I am back with a review of the seventh audiobook in the Eric Carter urban fantasy series, Suicide Kings by Stephen Blackmoore. Rudy Sandra narrates as Eric aids a friend in a dangerous ritual and becomes embroiled in an age-old rivalry. Fast-paced, this series pulls me in every time.

Suicide Kings
by Stephen Blackmoore
Series: Eric Carter #7
Narrator: Rudy Sanda
Length: 9 hours and 27 minutes
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x

The seventh book of this dark urban fantasy series follows necromancer Eric Carter through a world of vengeful gods and goddesses, mysterious murders, and restless ghosts.

Family is murder.

When Eric Carter helps a friend with a deadly ritual that could determine the fate of the most powerful mage family in Los Angeles he steps into the middle of centuries-long feuds with people who make the Borgias look like the Brady Bunch.

Eric’s just fine with the murder, soul eaters, and death magic. He’s just having trouble adjusting to being brought back from the grave.

If he’s not careful, somebody’s going to put him right back.

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Some time has passed since Carter was pulled back from the dead and he’s dealing with the new body and new perspective. When Eric agrees to help with a ritual that could affect the fate of all mages, he finds himself in the middle of a centuries old dispute between two of the darkest families we have encountered. Eric has changed and dare I say he’s become more moral?

This audiobook in particular really captured the Noir flair of the series. I have loved Eric’s unapologetic attitude since the beginning. Listening to him interact with friends and foes as he works to solve several mysteries, while keeping himself from ending up back with the dead was a blast.

Now, most urban fantasy series end with a hook to get you excited for the next book, but this was a full cliffhanger. Yikes! I am glad the audiobooks are releasing in quick succession. Sometimes it pays to go for older series in a genre you love.

Suicide Kings was just under ten hours and I wanted more, like a thirty-one hour tome… but that’s just because I was so caught up in the characters, action-packed moments and near death excitement. Rudy Sanda is the voice of Eric and does a fantastic job with secondary characters making listening a joy. I highly recommend you check out this series on audio.

Amazon | Audible

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2024 Audiobook Challenge

Source

Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/03/suicide-kings-by-stephen-blackmoore.html

In the quaint embrace of a charming town resides a remarkable entity known as the Magic String. Possessing the extraordinary ability to metamorphose into anything it envisions, the String embarks on a quest to unearth its rightful place in the world. Yet, amidst its myriad transformations, it grapples with the elusive pursuit of true contentment. Victor Junior’s enchanting narrative, The Magic String, unfolds as an uplifting children’s fable, delving into the profound journey of self-discovery.

Within the pages of this tale, String’s boundless potential becomes both a gift and a quandary. In a world of infinite choices, the challenge lies not in capability but in discerning one’s authentic identity. This internal conflict resonates deeply with readers, inviting them to reflect on their own paths of self-realization. The book’s illustrations, vibrant and evocative, evoke a sense of nostalgia reminiscent of carefree childhood reveries. Infused with elements of Japanese kawaii art, each page bursts with color and vitality, enhancing the whimsical charm of the narrative. String’s dilemma mirrors the universal experience of grappling with personal identity amidst external expectations.

Whether it’s navigating the transition to adulthood or confronting societal pressures, the story strikes a chord with readers of all ages. Junior’s narrative unfolds with simplicity yet profundity, culminating in a resolution that resonates with its audience. The Magic String is a timeless parable brimming with lessons for readers young and old. Whether enjoyed together or independently, its message of embracing one’s inner magic and authenticity reverberates universally. As String embarks on its quest, readers are reminded of the enduring power of self-acceptance and the journey to finding one’s true place in the world.

The Magic String is a heartwarming tale that transcends age barriers, offering solace and inspiration to all who embark on the quest for self-discovery. With its endearing narrative and captivating illustrations, it promises to become a cherished addition to bookshelves worldwide, illuminating hearts and minds with its radiant message of hope and authenticity.

Pages: 38 | ISBN : 978-1777445126

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/03/18/the-magic-string/

In A Whale of a Murder: A Venus Bixby Mystery, author Valerie Taylor crafts an intriguing narrative set in the historically rich, small town of Chatham Crossing. The story begins with Venus Bixby celebrating her fiftieth birthday, a milestone symbolizing her growing stature within the community. As she prepares for her role as Grand Marshal in the Fourth of July parade, her aspirations to join the Town’s Committee seem within reach. However, the town’s tranquil atmosphere is shattered by its first murder in decades, an event that unexpectedly entangles Venus in a web of mystery.

Venus’ journey into this mystery begins with a seemingly innocuous stumble over a pair of orange platform heels, leading to a fractured thumb. These heels, however, are a crucial link to the deceased Maggie McGee, a recent addition to Chatham Crossing and manager of the Sofia Silva Whaling Museum gift shop. Venus’ accidental involvement places her as the prime suspect, propelling her into an urgent quest to clear her name in a story that expertly weaves music, murder, and enigma.

Taylor’s novel excels in exploring the town’s musical and whaling heritage and, more notably, in its portrayal of complex interpersonal relationships, including the nuanced bond between Venus and her twin sister. The setting, a close-knit town where everyone is familiar with each other, effectively heightens the tension as Venus faces the unsettling reality that the perpetrator may be among her circle of friends. The characters, each with their own motives and opportunities to target Maggie McGee and implicate Venus, add depth and suspense to the narrative. The book’s pace is well-calibrated, unfolding a mystery that seems to unravel itself, keeping readers engaged in the characters’ journey to the truth. The story is enriched by cleverly placed clues, interwoven with historical elements and a secondary plotline involving another murder and a robbery, adding complexity to the tale.

