My oldest friends, Tal and Nate, lived in Clinton Hill for fifteen years. When they moved there in 2005, virtually everyone around them rented; only a few families seemed to have very high incomes. But both of those dynamics gradually changed. By the time they enrolled their daughter Mira in preschool, there were no other […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2024/03/26/musical-chairs-nyc-housing/

Moira Donegan joins us from Stanford University, where she is a writer in residence at the Clayman Institute for Gender Research. Although Moira and I have corresponded about feminism and feminist writing for years, we met in person for the first time when I appeared on her podcast In Bed with the Right, which is […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2024/03/26/a-gender-emergency-moira-donegan/

I was excited to begin the next audiobook in the Aldebarian Alliance. and grabbed my earbuds. The Renegade Akseli Cyborg by Dianne Duvall shares Immortal Rachel’s and Wonick, a renegade cyborg story. Banter, kickassery and chemistry await you in this addictive story.

The Renegade Akseli Cyborg
by Dianne Duvall
Series: Aldebarian Alliance #5
Narrator: Kirsten Potter
Length: 12 hours and 21 minutes
Genres: Science Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:
Heat Level:
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x

Too many years of hunting psychotic vampires night after night have left Rachel with a need for change. So when the opportunity to travel across the galaxy aboard a Lasaran warship to a utopian planet arises, the powerful Immortal Guardian jumps at the chance. Rachel eagerly looks forward to making a fresh start . . . until an enemy attacks and she ends up alone in an escape pod so far from alliance-occupied space that no one can hear her communications. No one except a renegade cyborg who shouldn’t exist.

After a hard-fought rebellion, Wonick and his cyborg brethren settled on a distant planet, where they’ve finally carved out a peaceful existence. The Aldebarian Alliance believes every Akseli cyborg died long ago. And Wonick is determined to prevent anyone from discovering otherwise, knowing such would spark the fiercest manhunt in the galaxy. Yet when he hears Rachel’s communications, temptation drives him to speak to her, sparking friendship and a longing for a different future. Rachel finds Wonick even more appealing when she meets him in person, and their friendship soon deepens into love as the cyborgs cautiously welcome her into the fold. But the warriors’ ability to collect intel uncovers a secret the enemy has guarded for decades, one that compels them to embark upon a mission fraught with danger.

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I am a huge fan of Duvall’s series and have devoured them all. This is a sci-fi romance series and a spinoff of the Immortal Guardians. Renegade Akseli Cyborg is the fifth audiobook in the Aldebarian Alliance narrated by Kirsten Potter. While Duvall does a splendid job of bringing new listeners up to speed, spoilers concerning other paired couples and the overall arc, not to mention the fact that the series is awesome has me recommending you listen in the order of release.

Rachel, an Immortal Guardian, tired of fighting vamps on Earth, was aboard a Lasaran warship headed towards the promise of a utopian world when the ship was attacked. Her escape pod rocketed her far from alliance-occupied space. She doesn’t have enough fuel to reach them and hopes of being rescued. She broadcasts an SOS when Wonick, a renegade cyborg and his brethren, hear her distress call. Wonick is drawn to the voice who claims she can kick the enemy’s arse single handedly…lol.  

I absolutely loved the tale that unfolds from the first meet to the romance and fast-paced plot. Lots of engaging battles with the enemy alongside the shock and all of Rachel’s skills had me grinning as her cyborg companions stood slack-jawed. The story of the cyborg’s creation and then ordered destruction was a fascinating one. I was all geeked out over their new planet and technology.

Our enemies are vile creatures from their experiments on others to their obsession over domination. Duvall had me cheering as Rachel and her new allies engaged with them. It was intense, and dare I say fun?

The romance built right alongside the danger, keeping me fully engaged. The series is fantastic on audio and Kirsten Potter captured Rachel’s snarky, curious personality. She gives voice to each character, and I loved the serious captain, young cyborg and, of course, Wonick.

The story delivered from beginning to end, giving us updates on previous characters and setting up the next story. I cannot wait!

