The third book in the Withering Mysteries, The Withering Storm by Amy Boyles, tackles the infection Grim has been fighting. Will he find a cure or will he turn into the creature he has hunted? Is a television celebrity offering him salvation or is it all a ruse for ratings? What unfolds is a suspenseful, twisted tale that kept me on edge.

The Withering Storm
by Amy Boyles
Series: The Withering Mysteries #3
Narrator: Michael Kirby
Length: 5 hours and 30 minutes
Genres: Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x

It’s all come down to this.

Monster hunter Grim has been promised a cure for the disease that he’s infected with–a disease that will cause him to change into one of the very creatures that he hunts.

That promise comes in the form of a television celebrity who has own agenda–record Grim’s healing process for his audience, an audience that gets to vote for Grim’s outcome every step of the way.

Will Grim be healed? Or will he succumb to the disease?

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I have enjoyed this series immensely from the mysteries to the side characters and, of course, Grim, our protagonist who fights monsters and battles to save himself from turning into one. I am sad to see this is the last book, but Boyles kept me listening until the end with plenty of reveals and unexpected twists.

Did Grim become a monster? For answers, you’ll need to grab the series. While these are in KindleUnlimited, I recommend listening to the audiobooks narrated by Michael Kirby. He brought Grim and the secondary characters to life. I grew attached to this motley crew, and the mysteries were well done.

Grim is a rough around the edges monster hunter who images himself hunting with just his dog, but finds himself with a girlfriend and saving strays. We see growth throughout, but Grim is a character with integrity and I immediately rooted for him.

Horatio, a hunter and TV host/YouTube guy, offers Grim a cure. It’s painful and Grim has to agree to be filmed. Only things aren’t at all as they seem in this page-turning tale. I loved listening to it all unfold.

If you like mysteries, paranormal fantasy and characters you’ll connect with, I recommend grabbing your earbuds and listening to the Withering Mysteries. I plan to check out more works from this author.

Amazon* | Audible

*kindleunlimited

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2024 Audiobook Challenge

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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/08/the-withering-storm-by-amy-boyles.html

Ira is a standalone companion novel to Jason Boggs’ The Devil’s Dragon, the first installment in a trilogy. This novel delves into the life of Ira Bilis, the antagonist from the first book, as she seeks vengeance against Nelson Jones and his Aesini allies for their previous triumph over her faction. Firmly rooted in the science fiction genre, Ira features an array of spaceships, alien species, and advanced technology that fans of space operas will appreciate.

The world-building in Ira, and the broader Dragon-verse, is remarkably detailed. Boggs has crafted the Aesini as a distinct alien species with unique physiology and capabilities, setting them apart from the human characters. The technology, ranging from human spaceships to the Sungates enabling quasi-lightspeed travel (more akin to teleportation than traditional hyperspace or warp travel), is intricately designed, giving the Dragon-verse a well-structured and immersive quality. The narrative offers a dynamic blend of passive and active voices, adding variety to the storytelling. The portrayal of characters, particularly those in military settings, introduces a unique and unconventional perspective.

Throughout the story, there are moments of transition that reflect the complexities of the plot. Ira, the central character, showcases a fascinating duality, shifting between being a formidable threat and displaying vulnerability, which adds depth to her persona. Nelson’s rapid recovery from personal loss and his immediate attraction to an Aesini, despite his ingrained prejudices, highlights the transformative power of love and adaptability, adding an interesting layer to his character development. The novel aspires to be a gritty and inspirational space opera, and it brings a unique and ambitious vision to the genre. Variations in narrative tone and character behavior introduce an element of unpredictability that can be intriguing.

Ira contains the elements of an epic and engaging story. When not portrayed as an incel or falling into bizarre trances, Ira is a compelling antagonist. Her driving motivations of pride and wrath make her a fascinating character with the potential to be a memorable villain. Fans of the Dragon-verse will find value in its detailed world-building and intriguing characters.