While the novel is a standout choice for fans of cozy mysteries, its blend of quaint charm and suspense makes it an enjoyable read for a broader audience. Taylor’s A Whale of a Murder presents a compelling mystery that balances intrigue with the inviting warmth of a small-town setting.

Pages: 358 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CWPGFM1C

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/03/18/a-whale-of-a-murder-a-venus-bixby-mystery/

I Breathe for Me, by Reesa Shayne, emerges as a thoughtful and educational picture book, particularly beneficial for young readers. This book delves into the importance of breathing as a fundamental tool for managing emotions. Shayne introduces simple yet effective breathing techniques, making it accessible for children to discover their inner strength in moments of distress, anxiety, or when seeking tranquility.

The book presents these concepts in a manner that resonates well with toddlers, who often grapple with understanding and regulating their emotions. Shayne’s approach, utilizing breathing as a practical method for emotional control, offers a valuable strategy for both parents and children. A notable element of the book is the introduction of ‘Gabby’s Corner,’ a designated space for the character to unwind and engage in positive affirmations. This inclusion not only adds a unique touch to the story but also serves as a practical example for young readers to create their own safe space for relaxation and self-affirmation. The book culminates with a helpful section titled ‘A Daily Breathing Exercise in 5 Easy Steps.’ This addition is particularly helpful as it provides a structured activity that parents and children can practice together, further reinforcing the book’s teachings.

I Breathe for Me stands out as an engaging and educational children’s book, especially suitable for parents and their young children. It offers practical, easy-to-follow techniques for emotional regulation, making it a beneficial addition to any young reader’s library.

Pages: 42 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CCGSQQCH

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/03/18/i-breathe-for-me/

Rendezvous With Evil, by Deirdre Oliver, offers a compelling exploration of theater, mystery, and the intricacies of human emotion. The author adeptly crafts a narrative that immediately immerses readers, painting scenes with a clarity that almost leaps off the page. Central to the book’s appeal is the masterful character development. The protagonist, Hannah, is introduced with a depth that vividly captures her inner conflicts and emotions, drawing the reader into her complex journey.

The book’s dialogue stands out for its authenticity and dynamism, contributing significantly to character development. Conversations flow naturally, subtly revealing characters’ traits and motives and enhancing the overall narrative. The story’s pacing is a notable achievement, skillfully balancing moments of tension with introspection, maintaining momentum while allowing for character and plot development. This careful pacing is integral to the book’s engaging quality.

Intricately plotted, Rendezvous With Evil is a testament to the author’s narrative finesse. The story unfolds with unexpected twists, yet its complexity never overshadows its readability. This balance makes the book not only intriguing but also broadly accessible.

Rendevous with Evil is particularly recommended for enthusiasts of mystery genres and those with an interest in theater and drama. Its rich setting and thematic depth will resonate with this audience. The book stands as an engrossing example of storytelling excellence, characterized by vivid descriptions and engaging dialogue. It is, indeed, a testament to the author’s ability to weave immersive tales that resonate deeply with its readers.

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/03/18/rendezvous-with-evil/

The Gratitude Goggles follows young children as they discover the concept of gratitude and the pitfalls of comparison and want in how it impacts their mental health and well-being. What was the inspiration for your story?

Since I became a mother five years ago, I have been working on myself and trying to be the best version of myself. I have explored many resources (e.g., books, workshops), to learn and to grow spiritually. One lesson that I have learned during my journey of personal growth is the importance of gratitude to support our wellbeing. I wanted to share this message with my children and with other children. The idea of goggles that we can wear to change our perspective (from gray to colorful) came to mind as a way to explain what gratitude can do in our lives.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

The core idea in this book is that gratitude can help to bring back some color into our lives when everything looks dull and gray; there is extensive research supporting the positive effects of gratitude on well-being and on physical and mental health. Another message I wanted to relay in this book is that many times we may be tempted to compare ourselves to others or we may think that buying new things or changing something about ourselves will make us happier, which is not the case. We are constantly bombarded by messages (through ads or social media, for example) telling us that we are not enough or that we don’t have enough, which may make us feel inadequate and even depressed. Gratitude can help to combat those feelings of inadequacy and the ensuing depression.

The art in this book really brings the concepts to life for young children through the visual representations. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Rita Nilson?

I am so grateful to be able to work with Rita Nilson on these books. I explored collaborations with different illustrators, and Rita was a perfect fit. Not only is she an amazing artist, but she is also a mother and she has a sensitive and kind soul. Thus, she perfectly understood the intimate and tender feeling that I want to convey with The Gratitude Goggles and other books in the Wholesome Children: Self-Awareness series.

Regarding our collaboration, we usually discuss ideas before she starts creating a storyboard. Sometimes, I will quickly sketch things that I have in mind and send sketches to her; she then takes those ideas and runs with them, adding her beautiful artistic touch.

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

The following book in the Wholesome Children: Self-Awareness series is called The Puzzle Piece, and it talks about authenticity and loving ourselves just the way we are. We have not officially announced the launch date yet, but it will be in May this year.

Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/03/18/from-gray-to-colorful/