Europe, in Agnieszka Holland’s rough-and-tumble Green Border, is a beacon of hope and a cauldron of hate. The dual perspective is implicit in the movie’s title, which refers both to the European Union’s “open” internal borders and those forested international boundaries associated with smuggled contraband and illegal crossings. Holland’s film dramatizes an incident precipitated in […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2024/06/20/polish-compassion-agnieszka-holland/

Seanan McGuire is an autobuy for me, both in audio and hardcover. I was so excited to continue the Alchemical Journeys series with book three Tidal Creatures. It was worth the wait! McGuire gave us an unputdownable story as we head to the Impossible City.

Tidal Creatures
by Seanan McGuire
Series: Alchemical Journeys #3
Genres: Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:

Every night, a Moon shines down on the Impossible City…

New York Times bestselling author Seanan McGuire takes us back to the world of the award-winning Alchemical Journeys series in this action-packed follow-up to Middlegame and Seasonal Fears.

All across the world, people look up at the moon and dream of gods. Gods of knowledge and wisdom, gods of tides and longevity. Over time, some of these moon gods incarnated into the human world alongside the other manifest natural concepts. Their job is to cross the sky above the Impossible City—the heart of all creation—to keep it connected to reality.

And someone is killing them.

There are so many of them that it’s easy for a few disappearances to slip through the cracks. But they aren’t limitless.

In the name of the moon, the lunar divinities must uncover the roots of the plot and thwart the true goal of those behind these attacks—control of the Impossible City itself.

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After the events of Middlegame and Seasonal Fears, I was eager to dive into Tidal Creatures. We find ourselves at Berkley College where we meet incarnates of the Moon Gods who dwell within a human host and take turns navigating the skies at night over the Impossible City. When one of them ends up dead, it will be up to Moon goddesses, Change’e and Artemis to find answers, but along the way they will find help & friendship.

We also meet Kelpie, who after escaping the lab learns she is not human but a personification of Artemis’s Hind. She stumbles across the son of Isabella, a hechicera who aids here and takes her to one of the coven’s meetings to introduce her to someone else who isn’t quite human. All of this takes them to the home of Rodger and Dodger, the living embodiments of the Doctrine of Ethos.

I loved how McGuire weaved in the gods, the Impossible City, and the alchemist who want to control it all. At its core, we have a murder-mystery. We learn from Diana, yes that Diana, that other moon gods have been murdered. Along the way, we will work to stop the alchemists, battle constructs and enter the city itself.

I found myself swept up in the tale and the stories of moon goddesses, Aske, Change’e, Artemis, and Diana, as well as the moon god Mani. I loved entering the home of Rodger and Dodger, whose home and its ability to adapt impressed me. We witness death, battle, and form friendships, all while McGuire has us pondering the universe.

If you love mythology, you will want to delve into the Alchemical Journeys series. Rich characters and a world filled with danger and possibilities. I encourage you to read the message at the beginning of the book from the author. Yes, dear author, the journey was worth it.

Amazon | Audible

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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/06/tidal-creatures-by-seanan-mcguire.html

Cool Continuum, by Jason Comely, provides an intriguing framework for understanding the evolution and classification of artists across various disciplines. It introduces a five-tier model: Outsider, Rebel, Artisan, Innovator, and Genius, examining the journey and traits of artists at each level. By profiling a diverse array of creators, from Syd Barrett and Tony Bennett to Björk and Bob Dylan, The author presents a dynamic spectrum that reflects the fluidity of artistic growth rather than a rigid hierarchy.

Comely’s approach to categorizing artists is refreshingly holistic. He avoids placing value judgments on different levels, emphasizing instead each artist’s contributions to their field. The book’s strength lies in its ability to challenge traditional notions of artistic achievement. For instance, by highlighting figures like Syd Barrett, categorized as a Rebel, author Jason Comely underscores how defiance and unconventionality can lead to groundbreaking contributions, even if they come at the expense of personal stability. The profiles are well-researched and thoughtfully chosen, offering a comprehensive view of each artist’s impact on their respective genres.

