Day: February 15, 2024

Alone in Paradise

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In opera, the bleakest imaginable tragedies and disasters—murder, suicide, war, the apocalypse—are practically everyday occurrences. And yet, of all the varieties of human suffering on which this art form quasi-vampirically sustains itself, tales of the death of a child feature only infrequently in opera’s first three centuries, from roughly 1600 through 1900. It might be […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2024/03/07/alone-in-paradise-picture-a-day-like-this/

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Ducks in the Drawing Room

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In 1978, at the age of seventy, Barbara Comyns jotted down a new idea for a novel: I’ve an idea for a book—“Waiting.” Elderly people retiring to a new little house on a garden estate waiting to die but things keep happening. They feel even more intensely than when they were young. Some good things […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2024/03/07/ducks-in-the-drawing-room-barbara-comyns/

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What’s Your Type?

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In the opening scene of Sally Rooney’s Beautiful World, Where Are You, Rooney’s main character, Alice, is having a drink at a hotel bar with a man named Felix, whom she has met online. Afterward, when they return to Alice’s house, Alice reveals that she is a novelist. “What kind of people do you write […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2024/03/07/whats-your-type-birnam-wood-eleanor-catton/

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The Angel of Paragon by Genevieve Jack

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The Angel of Paragon by Genevieve Jack is the tenth audiobook in the Treasures of Paragon paranormal romance series narrated by Holly Adams. It’s a bit of a holiday romance and focuses on Princess Charlotte, the sole heir to the kingdom of Paragon. A delightful tale with danger, romance and cookies.

The Angel of Paragon by Genevieve Jack

The Angel of Paragon
by Genevieve Jack
Series: Treasures of Paragon #10
Narrator: Holly Adams
Length: 6 hours and 44 minutes
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

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Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne Star
Heat Level: One FlameOne FlameOne FlameOne Flame
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x

An angel called. A devil answered.

Princess Charlotte is the sole heir to the throne of Paragon. But twenty-five years after she helped vanquish Empress Eleanor, her parents still treat her like a child—and it doesn’t help that her sunny angel disposition makes her easy to overlook. When the king and queen leave Paragon for an extended period, Charlie decides to prove her leadership skills by throwing a party themed around a popular Earth holiday.

Environmental Scientist Liam Morris doesn’t do celebrations. In his experience, relationships are nothing but distractions, most of them doomed to fail. He’d rather spend his days on an iceberg in the arctic than around the table with his family.

Things get complicated when Charlie snatches Liam from earth and brings him to Paragon, hoping he’ll help her iron out the details of her event. Will grumpy, bearded Liam be the answer to her prayers… or more trouble than she can handle?

Holiday magical paranormal ROMANCE

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The king and queen are away when Charlotte decides she wants to prove her leadership skills and arrange a Christmas Party like they celebrate on Earth. Having never left Paragon, Charlotte has no idea what that entails. She consults her uncle, who suggests a book. That is where she learns about Santa Claus and decides to ask the man himself.

Charlotte can time travel and shoots to earth where she finds Environmental Scientist Liam Morris. He’s dressed in a red suit. She whisks him back to Paragon, believing him to be Santa. The tale that unfolds was delightful from his shock to events that unfold over the holidays on Earth.

I loved the story, particularly what occurred at Liam’s family home. This series was fun, and I loved the chance to revisit the world and catch up. While the series is best listened to in the order of its release, this audiobook would hold on its own. Of course I highly recommend starting at the beginning.

Holly Adams narrates and made listening a pleasure. She handled both the female and male voices well, capturing their emotions and personalities.

Amazon | Audible

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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

  • 2024 Audiobook Challenge

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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/02/the-angel-of-paragon-by-genevieve-jack.html

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Multi-Billion-Dollar Pet Food Fraud: Hiding in Plain Sight

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Multi-Billion-Dollar Pet Food Fraud: Hiding in Plain Sight is an enlightening exploration into the complexities and alleged malpractices within the pet food industry. Authored by Tom Lonsdale, a seasoned veterinarian, the book aims to shed light on the problematic relationship between pet food corporations and veterinarians. Lonsdale suggests this alliance has contributed to a significant pet health crisis, largely unnoticed or ignored by the public.

Lonsdale’s experience in the veterinary field is evident throughout the book, showcasing his deep affection and concern for animal welfare. His narrative style is engaging, often employing sharp wit and clever anecdotes to underscore his arguments. This approach not only makes for an entertaining read but also reinforces the seriousness of the issues at hand. I found pleasure in reading about the author’s journey from the beginning of his veterinary career, which gave me the impression of having a friendly, personal conversation with him. The author’s commitment to the subject is palpable; his heartfelt dedication to improving the health of pets resonates on every page. Lonsdale’s insights are intriguing and educational and provoke reflection on personal pet care practices. The book encourages readers to reassess their approach to their pets’ well-being, underlining the importance of continual improvement in how we care for our animal companions. Lonsdale incorporates a wealth of research and factual information, presenting numerous strategies and approaches that, as a pet owner, I am eager to implement for the well-being of my dogs. The inclusion of images throughout the book added an enjoyable visual element to the reading experience.

Multi-Billion Dollar Pet Food Fraud is not just a critique of the pet food industry; it is a call to action for pet owners to become more informed and conscientious. Lonsdale’s passionate and knowledgeable voice makes this book a compelling read for anyone interested in the health and welfare of their pets.

