Singh #bookreview
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Nalini Singh is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of the Psy-Changeling, Guild Hunter, and Rock Kiss series. She lives in New Zealand but travels as much as possible (the travel bug bit hard from when she escaped working as a lawyer to run away and teach English in Japan). Nalini loves to write, loves to read, and thinks chocolate is a food group.
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Sophia is a quiet though curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, and gardening. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes Region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, Baseball, Cats, Scooby Doo, and Chocolate.
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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/08/resonance-surge-by-nalini-singh.html
In Evolved, penned by Patrick Roberts, we are taken on a thrilling journey alongside the protagonist, Pahras Rowe, as he grapples with his identity and the turmoil of returning to his former life. Different and challenging circumstances await him, as the DISA agency, with whom he once collaborated, is now pursuing individuals like him, known as Evos. The stakes are further heightened when Pahras discovers that those closest to him, including the love of his life, have been captured, setting the stage for an exhilarating rescue mission.
Roberts crafts a rich tapestry of intrigue and excitement that seems to draw inspiration from iconic comic universes, blending elements reminiscent of Marvel’s X-Men with the dynamism of the DC world. The result is an innovative fusion that excites the reader’s imagination, encapsulating the very best of superhero storytelling. The cliffhanger conclusion of this first installment leaves readers eagerly awaiting the next chapter, a testament to Roberts’ ability to enthrall his audience.
Character development is another compelling aspect of Evolved. Pahras is a character with depth and complexity, though, at times, his decision-making can be frustrating. For instance, I think the handling of his original powers could be more judicious, and his interactions with the character Xian regarding his new abilities seemed a bit lacking. Though one can argue that these may have been intentional choices by the author to depict Pahras’ growth, a bit more clarity could have provided more insight into his character’s development.
The relationships in the novel add warmth to an otherwise action-packed narrative. The bond between Pahras and his uncle Gerald is depicted with sincerity and nuance, and the broken yet touching connection with his father, Solomon, adds layers to Pahras’ character. The support they provide highlights the novel’s theme of family and connection amidst the chaos.
Roberts’ adept handling of action scenes contributes to the novel’s gripping pace. The interspersing of intimate moments with loved ones amidst the thrilling action sequences brings a welcome contrast, enhancing the reader’s engagement. I would have liked to have had more fleshed-out details concerning Pahras’ life before the central events of the story. I think a more in-depth look into his past could have lent additional weight to his character’s motivations and decisions.
Evolved stands as an enticing work, skillfully marrying superhero mythos with emotional depth and thrilling action. Roberts’ narrative craft ensures an engaging reading experience, leaving readers both satisfied and craving more. The balance between character insight, familial relationships, and adrenaline-fueled sequences positions Evolved as a novel not to be missed for fans of the genre.
Pages: 274 | ASIN: B0C9LPZBR9
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/16/evolved-aether-rising/
In Margarita Barresi’s captivating novel, A Delicate Marriage, readers are immersed in a riveting narrative, shedding light on the unlikely union between Marco, a man of humble origins with soaring ambitions, and Isabela, the privileged daughter of a successful businessman. Set against the enchanting backdrop of Puerto Rico in the tumultuous 1930s, the tale offers a keen exploration of the intertwined destinies of these two characters.
Will Marco manage to convince Isabela’s father of his worth? Can Isabela transcend her sheltered, superficial lifestyle to discover a deeper sense of contentment? A nostalgic, romantic ambiance infuses the narrative as readers find themselves instinctively championing these characters. Moreover, the development of Puerto Rico – navigating the journey from a colonial outpost to an industrialized state – constitutes an engaging subplot interwoven with the central romance.
Barresi’s A Delicate Marriage skillfully etches each character with minute precision, providing an immersive reading experience that allows the audience to traverse through their vicissitudes. Isabela, in particular, is depicted as a remarkably human character, prone to errors as any of us, which only enhances her appeal. The author meticulously describes the exotic locale without overindulging in detail, adding an intriguing layer to the narrative.
Despite its merits, I think the novel could have benefitted from a more in-depth exploration of its secondary characters. I think that delving into their perceptions of the unfolding events and their roles within the broader narrative would have enriched the story. And I think greater usage of internal monologues would have added more depth to the motivations driving each character.
A Delicate Marriage, with its blend of glamour, charm, and a nostalgic nod to a bygone era, promises to uplift readers’ spirits on even the dreariest of days, inviting them to revisit the tempestuous yet enchanting landscape of Puerto Rico. This delightful romantic saga, with a touch of Latin American flair, is likely to enthrall readers, particularly those with a penchant for compelling love stories.
Pages: 352 | ISBN : 1639889302
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/16/a-delicate-marriage/
Helen Montague Foster’s historical novel, The Silent Hen, offers an evocative journey through the tumultuous eras of World War II and the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. The narrative explores the intertwined lives of its characters across time and space, from the war-ridden landscapes of Cairo and Yugoslavia to the heart-rending realities of the modern era.