Pages: 180

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/05/ira/

Following Samuel Hayward’s death in his prison cell, news reports insist it was not a suicide. Wealthy, influential, and corrupt, he was revered as the Messiah by a misguided group of violent racists. Madison Hayward returns to the mansion in Albany, New York, where she endured a traumatic childhood. As the next in line to inherit Samuel’s wealth, she finds herself at a crossroads. Seeking closure for her past abuse and the secrets she has harbored, Madison breaks off her engagement and becomes ensnared in the painful memories of her youth. In her quest for support, Madison reaches out to her Cadence family. But safety is elusive, and trust is scarce in this gripping mystery novel, as her return unveils a deadly web of secrets.

Improbable Future by Dianne L. Hagan is the fifth book in the Cadence Mystery series. This compelling story delves into the harsh realities of racism, religious fanaticism, and systemic injustice. As the title suggests, the pervasive corruption, hatred, and wickedness in society have eroded the hope for a better future. The novel addresses both sexual and physical abuse, making it a poignant and intense read. Hagan’s storytelling is masterful, with a captivating plot filled with suspense and tinged with horror. The setting—a mansion with a tragic history—adds depth to the narrative. Madison Hayward is a complex character, driven by her painful past and a desire to make a positive change in the world. Her interactions with a diverse and supportive group of friends and family are heartwarming. The ongoing backstory suggests that readers will benefit from reading the previous books in the Cadence Mystery series to fully grasp the narrative’s nuances. Fans of suspenseful thrillers will find this journey to uncover corruption and seek justice both engaging and thought-provoking.

Improbable Future by Dianne L. Hagan is a riveting addition to the Cadence Mystery series, blending suspense, emotional depth, and social commentary. Madison Hayward’s journey through her traumatic past and her fight against the legacies of corruption and injustice make for a compelling narrative. This novel not only entertains but also challenges readers to reflect on the pervasive issues of racism and abuse.

Pages: 316 | ASIN : B0D7B2WYH7

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/05/improbable-future/

When armed strangers storm Priest Hamlet demanding the sacred Ashes of St. Arne, Alacrity’s sheltered life is thrown into chaos. Once content with the mundane task of tending a deserted toll bridge, she is now entrusted with a grand assignment: protecting the coveted ancient relic, the Ashes of St. Arne. As Alacrity embarks on her quest, her path converges with Marques D’Wyrmsbane, a desperate nobleman fleeing for his life. Together, they must evade relentless divine beings and mortal adversaries driven by greed, grudges, and hidden agendas. Teetering on the brink of death, they uncover the shocking truth about the Ashes of St. Arne, a secret poised to alter history forever.

Michael Grace expertly weaves suspense and intrigue in Ashes and Miracles, blending intricate plotlines, vivid action, and immersive world-building to deliver an exceptional fantasy tale. The story opens with a gripping hook, setting the stage for a complex and engaging narrative. This compelling start builds excitement and lays the groundwork for the intricate plot. As the story unfolds, suspenseful twists keep readers on edge, although these frequent developments can sometimes become overwhelming, occasionally overshadowing the central storyline and making it challenging to maintain a clear focus. The relationships and dynamics present a mixed bag. While some relationships are straightforward, others are more complex. For instance, the evolving bond between Alacrity and Marques keeps readers guessing whether their connection is a deep friendship or something more intimate. Similarly, his interactions with the divine being, Madeline, add another layer of complexity, leaving their dynamic open to interpretation. This ambiguity fuels intrigue and speculation, allowing readers to explore their interpretations of these relationships.

Grace successfully constructs a richly detailed fantasy setting that will captivate readers. He describes fight and action scenes with striking clarity and intensity, demonstrating impressive attention to detail. Each battle is exhilarating and immersive, adding significant depth and excitement to the narrative. Although the plot twists, especially those involving the antagonist, can be outrageous and exaggerated, they bring a unique and creative unpredictability to the story. Ashes and Miracles is a memorable read due to its richly imagined world and engaging plot.

Pages: 267 | ASIN : B0D77ZK147

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/05/ashes-and-miracles/

Peyton has big news: she’s decided to enter the school’s talent show. She quickly realizes that writing and performing her own rap song is the perfect way to showcase her talent. With the unwavering support of her mom and best friend, Kaya, Peyton throws herself into preparations, eager to share her love of music. However, as the big day approaches, nerves start to creep in, making her question if she truly has what it takes to succeed.

