On Thursday, Ariel Henry formally resigned as prime minister of Haiti. Few were grateful for his service. Over thirty-two months, the longest premiership since 1987, Henry presided over a country where life grew steadily worse. For the past five years armed groups had terrorized the capital, Port-au-Prince; in January they intensified their assault. On February […]
On December 24, 2023, the NYR Online published an essay by Nadia Abu El-Haj about the crackdown on pro-Palestinian speech at Columbia University and Barnard College, where she holds the Ann Whitney Olin professorship in the anthropology department and codirects the Center for Palestine Studies. “Since the start of the latest Israel–Palestine war,” she wrote, […]
Magnanotron follows an elite military team who are tasked with testing a new defensive weapon and protecting it from those who are trying to steal the technology. What inspired the setup of your story?
In my Bond of Brothers stories, I like to use current events, things that happened or could happen in the world we live in today. I have my base in my characters and the idea comes to me. Patience, imagination and research, and the game is on.
The characters in your series are well-developed and interesting. What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
It’s Tex Larson, I can see him clearly, the way he moves, his imposing presence before me. This time it was Jason Patrick, his change to Commanding Officer in charge, took some time to see him clearly.
How did you balance the action scenes with the story elements and still keep a fast pace in the story?
This comes two ways for me. One way just seems natural to me as the storyline brings itself and builds into the action scenes. The other way is carefully placing the action scenes after the bulk of the story is written. This is done as I go through the story and flesh things out to give the writing the feel it needs.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
Our special forces are on call, they stand ready to protect us and so will my Delta team and the Bond of Brothers.
I’m sure something will hit the radar, start the wheels rolling. Bring the fight back to protect our freedom and the need for boots on the ground. Delta will be back.
Successful graphic designer, Seth Hollis, is perpetually unlucky in love. Rather than dwell on his lack of a love life, Seth focuses on his 7-year-old foster son, Jeremy. A miscommunication between Jeremy’s caseworker and Seth’s best friend Ashley has the caseworker believing that Seth and Ashley are about to be married. What the caseworker doesn’t know is that Ashley is engaged to another man. Ethan Alonso, an up-and-coming restauranteur, has just adopted a 1-year-old rescue he names Eli. The energetic puppy virtually turns Ethan’s routine day to day upside down. Ethan and Seth unknowingly cross paths several times until fate steps in and finally brings them together. Thanks to the caseworker’s snooping, their road to happily-ever-after is a bumpy one. The truth comes crashing down, quite literally, during Ashley and her fiancé’s engagement party. Family isn’t always the unit you’re born into, but the one you’re lucky enough to create.
In Eyes of Blue, author S.M. Sykes crafts a riveting tale set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a catastrophic plague. The protagonist, Ava Caroline Washington, is a survivor in a secluded Delaware state park. Her relative peace is shattered, thrusting her into an uncharted and dangerous world outside. Here, she encounters enigmatic beings with unnerving blue eyes, setting her on a quest to uncover their mysteries before they threaten the remnants of civilization.
Sykes takes a unique approach to the zombie genre, introducing ‘Deaders’ who break from traditional undead narratives. The story delves into the human spirit’s resilience and the complexities of moral dilemmas, echoing current societal concerns and the impact of technology. The narrative is skillfully woven, balancing intense action with reflective moments that mirror the pace and pauses of contemporary life.
Ava Caroline Washington stands as a compelling character, a symbol of humanity’s struggle to adapt in a fractured world. Her attachment to a lost phone is a touching metaphor for our dependence on technology and the challenges of maintaining human connections amidst turmoil. Ava’s journey prompts readers to contemplate their own ties to technology, identity, and the delicate nature of societal structures. The novel also innovates within its genre by reimagining the zombie archetype. The Deaders in Eyes of Blue do not propagate their kind through victimization, shifting the focus from physical survival to the psychological and ethical challenges faced by survivors. This thematic evolution mirrors contemporary fears of existential threats, whether biological, environmental, or societal, lending the story a multi-dimensional and pertinent quality.
Eyes of Blue resonates as a cautionary narrative reflecting real concerns about bioengineering and pandemic preparedness. In a world grappling with global crises and rapid technological change, the story’s exploration of a society undone by a deadly disease is both timely and thought-provoking. It prompts readers to ponder the ramifications of unchecked scientific endeavors and the fragility of established norms.
Sykes’ debut work transcends genre constraints, providing a narrative that is both entertaining and intellectually stimulating. It showcases the potential of speculative fiction to shed light on enduring aspects of the human condition in a rapidly evolving world. Eyes of Blue is not just a survival story; it is a reflection on what it means to be human in an era of profound change.
In a world shrouded in deceit and high-stakes crime, Jessica stands at the heart of a notorious band of bank robbers, a group as cunning as they are ruthless. But Jessica harbors a secret that could unravel her entire world—her escalating romance with Chase, the FBI agent sworn to bring bank robbers like her down. As their clandestine romance blossoms, Jessica yearns to leave her life of larceny behind to embrace a future with Chase. But her loyalties are split between her criminal past and the man she loves. Chase leads his team with a relentless determination to capture the city’s most wanted. Yet, his heart wars with his badge as he falls deeper in love with Jessica, unaware that the woman he loves is the very adversary he has vowed to bring to justice. As tensions mount and the stakes rise, Jessica and Chase find themselves at a crossroads. With every heist, with every close call, they must decide whether their love is a shield against the storm or a beacon for disaster. In a game where every move could be their last, will love be their salvation or their downfall?
In The Adventures of Dori: A Rescue Pup, authored by Kathleen Conway and Juanita Ellis, readers are introduced to Dori, a charming Maltese who resides in a quaint seaside cottage. Dori revels in her days along the coast, and it’s during one such day that an exciting adventure unfolds with her close friends, Jillian and Benito, by her side. As the trio plays by the ocean, they encounter a situation that tests their camaraderie and problem-solving skills.
What stands out in this narrative is the depiction of the deep bond shared among the three dogs. The authors effectively capture the essence of friendship, portraying a heartfelt connection that resonates with children, teaching them the significance of close relationships. The story also emphasizes teamwork, as Dori, Jillian, and Benito collaborate to navigate their seaside challenge, illustrating that collective efforts can lead to great achievements.
The book is beautifully illustrated by Tullip Studios, whose artwork enriches every page. These illustrations not only complement the story but also enhance the reader’s engagement, making the seaside adventures of Dori and her friends vivid and delightful for both children and adults. This book carries important messages about environmental stewardship and the virtues of helping others. It’s a narrative that encourages young readers to value and nurture their friendships while being mindful of the world around them. Adding an enriching layer to the story is its basis in reality—Dori is inspired by a real-life Maltese who found a loving home through the efforts of the Southern Comfort Maltese Rescue. Acknowledging this connection, the authors have committed to donating a portion of the book’s profits to assist in the rescue and rehoming of other animals. This philanthropic gesture adds a real-world impact to the book’s message, extending its influence beyond the pages.
The Adventures of Dori: A Rescue Pup marks an impressive debut for Conway and Ellis in children’s literature, offering a story that is as educational as it is enjoyable. Readers of all ages will cherish this tale and may find themselves returning to its pages to relive the joy and lessons nestled within.
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