Tommy Orange’s novels document the shifting balance between the blessings and curses of modern Native life, most of which have been in operation since long before the characters were born.
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2024/07/18/more-than-just-acknowledgments-wandering-stars-tommy-orange/
Civilians in Gaza are in grave danger from Israel’s disregard for international law.
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2024/07/18/crimes-of-war-in-gaza-kenneth-roth/
“She ordered a coffee and a box of twelve doughnuts in the interest of research. The place was really rather good for scribbling. It was awfully nice, actually, not having to worry.”
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2024/07/18/scribbling-helen-dewitt/
In hundreds of essays and reviews, the nineteenth-century lawyer and judge James Fitzjames Stephen considered the novel’s effects on society at a time when it was becoming the dominant form of entertainment.
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2024/07/18/reading-against-the-novel-james-fitzjames-stephen/
Jonathan Glazer’s The Zone of Interest puts all its faith in cinematic technique and forfeits much of the meaning in Martin Amis’s 2014 novel.
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2024/07/18/the-kitsch-abyss-the-zone-of-interest/
A dark romantasy retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Yes, please. One Cursed Rose by Rebecca Zanetti is the first in the Grimm Bargains series. This dark romance offered suspense, mystery, and blended magic and technology, delivering a refreshing take on a favorite classic.
One Cursed Rose
by Rebecca Zanetti
Series: Grimm Bargains #1
Genres: Fantasy, Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Rating: 
Heat Level: 
Information is power, and those who control it live like gods.
In my world, billionaires play deadly games of insult and influence where magic is the dirtiest weapon of all. Here, even a powerful princess can be swallowed by the darkest of shadows . . .My name is Alana Beaumont, and due to a recent tragedy, I’m the sole heir to Aquarius Social, a family business being systematically dismantled by an unseen enemy. My father’s solution is to give me in marriage and create a coalition with a competing family, so I’m torn between my thirst for revenge and my duty. Now I just have a week to finish my hunt before the wedding.
There’s nothing like an assassination attempt to cut short the best of plans—even worse is my unwanted rescue by Thorn Beathach, the Beast whose social media empire is driving Aquarius under. The richest, most ruthless of them all, he protects his realm with an iron rule: no one sees his face. When he shows himself to me, I know he’ll never let me go.
Adam may think he can lock me in his castle forever, but I’m not the docile Beauty he expects. If the Beast wants to tie me up, I’m going to take pleasure from every minute of it . . .and we’ll just see who ends up shackled.
{
“@context”:”https://schema.org”,
“@type”:”Review”,
“datePublished”: “2024-06-27T05:00:00+00:00”,
“description”: “A dark romantasy retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Yes, please. One Cursed Rose by Rebecca Zanetti is the first in the Grimm Bargains series. This dark romance offered suspense, mystery, and ble”,
“publisher”: {
“@type”: “Organization”,
“name”: “Caffeinated Reviewer” },
“url”: “https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/06/one-cursed-rose-by-rebecca-zanetti.html”,
“itemReviewed”: {
“@type”: “Book”,
“name”: “One Cursed Rose”,
“author”: {
“@type”: “Person”,
“name”: “Rebecca Zanetti”,
“sameAs”: “http://rebeccazanetti.com/” },
“isbn”: “” },
“author”: {
“@type”: “Person”,
“name”: “Kimberly”,
“sameAs”: “https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/” },
“reviewRating”: {
“@type”: “Rating”,
“ratingValue”: 4,
“bestRating”: “5”
}
}
As you know, I am always game for a Beauty and the Beast retelling and was excited to dive into Rebecca Zanetti’s dark romantic fantasy. From the world that blends magic and technology by utilizing social media, I quickly found myself caught up in this story of power, danger and romance.
In this world, five families control the magic and gain power and wealth through social media and the powering of gemstones used to run their servers. It was a unique setup. We meet Alana Beaumont, who by outwards appearance is a wealthy socialite who parties, wears designer clothes and posts it all on social media. Her family, the Beaumonts, own Aquarius. They’ve recently suffered a tragic loss. Alana’s brother died in a tragic car accident, only she suspects foul play. Now stocks are slipping and her father wants to merge families through marriage; with Alana as the bride.
Alana is not just a pretty face. She is smart, can wield stones and has no intention of marrying. Someone else things Alana is smart, sexy and his….. when her life is in peril he swoops in and saves her. Some might call in kidnapping. Thorn Beathach, the Beast whose social media empire is driving Aquarius under and who has a dark reputation as a killer, brings Alana to his lair.