Pages: 575 | ASIN : B0C3WY555F

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Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/02/15/multi-billion-dollar-pet-food-fraud-hiding-in-plain-sight/

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Eruption 2085

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In Eruption 2085, author Jordan Hampton continues the narrative he began in Ignition 2084, weaving a complex tapestry of war, allegiance, and survival. The protagonist, John Hamlin, once revered as the Lightning Dragon of the Violet Shadows faction, now finds himself in the midst of a raging war as the Director of the Yaiba. This novel intricately details the formation of a fragile alliance between the Yaiba, a clan of fierce warriors, the remnants of the Violet Shadows, and the Kabuto Sanctuary, united in their opposition against the formidable Scarlet Kingdom.

The story is a rich blend of genres, incorporating military strategy, science fiction, and fantasy elements. For newcomers to the series, the initial chapters offer an exciting opportunity to immerse oneself in the intricacies of this richly crafted world, with the promise of deeper engagement and understanding as the narrative progresses. Hampton’s writing style is dynamic and multi-layered, reminiscent in some respects of the classic G.I. Joe cartoon series, but with a distinctly literary flair. Set in a near-future landscape, the novel has advanced weaponry, characters possessing extraordinary abilities, and multiple factions locked in a power struggle. The novel thrusts the reader into the heart of its tumultuous world, where deciphering the complexities can be demanding. However, the story truly shines in the quieter moments of character development. John Hamlin emerges as a robust and engaging protagonist, supported by a cast of well-crafted side characters and intriguing antiheroes.

As the reader becomes more immersed in this world, the depth and richness of the narrative become evident. While it might be tempting to categorize Eruption 2085 as a straightforward action novel, it offers much more, with a substantial storyline underpinning the vivid scenes of conflict and confrontation. This novel is a testament to Hampton’s skill in creating a vivid and compelling world that captivates and entertains.

Pages: 532 | ASIN : B0CRD2H5ND

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Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/02/15/eruption-2085/

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Shelter in a Hostile World: A Love and Peace Novella

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Mack Little’s Shelter in a Hostile World is a poignant narrative that chronicles the life of Badu, a young African child from the Igbo community whose trajectory is dramatically altered due to a capital offense. The novel is structured around two distinct periods in Badu’s life: initially in 1628, as the diligent son of an Igbo farmer yearning to marry Ekemma, and later in 1651, as a father in America endeavoring to rescue his daughter from a slaveowner known as The Admiral. This dual timeline effectively portrays Badu’s transformation and the lengths one might go to protect a loved one from suffering.

Little’s novel sheds light on the myriad challenges faced by slaves in the 1650s, particularly those uprooted from Africa to America. Through Badu’s experiences, the narrative delves into themes of social isolation, chronic anxiety, and psychological trauma. The author skillfully portrays the varying responses of slaves to their circumstances: from Dinny’s rebellious desire for independence, Hermes’s pragmatic collaboration with white masters, to Badu’s initially neutral stance that shifts as personal stakes rise. The narrative is marked by its clarity and well-paced scenes, avoiding any sense of rush or superfluity. Time transitions are handled with finesse, contributing to the story’s coherence. A commendable aspect of Little’s writing is the authentic depiction of Igbo culture, presented in a manner that allows readers the freedom to interpret and form their own judgments.

Shelter in a Hostile World is a historical fiction novella that resonates with emotional depth, weaving together moments of sorrow and joy. While the book addresses mature themes and may not be suitable for younger audiences, it is recommended for those who appreciate thought-provoking storytelling.

Pages: 121 | ASIN : B0CDYKJ4NS

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Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/02/15/shelter-in-a-hostile-world-a-love-and-peace-novella/

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Courage, Faith, and Moving Forward

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J.B. Wagner Author Interview

Pilgrims of Stone and Saber follows a young princess as she embarks on a quest for destiny while grappling with an involuntary marriage and the pursuit of a prophesied savior, amidst a backdrop of spiritual awakening. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

It started with a vision of a woman wandering through the world, unsure of her destiny or willingness to follow it. The Lodestone was a very powerful symbol that kept coming to mind and I followed that inspiration through the writing of the story.

Can you describe your process for developing the character of Pilgrim and how you balanced her personal journey with the larger narrative?

The development of Pilgrim’s character felt very much like a journey of self-discovery as I was struggling to develop the courage it took to face down my own demons. Balancing her personal journey with the larger narrative was tricky at times as I tend to focus on the internal conflicts rather heavily in my writing, but I kept in mind that we all are small in the grand scheme of things, but if we allow ourselves to be used for the greater good (for God’s glory and the fulfillment of His will) we can make a huge impact.

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

Courage, faith, and moving forward.

What can readers expect from book two of The Lodestone Chronicles?

Book 2 of The Lodestone Chronicles follows the story of De Ia Maia, who we meet at the end of Book 1. It is a story of romance and learning our own worth by considering the great sacrifice of someone who loves us beyond comprehension – Jesus Christ.

De Ia Maia fights to regain her adopted mother’s love and approval, navigate a whirlwind romance, and defeat a dark monster that threatens to destroy her city.

Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website

She’s been avoiding destiny. It won’t wait any longer…

Pilgrim is one of the Anointed, and the Lodestone has always kept her safe. She trusts in its power, but she does not want the life her mother lived. Her father, the King of Bavi, wishes to leave his throne to her—she doesn’t want that either.

Her supernatural guardian hid her in the Emerald Hills, and it was going well. For the last decade she herded cattle, dealt with a grouchy benefactor, and dodged the barbaric courting rituals of the Emerald Hillsmen. But her guardian’s beacon has disappeared, and now evil forces are hunting her.

When an overzealous Hillsman attempts to make her his bride, the magic of the Lodestone spurs her on. As the Lodestone’s power guides her into battle she has a decision to make…

Will Pilgrim sacrifice it all to defeat the darkness threatening their world?

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/02/15/courage-faith-and-moving-forward/

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