While the writing style is rich in descriptive detail, lending an academic depth to the book, it occasionally shifts from the engaging, conversational tone it initially sets. The book’s structure is impressively comprehensive and showcases a wide array of artists across various disciplines. This broad scope enriches the reader’s understanding, but I feel it can occasionally make transitions between artist profiles feel distinct rather than seamlessly connected. While I think this approach offers a diverse perspective, I would have enjoyed a more cohesive narrative thread to tie the individual profiles together more smoothly.

One of the book’s most compelling aspects is its practical guide for artists at various stages of their careers. Comely offers actionable advice for aspiring and emerging artists, such as identifying one’s position on the continuum and setting goals accordingly. This section is particularly valuable as it provides a roadmap for personal growth and artistic development and transforms Cool Continuum from a theoretical framework into a useful tool for self-reflection and career planning.

Cool Continuum, by Jason Comely, is a thought-provoking read for anyone interested in the arts, from practitioners to enthusiasts. Its innovative approach to understanding artistic evolution and practical insights make it a valuable addition to the field.

Pages: 201 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CF9VFKNF

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/20/cool-continuum-make-your-mark-in-the-arts/

C. L. Hyde’s debut novel, Eyes Shout Secrets: Subterfuge Can Have a Soul, masterfully blends mystery, human emotion, and moral complexity into a compelling thriller. Set in an enigmatic world that defies the characters’ perceptions, this narrative is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally charged. The story centers on Bram de Jong, a devoted family man who has built a cherished life in London with his wife, Xoese, and their joyful children. Their idyllic existence is shattered when Rachael, a mysterious woman, delivers a chilling ultimatum: Bram must abandon his family or face an unimaginable nightmare that threatens to destroy them. Refusing to yield to this unfathomable demand, Bram’s defiance sets off a chain of perilous events, unraveling his reality and thrusting him into a world of menacing forces.

C.L. Hyde’s skillful storytelling captures the essence of Bram’s struggle to protect his loved ones and the life they have built, infusing the narrative with a palpable sense of urgency and tension. Hyde’s writing is characterized by its lyrical quality and vivid imagery, bringing both the setting and characters to vibrant life. His creative turns of phrase, such as “Extremely unusual in recruitment, where outlasting a mushroom on a spring day was worthy of a field medal,” add a unique flair to the prose.

As the inaugural book in the Trust Mystery Thriller series, Eyes Shout Secrets: Subterfuge Can Have a Soul promises a strong following eagerly anticipating the next installment. Hyde’s ability to explore the psychological intricacies of Bram’s moral dilemmas lends a profound realism to the story, while the intricate plot twists ensure a gripping, page-turning experience. Hyde has gifted readers with a thought-provoking and engaging thriller that challenges the boundaries of loyalty, morality, and reality.

C. L. Hyde’s Eyes Shout Secrets: Subterfuge Can Have a Soul is a remarkable entry into the mystery thriller genre, offering a sophisticated blend of intrigue, emotional depth, and moral complexity. This promising start to the Trust Mystery Thriller series leaves readers eager for more, solidifying Hyde’s place as a noteworthy new voice in the genre. This book is a must-read for those who appreciate a thriller that not only entertains but also challenges the mind and touches the heart.

Pages: 486 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0B9CCHHZF

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/20/eyes-shout-secrets-subterfuge-can-have-a-soul-book-1-a-trust-mystery-suspense-thriller/

In Exciting Life of Joe Sorenson, Joe Sorenson masterfully narrates his personal stories and shares introspective poems, inviting readers to join him on a journey through the various stages of his life. He sheds light on his childhood struggle with an eye defect, detailing a treatment that left him with limited vision in his left eye and complete blindness in his right. Despite this significant challenge, Joe pursued a life of his own choosing with unwavering determination. Growing up in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Joe left home at 24 and moved to Worthington, Minnesota, in 1966 to live independently. His subsequent tales delve into his career choices and relationships, painting a vivid picture of his life’s milestones. From operating a retail stand in a post office to securing his dream job, falling in love, and enduring heart-wrenching loss, Joe’s stories are both compelling and inspiring.

I found Joe’s lyrical and engaging book thoroughly enjoyable. His poems and remembrances are rich with deep reflections and provoke thoughtful contemplation on life’s diverse experiences. Some poems are personal tributes, such as “A Tribute to My Dad” and a heartfelt homage to his mentally ill brother, Peter. Others explore various subjects, including mornings, learning braille, and the institution of marriage.