The tale that unfolds was sexy, suspenseful and full of twists as we learn Thorn has been cursed. I loved their back-and-forth banter, his neanderthal ways and her fire. A little BDSM, sweet gestures, and chemistry kept me vested in the romance even as I thrilled to learn who cursed Thorn, if Alana’s brother was murdered and who tried to kidnap Alana.
An interesting cast of side characters, including a Gaston, made for an intriguing tale. Zanetti’s story was well paced and the world solidly developed, allowing me to become completely lost in the story.
There are triggers to be found for some and some grey areas involving consent, but I had no issue with it. If you love rivals to lovers, sparks, suspense, mystery and romance weaved into your fantasy retellings, you’ll want to add this one to your summer reading list. I look forward to the next novel in the Grimm Bargains series.
Amazon | Audible
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Rebecca Zanetti has worked as an art curator, Senate aide, lawyer, college professor, and a hearing examiner – only to culminate it all in stories about Alpha males and the women who claim them. She writes dark paranormals, romantic suspense, and sexy contemporary romances.
Never miss a post by adding Caffeinated to your Inbox
Subscribe
Source
Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/06/one-cursed-rose-by-rebecca-zanetti.html
In A Timeless Attraction, E.T. McNamara crafts a compelling narrative that follows the resilient Molly Hannon as she embarks on a life-changing journey. Molly’s early life was fraught with hardship, marked by her father’s abandonment in infancy and her mother’s death when she was just sixteen. Now, as she takes on a new role as a history teacher in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Molly hopes for a fresh, more promising chapter in her life. Despite a recent breakup, Molly, an optimistic and independent young woman, immerses herself in the study of the Civil War and the Battle of Gettysburg. As the story unfolds, Molly begins experiencing vivid dreams that inexplicably transport her back to 1863.
McNamara’s novel transforms into a fascinating time-travel adventure, providing readers with a unique perspective as Molly navigates the challenges of living in a bygone era with the mindset and sensibilities of a modern woman. The novel shines in its portrayal of Molly’s character development. Her journey of self-discovery and adaptation to an unfamiliar time period is skillfully depicted. McNamara excels in world-building, vividly contrasting the past and present and demonstrating thorough research in the language and nuances of the era.
The novel’s romanticization of the wartime period adds an intriguing layer of complexity. The familiar trope of love blossoming amidst conflict is explored with a fresh perspective, offering readers a compelling blend of romance and historical tension. While this approach adds a unique charm to the narrative, I believe there remains an exciting opportunity for an even deeper exploration of the era’s complexities, which could further enrich the story and its characters. This aspect provides a dynamic foundation for future narratives to build upon, enhancing the richness and authenticity of historical romance.
A Timeless Attraction remains an engaging read. Molly’s character is a highlight, showcasing a strength and resilience that resonate throughout the novel. McNamara’s captivating storytelling and the evocative depiction of different periods make this book a worthwhile journey for fans of historical fiction and time travel.
Pages: 331 | ASIN : B0D4F119ZS
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/27/a-timeless-attraction/
Richard M. Evans’ Menticide (The Awakening) is the exciting new addition to his BINARY series, poised to become a classic in dystopian cyberpunk literature. This novel will captivate fans of the genre, from those who cherished the original Blade Runner to newcomers drawn in by games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Deus Ex. Set in the year 2157, Evans skillfully immerses readers in his vision of New Babylon, a city under the shadow of the sinister mega-corporation ZenithCorp. In this world, the internet has been replaced by the Cybernet, and the streets are patrolled by cybergangs and an oppressive government.
The story follows Cassandra, an ordinary ZenithCorp employee who inadvertently discovers a corporate plot to unleash a technological menticide aimed at eradicating free will. Instead of aiding in the cover-up, Cassandra goes on the run with a stolen data drive, determined to deliver it to a rebel group known as Paradise. As she navigates the vividly depicted underworld of New Babylon with a bounty on her head, Cassandra enters the Neon Rush, a deadly race, where she meets her AI-infused battle car and greatest ally, Fury.