Dream Big: Peyton’s Hip-Hop Adventure by Paula Banks tells the inspiring story of Peyton, a young girl whose positive outlook is infectious. Peyton’s confidence shines through even when she faces significant challenges, making her a relatable and admirable protagonist. As the talent show looms, Peyton’s anxiety grows, and she candidly expresses her fears. This honesty about her emotions makes Peyton an especially effective and memorable character for young readers. As an educator, I believe Banks has crafted a story that should be included in elementary school curriculums, particularly by school counselors. Peyton’s journey teaches an essential lesson about perseverance and maintaining a positive attitude in the face of adversity. Her pride in her achievements is almost tangible, leaving readers with a warm and lasting impression.

Dream Big: Peyton’s Hip-Hop Adventure features a charming main character who is sure to win the hearts of young readers with her confidence and sparkling personality. I highly recommend Paula Banks’ latest book to both parents and teachers for its engaging story and valuable life lessons.

Pages: 42 | ASIN : B0CW1CSS15

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/05/dream-big-peytons-hip-hop-adventure/

Flat Out Lies is an aptly named mystery thriller by Karen Grose. It is filled with unexpected twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very last page. Ria and Jim appear to be a typical married couple, striving to maintain a happy home for their two teenage sons. However, their facade begins to crack when an unexpected murder shakes their tranquil neighborhood. As secrets unravel, the foundation of their seemingly perfect marriage reveals itself to be a web of lies threatening to tear their family apart.

From the first page, Grose crafts an atmosphere of suspense. As readers try to understand the motivations of Ria and Jim, they quickly realize that the narrative is unreliable. Both characters conceal crucial information, transforming this mystery into a complex puzzle. With each chapter, new revelations about the characters deepen the intrigue, making it clear that nothing and no one can be trusted. Ria and Jim’s fear of their past actions being exposed leads to mounting tension and paranoia. Jim views Ria as increasingly erratic, while Ria suspects Jim is hiding something significant. The resulting confusion and uncertainty raise doubts about whether the truth will ever surface. Grose’s writing captivates and keeps readers on edge. Her compelling storytelling immerses readers in a world of secrecy and suspense. The plot’s numerous twists make it difficult to put the book down, as each answered question spawns new mysteries. Grose transforms readers into detectives, challenging them to piece together the truth.

Flat Out Lies is a deeply engaging thriller with a meticulously structured plot and well-developed characters. For anyone seeking a gripping read from start to finish, this book is an excellent choice.

Pages: 313 | ASIN : B0D4R9DP1X

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/05/flat-out-lies/

Before the 2020 election, I wrote an ill-received column about Joe Biden’s close ties to Wall Street. In it, I argued that Biden would have trouble taking on Trump’s extreme corruption, because he himself had engaged in the transactional style of politics that puts big money over public interest: in 2005, for instance, he pushed […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2024/08/04/kamala-harris-big-business-choice/

The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly or for a monthly wrap up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme

For the month of July, I read & listened to 14 books. Not bad, since we were on vacation for over half of it. I am, however, still 10 books behind in my Goodreads challenge 106/200. This week we had storms that knocked out our power for about 4 hours. All during the time we planned a party for our daughter’s 30th. So no dinner, but we all had cake and sang by candlelight. The grandkids couldn’t believe their luck at getting cake before dinner. LOL I sent everyone out after the storm, with a little money for fast food dinners since no one had power at home. We lost some trees, but neighbors lost fences and more. Many folks still do not have power and we are grateful that our neighborhood was restored so quickly. Our children all have power and I am grateful they didn’t lose food or work. My husband’s office finally got power back on Friday. The storms produced high winds similar to a Category 2 Hurricane. I have never seen so many tree braches covering our lawn. We are now experiencing a heat wave and while I will never complain about warm temps; I do hope power is restored quickly for everyone affected. Stay Caffeinated.

