When I stay in Khartoum I never miss the weekly wrestling bouts in suburbs populated by Nuba and other communities displaced to the capital from Sudan’s war-torn peripheries. In less than a month here, too, there will be war—soldiers shooting with small and heavy guns, tanks shelling, planes bombing—for the first time in the city’s […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2023/09/22/we-fight-today-well-wrestle-tomorrow/
Gray Court, narrated by Stephanie Richardson, is the seventh audiobook in the Black Hat Bureau. This cozy, urban fantasy series written by Hailey Edwards is a blast. The Maudit Grimoire is affecting Rue and worse, it is leaking into her familiar bond with Coby. The tale that unfolds will keep you listening….
Gray Court
by Hailey Edwards
Series: Black Hat Bureau #7
Narrator: Stephanie Richardson
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Rating: 
Narration: 4.5 cups Speed: 1.5x
After wiping out an entire black witch coven on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain, Rue can no longer afford to have a laissez-faire attitude toward the Maudit Grimoire. Its black magic is infecting her, and it’s leaking into her familiar bond with Colby, poisoning the loinnir with its thirst for violence.
A trip to the fae realm ought to be just the ticket, but any hope for a quick fix dies when a message arrives from High Priestess Naeema. Her daughter has gone missing, and she expects Rue to find her. As much as Rue wants to help Naeema, can she afford to put off disposing of the cunning book yet again?
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I have been having so much fun with these characters and series. Like most urban fantasy, it is important to listen to the Black Hat Bureau novels, in the order of their release.
Rue is desperate to resolve the issues surrounding the Maudit Grimoire, especially when the evil affects Colby. She thinks a trip to the fae realm will help, but when the High Priestess Naeema’s daughter goes missing, Rue and the gang will need to find her.
A lot happens in Gray Court to advance the plot. It didn’t have a big mystery to solve like the previous books, but we spent plenty of time with Rue, Asa, Colby and Clay. And trust me, a lot happens. From a challenge, Asa can’t refuse to a demon. Rue;s parents arrive for a visit and we have some threads tied-up. We still need to solve the grimoire issue and I really want Rue’s grandfather to get his just desserts.
Edwards mixes humor, romance and family into the mix, making the story fly by. I think I listened to this in two sittings and wished it was longer. Stephanie Richardson narrates the series and does such a good job giving voice to these characters. Clay cracks me up.
This series is perfect for fans of light, cozy urban fantasy with rich characters, humor and romance.
Amazon* | Audible
*kindleunlimited
Gray Court by Hailey Edwards advanced the plot, made me laugh and tied up loose threads. I cannot wait for the next audiobook #BlackHatBureau #urbanfantasy #StephanieRichardson #audiobookreview
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Hailey Edwards writes about questionable applications of otherwise perfectly good magic, the transformative power of love, the family you choose for yourself, and blowing stuff up. Not necessarily all at once. That could get messy. She lives in Alabama with her husband, their daughter, and a herd of dachshunds.
Stephanie Richardson records audiobooks from her professional home studio near the mountains in Utah. She places a special emphasis on bringing positive and wholesome content in the world and records work in a variety of nonfiction and fiction genres, including self-development, memoir, children’s and young adult, and cozy mystery. She has trained with award-winning narrators PJ Ochlan and Sean Pratt and was awarded the ABR award for best mystery in 2020. While not enjoying a book, she can be found playing zoo-keeper to her four rambunctious children, playing nerdy board games, or talking to her plants.
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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/09/gray-court-by-hailey-edwards.html
In Freedom’s Just Another Word, we journey through life from the eyes of Jake, a distinguished writer, a man of great intellect, and a keen observer of the human condition. Jake is no stranger to the world of literature, having gained considerable repute as a successful columnist with the Chicago Tribune in a column christened “Jake’s Corner.” His storytelling prowess is not just exceptional, but it has also earned him a Pulitzer nomination for his investigative reporting on corruption within city council.
Jake’s character is painted with nuanced layers, making him endearing and relatable from the onset. His past experiences, his perspectives, and the decisions he makes, all contribute to his portrayal as an astute gentleman who attracts admiration and camaraderie.