Amazon | Audible

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2024 Audiobook Challenge

Source

Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/03/the-renegade-akseli-cyborg-by-dianne-duvall.html

Raccoons Go Rafting by Rachel Vogel is a charming little tale that’s like a splash of cold river water on a hot summer day – refreshing and invigorating. It’s a cute picture book that follows a group of adventurous raccoons on their rafting escapade. The simplicity of the narrative, with its short and snappy phrases, makes every page a delightful turn for young readers.

Vogel’s writing style is playful and energetic, perfectly capturing the essence of a child’s adventure. Phrases like “Raccoons rush” and “Raccoons flush” are not only fun to read aloud but also vividly portray the raccoons’ antics. The rhythm gets little minds racing with excitement. The brevity of the text per page makes it an excellent choice for beginner readers or a quick bedtime story.

The illustrations by Anthony Richichi are absolutely charming and match the book’s fun tone. They are windows into the raccoons’ world, rich in color and life. The raccoons’ expressions as they surf and swim bring the story to life. Kids will love pointing out the little details in each picture, from the raccoons’ mischievous grins to the vibrant river scenes. It’s a visual treat that complements the story beautifully.

Raccoons Go Rafting is a splendid pick for young readers and parents alike. This children’s book is very entertaining, even with just a few words. The book is an invitation to explore the outdoors, fostering a love for adventure and nature in its readers. I’d recommend this picture book to anyone with young kids, especially those who are just starting to read or have an affinity for animals and nature. I’m sure it will be a book that will be reached time and again at bedtime, becoming a cherished part of any child’s book collection.

Pages: 32 | ISBN : 1955568278

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/03/26/raccoons-go-rafting/

Jason Ollander-Krane’s historical fiction novel Circus Home transports readers into the lively and colorful realm of circus performers anchored in New Jersey. The narrative takes us through various settings, including 1880s Brooklyn, 1920s Mississippi, 1940s Detroit, and 1950s New York City. The book skillfully blends drama, humor, and wit, reflecting the eclectic experiences of a circus troupe and captivating readers with its engaging storytelling.

At the heart of this novel is Brendan Hardy, the seasoned carnival barker who draws people into the enthralling world of the circus. As Brendan ages, he acquiesces to his daughter’s request to move into an assisted living facility. Yet, this is no ordinary facility; he chooses the New Jersey Home for Retired Circus and Carnival Performers, a place resonant with echoes of his past life. Here, Brendan gathers and shares the rich tapestry of tales from the retired performers, collectively known as the Circus Home, weaving together their shared histories and experiences.

Circus Home is thoughtfully structured into eight ‘acts,’ each unraveling a story from Brendan’s past and the pasts of those around him, fluidly shifting between timelines. The reader encounters a series of compelling characters: Herbert Gopnik, the Clown; Walter Whalen Jr., the Magician; Hiram Fitzgerald, the Voice of the Big Top; and Norman Rockwell, the Thinnest Man. Brendan’s narrative includes his romance with Iris, the Elephant Tamer. It delves into the extraordinary lives of Jackson and Martin Armstrong, the Siamese Twins, as well as the gripping tale of Larisa Yohantova Grayson and Chance Grayson, the security agents of the troupe.

The convergence of these diverse and vivid characters, each with a unique background but united by their passion for performance, offers a captivating glimpse into the world of the circus. Circus Home is a novel that appeals broadly, inviting readers to delve into the enchanting and multifaceted lives of its characters.

Pages: 342 | ASIN : B0BJNYJ577.

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/03/26/circus-home-a-novel-of-life-love-and-new-jersey/

In Bringer of Light, M. Thomas Apple presents a captivating vision of future space settlement, crafting a narrative set against the backdrop of political intrigue and advanced technology. The story unfolds on the moon and Mars, where Bardish, a figure whose life resonates with success, feels like a mere pawn in the hands of powerful factions. Meanwhile, Weng, accompanied by Clarissa, anticipates establishing a new home on Mars, now a burgeoning center for space exploration.