The novel’s protagonist, Lucy, a fervent Virginia woman, eagerly serves her country during the Second World War, enlisting in the Office of Strategic Services (OSS). Following an intense training period, Lucy is deployed to Egypt, falling deeply in love with a fellow operative, Gordon. This passionate backdrop sets the stage for an unexpected and tender narrative that unfolds when Gordon, dispatched to Yugoslavia, encounters Bella – a young Jewish girl hiding from the horrors of the war with her pet hen, Tisina. Now orphaned, Bella forms an unforeseen bond with an American soldier and a Virginia spy, a connection bearing an uncanny resemblance to the relationship with her late mother.
Foster’s The Silent Hen is an homage to the bravery and dedication of the author’s parents and all OSS members who risked everything during this tumultuous period of history.
The narrative ingeniously interweaves two distinct timelines – the upheavals of war from 1943 to 1945, contrasted with the devastating effects of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001. The early timeline presents a potent exploration of Lucy, Gordon, and Bella maneuvering through the labyrinth of religious, cultural, and political complexities of the war. Simultaneously, the latter timeline unveils the poignant revelation of Lucy grappling with dementia, with only her comrade, Hart, maintaining the clarity of their shared past.
The narrative is punctuated by two principal characters: Lucy, the fearless operative, and Bella, the innocent child. Amid the pervasive sorrow and loss that mark the pages of the novel, Foster expertly weaves threads of hope and idealism into her characters’ personas.
The Silent Hen is captivating not only because of this juxtaposition but also due to Foster’s adept storytelling. Her suspenseful narrative keeps the reader on the edge, continually questioning the connection between the two timelines and the eventual unfolding of later events. This novel serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity, all while delivering an engrossing tale that reverberates with historical significance and emotional depth.
Pages: 330 | ASIN: B0CDSJVRWQ
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/16/the-silent-hen/
Gremlin Night follows a little boy as he goes on an adventure to explore a make-believe world with his strange new friend. What was the inspiration that created the fantastic journey these characters go on?
The inspiration for creating Gremlin Night comes from my childhood experiences. This story is largely based on my recollection of making the most of my days (and nights) with my imagination while living with less. I was the second youngest of five children. Everything I had was a hand-me-down, and that was fine with me. My childhood was a happy one. I owe that to my parents. My dad really did bring home an old brown AMC Gremlin one day. That little car became a vehicle for my imagination while serving as a second home of sorts. Many years later, that tired Gremlin really did follow me to college.
This seems like a very personal story for you. How hard was it to put this story out in the world for people to read?
Gremlin Night is a personal story. I also wanted it to be a whimsical journey for young readers and, perhaps, illustrate the point that our world is only limited by our imagination.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
When planning this book, I set a goal to tell my childhood story of surviving poverty while keeping the tone simple, positive, and whimsical. Perhaps this children’s bedtime story will be entertaining and thought-provoking at the same time.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
My next children’s book is a fun unfable, of sorts. Mr. Fox Sells Pockets is a delightful story of a clever tailor who makes a plan to sell handmade pockets to everyone in town – whether they need one or not! Will the slick Fox fill his own pocket with shiny coins, or will his plan backfire? This children’s picture book is illustrated by the talented London artist Leighton Noyes and will be released in November.
Author Links: Website
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/16/our-world-is-only-limited-by-our-imagination/
The Chosen One: Mary’s Story follows a young Jewish girl caught on the brink of marriage as she discovers her divine calling to give birth to the son of God, in a narrative that weaves ancient events with modern-day language. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I began to think of Mary as a young pregnant unwed teenager. Today that is common. In those days, it meant death. I wanted to portray her thoughts and fears – and yet her strength in her faith in God.
How did you approach making this ancient narrative accessible to contemporary readers?
I wanted to show Mary with close friends and a loving family. I attempted to show her interaction with contemporary thoughts while still adhering as close as possible to Jewish traditions and values. My goal was to make the story come alive for many who may have never heard it.
The characters are portrayed as multi-dimensional. How did you go about developing them to show the human side of these biblical figures?
I did a lot of research for this book through Jewish history and mythology, as well as scriptural references. It is thought that Mary was only around 13-14 when she gave birth to Jesus. Joseph may have been much older. Jewish history gives a lot of detail to places and the timeline of Mary’s visit to her relative, Elizabeth, as well as the birth of Jesus and what drove them to Bethlehem.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am working on a YA thriller about child trafficking that will hopefully be out in 2024.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
When the angel appeared to her, she knew there would be consequences. What would people think? Her act of obedience could become her death – and yet, she willingly accepted her mission. She only hoped Joseph would understand….
The Chosen One – Mary’s Story is Mary’s account from her perspective. It will take you into her thoughts and hopes from her betrothal up through Jesus’s birth and flight to Egypt. Through biblical history, Jewish history, myth, and legend, the story will bring new revelations to this age-old Bible story.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/16/i-want-marys-story-to-come-alive/