The book captures the reader’s attention by seamlessly weaving events that mirror the gritty realism of life – the loss of friends, family dynamics, love, marriage, and the full spectrum of societal issues. One of the highlights is Jake’s intriguing and slightly unconventional romantic entanglement with Monique. Their love story, marked by their age difference and eventual separation, adds a unique facet to the narrative.
Jake’s commendable nurturing and love for Devante, the child borne out of his relationship with Monique, underscore the vital role of a father in a child’s life. This relationship serves as a potent reminder that parental involvement is essential, regardless of the parent’s relationship status.
As the narrative unfolds, we find ourselves deeply immersed in Jake’s world, riddled with complexities and variegated characters. The character sketches are vivid, from Jake’s children, each with distinct personalities, to the other characters who add color and depth to the narrative. Charlotte, Jake’s daughter, strikingly mirrors her father, both physically and in character, providing an intriguing contrast to her mother. The author’s rich descriptions enable the reader to visualize the characters vividly, enhancing the reading experience.
Other characters such as Tawni, an engaging yet occasionally vexing individual, and Devante, an optimistic and driven young man, enrich the storyline. Even the less likable characters like Jamal, Lucy Hall, Carlos, Bianca, and Reynolds contribute to the gripping nature of the book.
Freedom’s Just Another Word will undoubtedly appeal to readers who relish slow-paced narratives with intertwining storylines. The book, written in a captivating journal-like format from a first-person perspective, traverses a wide array of themes from death, law, and education to relationships, crime, love, and even sports like boxing. The only point of contention might be the cliffhanger ending, which leaves the reader yearning for more. Nonetheless, the book remains a compelling exploration of life’s multifaceted realities.
Pages: 319 | ASIN : B0CGZ31MS9
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/09/22/freedoms-just-another-word/
Dear Entitled Hotel Guests,
Welcome to the Garden Tree Lakeside Resort.
We are pleased that you chose to stay with us.
The front desk station is opened 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,We will help you navigate your way around the premises.
We can make your dinner and transportation arrangements as well as inform you of all the local sporting events and other attractions.
However, we are not here to deal with your pompous attitudes, your racial undertones or unsolicited opinions.
We are not babysitters, referees or robots.
If you have any issues or concerns, you are welcome to speak with a supervisor…but beware of what you ask for.
Again, enjoy your stay!
We hope you take full advantage of all the Garden Tree has to offer.
Sincerely,
Front Desk Staff
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/09/22/dear-entitled-hotel-guests/
Alyse Johnson is a young attorney leading a successful yet simple life. She has everything she needs but feels that something is missing and that something might be a relationship with the one guy who is off-limits. Alyse has vowed to make this summer, her first as a single woman, different. She has decided to play the field but has the lingering feeling that there is more to her friendship with Christian. As a hurricane approaches, Alyse is fortunate to take shelter with her friend’s family. Riding out the storm together, they soon learn that their neighborhood has a new danger on the horizon.
Summer (With Collateral Damage) is the fourth book in a series by Denise Ann Stock. Stock’s series follows the Connor family, and in this exciting fourth installment, the action centers around Alyse Johnson and her experience riding out a category 4 hurricane and the madness that follows. Two parallel storylines are running throughout Stock’s novel. Romance fans will appreciate the internal struggle Alyse experiences as she fights the feelings she has for her best friend’s brother. Tension and anxiety run high as Alyse and Christian deal with being in close proximity while they shelter in place. The threat of criminals skulking around the abandoned neighborhood provides mystery fans with the thrill they seek.
Stock does a beautiful job of building an air of mystery. Alyse shares that she has spotted suspicious vehicles in the neighborhood; readers will enjoy letting their imaginations run wild as they wait for the subsequent development. The evacuated neighborhood is the ideal backdrop for a dramatic buildup and gives ample opportunity for character development. I felt invested in Alyse’s plight, her romantic woes, and the danger building around her.
I appreciate the immersive first-person perspective and the use of present tense, which adds depth to the narrative of Summer (With Collateral Damage). While some moments in the plot lean towards introspection, they provide a unique diary-like charm rather than detract from the action and mystery elements. Fans of thrilling novels with a hint of romance should definitely explore Denise Ann Stock’s Connor family series.