Apple skillfully weaves a sci-fi tapestry that integrates alien and supernatural elements with humanity’s quest to explore the cosmos. As Mars stands on the cusp of a transformative settlement influenced by enigmatic alien species, the Artemis crew encounters voices and revelations, offering insights into the universe’s workings. The novel’s multi-perspective narrative allows readers to experience a diverse array of viewpoints, adding depth to the unfolding plot. The political machinations depicted, featuring a race for advancement and power struggles among various nations including China, India, Russia, and the United Americas, enrich the story with a sense of realism and complexity. The book’s use of poetic language creates a dreamlike atmosphere, with alien voices permeating the consciousness of both characters and readers, sparking contemplation about the vastness of the universe.

Fans of science fiction will be particularly impressed by the depiction of futuristic technologies, such as regenerative nanotech and bio-engineered organs, that push the boundaries of human capability. I feel the novel’s multifaceted narrative and intricate world-building, while offering a rich tapestry of political dynamics, may present an engaging challenge to some readers. This complexity encourages a deeper exploration of the story, inviting readers to actively engage with its layers and the subtle intricacies of character development and motivations.

Bringer of Light holds appeal for its imaginative setting and thought-provoking themes. Readers who appreciate a blend of speculative technology and introspective musings on the universe will find this book a stimulating read. I do believe, however, that there is room for even deeper character exploration within this intriguing narrative. For fans of science fiction, M. Thomas Apple’s novel offers a glimpse into a future filled with wonder and complexity.

Pages: 418 | ASIN : B0CVX15VSL

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/03/26/bringer-of-light/

In The Adventures of Rynnie Roo and Tater, Too! Yucatan, author and illustrator Jean Johnson introduces young readers to the enchanting world of Rynnie Roo, a spirited kangaroo, and her amiable friend, Tater Tot the parakeet. Their excursion to Mexico’s Yucatan Jungle forms the crux of this delightful narrative, blending adventure with the wholesome message of politeness. The duo sets a playful challenge to see who can use “please” and “thank you” more frequently, turning courtesy into an engaging game. Their journey through the jungle is not just a solitary experience; they encounter unique characters like Blakelita, a coatimundi, part of the raccoon family, and Jungle Bob, a caretaker of the region’s fauna and flora.

An educational aspect seamlessly woven into the storyline is the introduction of Spanish and Mayan languages, which Rynnie Roo and Tater Tot endeavor to learn, adding “please” and “thank you” into their new linguistic repertoire. The narrative keeps readers wondering what other fascinating animals the pair might meet next.

A notable strength of this book is its subtle educational quality. Johnson skillfully introduces language learning and native wildlife knowledge to young minds, fostering an awareness of cultural and ecological diversity in an entertaining manner. This approach enables children to absorb new information effortlessly, almost without realizing they are learning.

Jean Johnson’s illustrations deserve special mention. Her vibrant and immersive artwork transports readers into the heart of the Yucatan Jungle, complementing the story’s lively spirit. The illustrations are a visual treat, enhancing the narrative and making the book an engaging experience for children.

This third installment in the Rynnie Roo’s Adventures series is aptly suited for the intended age group of babies to 6 years. Its blend of adventure, learning, and captivating visuals makes it an excellent choice for young readers. The Adventures of Rynnie Roo and Tater, Too! Yucatan is a commendable addition to children’s literature, combining entertainment with education in a charming way.

Pages: 35 | ASIN : B0CLB4FH2X

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/03/26/the-adventures-of-rynnie-roo-tater-too-yucatan/

Gods and Monsters: Terra Solaris follows a young girl living in a realm where gods, monsters, and humans coexist who discovers she has a powerful ability to alter reality. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

The setup of the story was an exploration of the classic contradiction posed by Epicurus’ trilemma, “If God is unable to prevent evil, then he is not all-powerful. If God is not willing to prevent evil, then he is not all-good. If God is both willing and able to prevent evil, then why does evil exist?”