Last Week on the Blog

• A Dead Man’s Favor by Chris Tullbane (audiobook review)
• Take His Likeness By Lyndsay Constable (guest post/ book review)
• The Love Shack By Lori Foster (book review)

This Week on the Blog

• The Withering Storm by Amy Boyles (audiobook review)
• A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston (audiobook review)
• My Brother Michael by Mary Stewart (guest post/ audiobook review)
• Drow Guardian by Martha Carr & Michael Anderle (audiobook review)

New Arrivals at the Caffeinated Cafe

• The Murders in Great Diddling by Katarina Bivald

A special thanks to Hachette Audio

Around The Blogosphere

• COYER Unwind Summer Reading Challenge Now Open

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Link Up Your Edition Of The Sunday Post

Before you link up: Please be sure your weekly post includes a link back to Caffeinated Reviewer and the Sunday Post

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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/08/sunday-post-639-storms-heat-wave-clean-up.html

The Bird Prison follows a gardener with a vision of what a perfect garden should look like and even sound like, so when birds are drawn to her garden, she does her best to chase them away. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

This story isn’t really about gardening at all. It tells about a power struggle in which the ruler of a particular area keeps its inhabitants in a tight grip. It is also a story of selfishness, lack of empathy, and an inability to see the beauty that lies in diversity.

Although I always think about child readers and their needs when I write books, I may choose difficult societal situations as topics. Despite its apparent lightness, The Bird Prison belongs to such books because the themes beneath the surface are challenging.

Current events in the world of adults often make me think about the questions in this fairy tale’s background. Who has the right to define different boundaries, and in which situation is it right to cross them? How far can one go in using power without considering the status and well-being of others? How can families be protected against hostile and unfair behavior? Do the weaker parties have any means at their disposal? What kind of opportunities can be achieved through cooperation and helping?

I found the title of this story interesting, and it made me curious about the story within. How did you decide on the title of this book?

The name of this book was challenging to find. I first thought of many options related to the garden, but I had to reject them all. They were misleading and suggested a harmonious and tame story.

I wanted the title to indicate the book’s actual conflict, represented by the cage rising in the garden. Although the big cage—the bird prison—only appears in the middle of the story, it is clear from the beginning that the birds are not free. There is an ever-increasing threat to their nesting and existence, ultimately leading to captivity.

When I finally settled on The Bird Prison, I knew I was taking a risk because the word prison has such a strong emotional charge. I was willing to take that risk because the conflict with a beautiful garden and capturing birds requires a sufficiently strong title. It’s nice to hear that my choice has aroused interest and curiosity towards the story.

What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?

There are three main parties in my story. The cruel and selfish gardener, Griselda, represents the most prominent threat to the others in the garden. Her counterparts are the innocent birds, who alone are powerless in the face of evil, and the little but numerous group of ants.

As the story progresses, Griselda’s behavior becomes increasingly inhuman. By describing her progress through various demands and actions, I want readers to notice how gradually the effects of evil spread and grow. This happens in real life as well. If injustices and their progression are not paid attention to in time, fighting them becomes increasingly difficult and may eventually become impossible.

In the description of the birds, I emphasize the pressure and priority for living creatures to take care of their offspring. Birds’ behavior is mainly driven by the focus on securing the nest and caring for the chicks. In that situation and state of mind, their attention and strength are not enough for anything else. This makes the birds, in a way, powerless victims who could not survive without help from the outside.

Ants play a central role in the story. Although they are small, there are an impressive number of them. I want to encourage everyone who feels small and insignificant by highlighting the ants’ role and possibilities as they join their forces for a good purpose. I’m glad illustrator Sofia Panchyshyn managed to bring the ant characters so much friendly determination. The pictures of them wearing boots and shovels fit well into the scene where the birds escape prison through a tunnel.

What is one thing that people point out after reading your book that surprises you?

This book is still so new that I haven’t been able to discuss it with readers very much. The comments I’ve received so far show precisely what I’ve been waiting for. The readers’ reactions, mainly from the book-buying adults, could be divided into different groups based on what they pay attention to—illustrations, gardening, parenting, or powerplays in society in general.

For some readers, book illustrations are crucial—even so important that they rise above the story. The Bird Prison has exceptionally detailed pictures, which are the delicate art of Ukrainian Sofia Panchyshyn. Many visual-art-oriented people have admired them for a long time and devoutly also at the illustration exhibition I arranged at my Wickwick Summer Bookshop in July. Some of the most enthusiastic
home gardeners have studied the flowers and their colors in the drawings and told me about their gardening activities.

Children’s attention is often intensely focused on how to free the birds from the prison cage. So it’s no surprise that they think the most important heroes of the book are the ants, who dig a tunnel under the edge of the cage in the dark of the night.