Exciting Life of Joe Sorenson captivates from start to finish, with Joe’s evocative experiences and relationships taking center stage. Despite their brevity, his recollections form a rich tapestry of intriguing themes that resonate deeply. For instance, his account of a long-distance relationship and the resulting heartbreak reminded me of my own similar experiences, sparking a profound connection with his writing. Joe emerges as an inspiring figure with an upbeat personality, undeterred by life’s challenges. His relentless pursuit of his dream job in radio and his efforts to sustain love despite distance showcase his remarkable determination. The author’s cheerful and expressive writing style, combined with his impressive acts of resilience, make this book an inspiring and energizing read.

Exciting Life of Joe Sorenson is a must-read for anyone who appreciates stories that highlight the importance of cherishing love, family, and following one’s dreams. Joe Sorenson’s life is a testament to the power of perseverance and the beauty of living authentically, making this book an unforgettable experience.

Pages: 59 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08STJL5FQ

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/20/exciting-life-of-joe-sorenson/

Love and Protest follows the lives of two young women who while being from different generations are linked through the one woman’s diary from the 1960’s. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

Many years ago, my friend and I found a diary tucked away in a drawer in a second-hand store. I knew one day I’d get around to using that idea in a story. But I thought I’d write about a road trip in search of the “old lady” with several adventures along the way. A Thelma and Louise sort of thing. When I finally got around to writing my diary story, it demanded a more serious tone.

In a lot of contemporary coming-of-age fiction novels, authors often add their own life experiences to the story. Are there any bits of you in this story?

Yes, there are bits. I’ve been to marches, but I’ve never been involved in organizing one.

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

I’ve always liked the concept of ordinary people getting involved in making a difference for the greater good. As this story says, activists are the shining lights of our democracy. They expose the dark corners of government and power.

Coming of age in a time of political unrest is complex, and I hope this book encourages the reader to think about the strength of involvement and the belief in something worth fighting for. It’s my nod to social activism.

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

At the moment, I’m going back to my original love, which is short stories. A piece in my short story collection, “Like The Flies On The Patio” inspired my first novel, The Clock Of Life. Perhaps that will happen again.

Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/20/shining-lights-of-our-democracy/

The Daughter Between Them follows a successful reporter who aspires to be the editor of the newspaper where she works. Her daughters are the target of a hit-and-run leading her to believe an enemy from her past has returned. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

Last year, I fell in love with the idea of writing a novel from alternating points of view in the past and present, wherein the narrators are mysteriously connected. I used this structure for my novel, The Girl in the Blue Blazer and it was well received. With that in mind, I decided to use the same structure for The Daughter Between Them. While thinking about the characters and the storyline, the idea of two mothers came to me. There would be a mother in the past and a mother in the present and the two women would be mysteriously connected. The connection would eventually be revealed.

Your characters are well-developed and draw readers in building an emotional connection. What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?

I enjoyed writing the Barbara Morris character more than any other character because of her mental challenges. I also liked the challenge of making her multi-dimensional. I didn’t want her to be one-note. I wanted the readers to see that Barbara had some redeeming qualities and I believe in spite of Barbara’s antics, readers will empathize with her. While I enjoyed writing Barbara, she was also the most challenging because as previously stated, I wanted to make sure she was multidimensional. I had to make the readers understand how Barbara justified her actions and why. I believe writing in first-person present tense helped me build the emotional connections that are in the book. Writing in first-person present tense, really helps me get in the mind, heart, and soul of a character. As a result, when writing, I am that character. I am feeling and thinking as that character and thus the words on the page are based in truth.

What was the hardest part about writing a mystery story; where you constantly have to give just enough to keep the mystery alive until the big reveal?

The biggest challenge was making sure I did not have any plotholes. There are so many twists and turns in the book, I had to make sure I kept up with events and occurrences from previous chapters when writing new chapters.

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

I will begin working on another then-and-now structured suspense novel at the end of 2024. It will most likely debut toward the end of 2025.

Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/20/emotional-connections/