Pages: 210 | ASIN : B0CBTWHCRS
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/09/22/summer-with-collateral-damage/
Davidson’s life unfolds as a captivating journey marked by a tapestry of triumphs and tribulations, all underpinned by an unyielding pursuit of purpose. His early years were shadowed by the painful specter of his parent’s separation, a pivotal experience that etched an enduring mark on his trajectory. As he navigated the tumultuous waters of adolescence, Davidson’s rebellious spirit emerged, driven by his brilliant mind’s unquenchable thirst for something more. In a bold defiance of convention, he even entered into a relationship with the younger sister of his father’s new girlfriend.
However, life often surprises us with unexpected detours. In a remarkable twist of fate, Davidson rediscovered religion, embarking on a transformative odyssey that ultimately led him to serve in a ministry. The tumultuous call of the Vietnam War beckoned, and he answered with unwavering commitment, donning the dual roles of a combat officer and a photographer. These gripping experiences, coupled with his subsequent forays into various career paths, left an indelible imprint on his character.
Within the pages of his compelling book, Davidson shares his distinctive perspective on fundamental facets of existence, diving deep into the complexities of romance, friendships, religion, war, and mental well-being. His narratives, enriched with his trademark humor, resonate profoundly, offering profound insights and invaluable life lessons.
Upon returning to college after the war, Davidson fervently pursued his passion for music, only to confront a world irrevocably altered during his absence. His book serves as a poignant meditation on the enduring impact of war on veterans, many of whom grapple with the daunting challenge of reintegrating into civilian life, contending with the specters of depression, instability, and fractured relationships. Dreams were deferred as these individuals answered the draft call, yet Davidson’s story is a powerful testament that life’s course need not be preordained. Instead, he encourages us to embrace the present moment, finding joy and fulfillment regardless of the circumstances surrounding us.
What distinguishes Davidson is his unwavering independence and steadfast commitment to his beliefs and values. Thought-provoking questions and humor, thoughtfully interwoven throughout the book, beckon readers to reflect upon their own life experiences, forging a deeper connection with the narrative. Reading Davidson Loehr’s Stories of Life was a delightful and enriching experience, and I recommend it to all enthusiasts of autobiographical literature.
Pages: 282 | ISBN : 164990388X
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/09/22/stories-of-life-the-nature-formation-consequences-of-character/
Little Curiosity follows a little caterpillar who discovers that her world is not as black and white as she originally thought it was. What was the inspiration for your story?
I think I can honestly say I was inspired by monarch butterflies, tropical frogs, and metamorphosis itself. As a kid I’d be fascinated that eggs and flour could BECOME a cake. I took that metaphor to heart, even at a young age. I saw change all around me and that kind of made possibilities feel very real.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I didn’t want to underestimate the kids that were reading this book, either with their parents or alone. I wanted to keep the language rich and true. Kids are capable of understanding big words and meaning of language, and I think the bilingual nature of the book will nurture and encourage that.
This children’s book teaches an important message to children while presenting the lessons in a creative and fun way. What was your favorite scene in this story?
I love the scene where the caterpillar is surrounded by rainbows in her cocoon. Did you know that inside the cocoon, caterpillars ACTUALLY turn to goo? They become this crystal clear see-through goo. To me that speaks to a level of vulnerability that is necessary when undergoing any kind of change or growth. What that little caterpillar goes through is HARD, but beautiful and worth it.
Will this book be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?
I am not entirely sure yet. The idea of the butterfly going through the world and sharing her adventures does appeal to me—especially exploring friendship, or new dangers. But I have been playing around with two other ideas, one with monkeys and one with birds. I have whole notebooks full—time will tell which of THESE caterpillars turn to butterflies.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram
Following one tiny creature’s journey through change, growth, and exploration, A Little Curiosity is a beautiful, bilingual story of realizing how much wonder there is in this world for those who are curious enough to go find out.
Full Spanish translation page by page!
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/09/22/change-is-beautiful/