Some adults immediately notice how serious the book is. The beautiful pictures do not fool them, but they see the themes of imprisonment, freedom, and rights behind the story. I have had good discussions with them about how even serious topics can be handled gently and encouragingly. In general, they find such a book necessary.

I’ll have an excellent opportunity to discuss my book further and hear readers’ comments when I present some of my books at the next Turku Book Fair on the Finnish Youth Authors’ Stage. My theme will be “Freedom and imprisonment in fairy tales”—a topic I like to talk about.

Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/04/104891/

My Health & Fitness Journey provides multi-stage approach to better health and personal wellness transformation along with advice on setting and reaching fitness goals. Why was this an important book for you to write?

Throughout my fitness career I mentored people from all walks of life, and I had the pleasure to be part of their journey achieving some truly amazing goals. I have also witnessed clients, friends, colleagues, and strangers struggling to get on the right path and stay the course towards their health and fitness goals.
Unfortunately, we live in the world filled with life challenges making our dreams harder to fulfil.

With all the conflicting advice out there, I found myself driven to present a fresh perspective. And that’s why, ‘My Health & Fitness Journey’ is quite different to most fitness books and journals. It’s not just about logging workouts and meals; it’s my way of extending a virtual hand to mentor people through the ups and downs of their journey.

My goal from the start was simple, share the lessons I learned, help people cut through the chaos of today’s fitness world, offer a no-nonsense practical approach providing clarity, a touch of humour, whole lot of guidance, and be that friendly voice cheering them on as they achieve their wellbeing goals.

In your book, you address common mistakes people make on their journey to better health. What mistake did you make on your journey that had the greatest impact on your later success?

My own fitness journey began about 25 years ago, and I’ve made many mistakes throughout. The one biggest mistake was to believe that I can achieve any goals if I simply put in the hard work. Just like many, I viewed fitness and nutrition as a one-size-fits-all. In reality, there is no single perfect diet or exercise routine. We are all unique in our biological makeup and requirements. Additionally, I failed to regularly assess and evaluate my exercise and nutrition strategies. Only much later, I realized that having the knowledge about my body is key to everything. The more I understood myself physically, the clearer I became mentally, and the better I felt emotionally. My personal journey into discovering my own unique needs was a perfect starting point.

I have written my book based on the principle that we are all unique, and the journey should match everyone individually, with easy-to-follow practical guidance and motivations. For that reason, My Health & Fitness Journey contains two distinct parts, Part 1, My Journal and Part 2, My Mentor, that go hand in hand. They go beyond just documenting one’s journey; together they serve as a roadmap to success.

What do you hope is one thing readers take away from My Health & Fitness Journey?

My book will take you through a self-discovery journey. Take the time to learn about yourself, your values, beliefs, and motivations, as well as understanding how this shapes the decisions you make in life. By engaging in self-reflection, embracing new experiences and personal growth, cultivating mindfulness, and seeking support; you can uncover your true essence and live a more fulfilling life. As an individual seeking optimal health, it’s up to you to discover what diet and lifestyle suits you best. While it may take some extra time and effort, it’ll be worth it in the long run.

Remember, the path to better health, fitness, and self-discovery is unique for everyone, and it requires patience, self-compassion, and an open mind. So, whatever the journey, embark on it with courage and determination, for within lies the incredible potential to find yourself and create a life of authenticity and purpose.

Can readers look forward to seeing more from you soon? What are you currently working on?

I feel like the ink on My Health & Fitness Journey has barely dried off and at this point, I’m just extremely grateful for being able to share it with the world and to connect with my readers.

I’m currently working on partnering with One Tree Planted; a non-for-profit organization focused on global reforestation and supporting World Wildlife Fund (WWF) as a ‘Partner in Conservation.’ I believe it’s important we give back nature its resources, and protect communities, wildlife, and the places in which we live. That is why I have founded iKohaWorld with the intention to raise awareness about climate change and play my part in supporting global nature conservation efforts.

For readers who are interested to learn more about the book and iKohaworld, they can visit my website www.iKohaWorld.com. A FREE digital copy of the My Health & Fitness Journey is also available there.

Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/04/the-lessons-i-learned/