One of the novel’s standout features is its exceptional world-building. Evans crafts a dense, believable history for his dystopian setting, making it feel authentically lived-in. He draws inspiration from the cyberpunk genre’s greats while infusing his story with contemporary societal issues. Menticide provides thought-provoking commentary on the dangers of unchecked corporate power and the ethical pitfalls of technological advancement devoid of morality. The pacing is brisk, and the action sequences are heart-pounding. Tension runs high throughout, and Cassandra’s safety is never assured as she faces relentless trials. Her character development is well-paced, making her a relatable and easy-to-root-for protagonist.
Menticide is a superb choice for fans of cyberpunk or science fiction. With its well-crafted, engaging plot and accessibility, Evans has penned a novel that keeps readers on the edge of their seats while prompting reflection on the perils of unchecked capitalism.
Pages: 388 | ASIN : B0D4MFYRXJ
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/27/menticide-the-awakening/
Kiss of The Bionic Mermaid, by Leslie Dacapo, is a futuristic love story set in the enchanting mermaid-themed amusement park, Realms of Neptune. The story takes an intriguing turn when successful businessman Obsidian Hayes acquires ownership of the park, causing a stir among its employees. The novel delves into the unique Mer community, a close-knit group of men and women who use bionic mermaid tails to perform captivating mermaid acts at the park. At the heart of the story is Janna Hayes, a stunning performer known by her mersona, Mermaid Aramere. When Janna and Obsidian meet, their mutual attraction ignites a passionate romance.
Leslie Dacapo skillfully blends science fiction with romance in this light-hearted tale. His imaginative portrayal of the mermaid community and the futuristic world is both convincing and engaging. The creative concepts around the bionic mermaids add a refreshing twist to the narrative. Dacapo’s writing and plot provide a delightful take on the romance genre. The story offers a fresh perspective, which is a welcome change. I feel that enhancing the character development of the main protagonists would add an extra layer of depth to the already engaging story.
While the plot follows a somewhat predictable path typical of romance novels, it is a format that will undoubtedly appeal to many readers. I believe readers seeking a more complex storyline might find it a bit straightforward. Nonetheless, Dacapo excels in bringing his vision to life, making the story a pleasant and heartwarming read. The ending is particularly satisfying, leaving readers with a sense of warmth and enjoyment.
Kiss of The Bionic Mermaid is highly recommended for fans of the romance genre, especially those with an interest in light science fiction. The novel’s blend of imaginative settings, romantic tension, and a touch of futuristic flair ensures an enjoyable reading experience. For anyone looking to escape into a world where love and innovation intertwine, this book is a perfect choice.
Pages: 265 | ASIN : B0CW1GZXZN
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/27/kiss-of-the-bionic-mermaid/
In The Orphan Maker, a vampire hunter’s obsession with seeking revenge for the death of his family places him face-to-face with dangerous adversaries. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The very first book I loved that got me into the world of fiction was Bram Stoker’s Dracula. That book had such an impact on me and I have always dreamed of writing a vampire story. Additionally, I longed to read a vampire story that went back to the vicious and cruel roots of vampires. And as they say to authors, “Write the book you want to read.” So I simply followed that piece of advice and wrote The Orphan Maker, which is actually Book 1 of the (Blood & Flesh Series)
Which character in the novel do you feel you relate to more and why?
I’m not sure, but I’m probably most like Jess. I keep my cool and balance my decisions, but I also have a tendency to overextend myself when helping others, which gets me into trouble. I had to learn my lesson the hard way, multiple times. Perhaps I wrote Jessica’s character subconsciously to warn or remind people that it’s still good to have boundaries, and to know your own limits, and maybe even to tell people that there are times when you have to let others take responsibility–you don’t always have to be there for them, especially when the best lesson they can learn is from your absence.
How long did it take you to imagine, draft, and write the world your characters live in?
It took me about a day to imagine the entire world and story, another day to fully finish the entire outline, and about three months to finish the first draft. Then came the editing phase, which took about two and a half months since I have a wonderful editor. It was such a pleasure to write this book. It felt extremely natural.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’m currently writing BOOK 3 of The Kindred Chronicles — Gathering Storm. In fact, Literary Titan also reviewed BOOK 2 of the Kindred Saga and gave it the Golden Book Award. I was thrilled when I got that email, and couldn’t believe it. I am so thankful to you guys for everything you’re doing for the writer communities out there. As for my next books, I’m excited to announce that I will be releasing TWO books next year: The Kindred Chronicles: Gathering Storm (Book 3 of the Kindred Saga) and Vexed (Book 2 of the Blood & Flesh Series)
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/27/vicious-and-cruel-roots/