In Indo-European mythologies, it is a common trope for a god’s power to be embodied or represented by their wife. This dehumanizing portrayal of goddesses served as the setup for Terra’s existence as a source of great power that suffers from having her personhood submerged by the power-hungry gods around her who see her as a source of power and little else. This internalized dehumanization weighs heavily on the goddess’ mind and serves as a critique of the ancient objectification of women, both fictional and real.

Terra discovers that she possesses a remarkable power that can change the world, which prompts her to question her moral values and determine how she wants to utilize this power. What were the moral principles you aimed to convey through the development of your characters?

The moral principles I wanted to convey are best observed through the three men who at some point each wield Terra as a way to enforce their will. The god-king Zeus uses Terra to legitimize his regime and exploit the human race. The warrior-demon Typhon uses Terra’s power to conquer the entire Universe and plunge it into a never-ending age of bloodshed. The man of the people Hades wants to help the commoners but struggles with how exactly to do that while not using Terra as a tool.

With Terra as a central point, the other characters in her orbit exist as foils and alternate perspectives. Typhon, Zeus, and Hades, all know of Terra’s power and have rigid philosophies about how it should be applied. Each would wield Terra’s power in wildly different ways, each believing they best understand “good.” Terra either needs to decide whose will it is that she will surrender herself to… or finally regain the psychological fortitude required to take charge of her own life.

The story pretty obviously favors Hades’ approach and so morally condemns people who would use power selfishly like Zeus and Typhon: the monarch and the fascist. However, with Hades, a morally good character, he like Terra is stumped by how to most effectively use the power he has. Much of the story’s conflict is intertwined with the moral that using power responsibly is a difficult and complicated, yet nonetheless important problem that needs solving. 

I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from, and how did it change as you were writing?

The idea was to create a world that could wow modern audiences. The world of Greek mythology which inspired Graia was impressive to an ancient audience, but rather mundane to a modern one. Since that ancient era, humanity has understood that the Universe is much larger than just the Earth. The scale and power required to be impressive in modern cosmology are beyond anything the Greek gods were capable of. My idea then was to make a modern setting that could have the same “Wow” factor that the ancient myths of the Greeks had on them. Foreign lands have been swapped out for distant planets or galaxies. The power to move mountains has been escalated to the power to blow up a star. It’s all wonderfully ridiculous and more importantly hits on a major theme of the story: this is far too much power to be in anyone’s hands. Being able to blow up a world is a more tangible metaphor for the undue political power wielded by the dictators and kings that serve as the book’s villains.

Some changes involved the inspiration of real-world Anthropology. Most notably, after learning from and consulting with the incredible Professor John Colarusso I gained a great understanding of Greek myth and its origins as a daughter culture of the original Indo-Europeans. Things like the caste system of holy people, warrior kings, and common producers became the three main factions in competition for the rule of the world embodied by holy Zeus, warlike Typhon, and populist Hades.

Any time I researched the ancient world, whether or not I found an answer, the setting of Graia was updated to gain further depth and history to explain its evolution into the nightmare kleptocracy it became during the events of the book.
 
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?

This is the first book in a series, one that will be between 3 and 5 books depending on how I pace things out. Each story builds on the last but also focuses on a different character to allow their adventures to be at least somewhat self-contained.

Book one has focussed on Terra as a Holy Goddess and questions of how a god should act. Fittingly it is called Terra Solaris.

Book Two will focus on Zeus as the king of Graia and how power corrupts. It will also examine the use of power with similar themes and messages to book one but from a more villainous perspective. Unlike Terra who agonizes over how to best use her power morally, this story enjoys all the comically evil ways Zeus abuses his and how it later comes back to bite him. Fittingly it will be called Zeus Almighty.

Gods and Monsters: Zeus Almighty will be sprinkling such things into the more conventional myths more people will recognize. While Book One was mostly made up of all new and original stories by me, Book Two will focus more on adaptations of classic myths such as: the Story of King Midas, the 12 Labors of Heracles, and the Gigantomachy.

Author Links: GoodReads | Website

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/03/26/wowing-modern-audiences/