In one seventeenth-century panoramic drawing of London, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre is mistakenly labeled “Beere-bayting.” The mistake is understandable—the arena in which live animals were tormented was cheek-by-jowl with the one in which epic history plays were staged. A few centuries from now, those looking back on the TV debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2024/09/13/trump-old-news-debate/
Born of Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout brings us the exciting conclusion to the Flesh and Fire romantasy series narrated by Stina Nielsen. Battles, surprises and swoons await you.
Born of Blood and Ash
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series: Flesh and Fire #4
Narrator: Stina Nielsen
Length: 37 hours and 1 minute
Genres: Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Rating: 
Heat Level: 
Narration: 4.5 cups Speed: 1.5x
The line between love and obsession has never been wider.
While Sera is finally free of Kolis and back with those she loves, not everything is calm. Memories of all she’s endured still haunt her, but Sera finally has hope for a future with the other half of her heart and soul. Nyktos desires, loves, and accepts every part of her—even the monstrous bits she still battles.
More than ever, Sera and Ash have everything under the realms to fight for, and Nyktos has no doubt Sera is fit to be the Queen of the Gods. But she must find that faith within herself if they hope to convince the other Courts to support them against Kolis and make Iliseeum and the mortal realm better, safer places for all.
But as Sera begins to piece together the importance of her bloodline and the true meaning behind the foreboding prophecy, it becomes clear that everything that has happened and is yet to come is much bigger than Kolis and his dark obsessions.
They cannot help but wonder exactly how much influence the Fates have had and what their ultimate goal is. What Sera does know for sure is that they can trust very few—including her.
A battle between the gods is brewing, and heartbreaking losses are imminent with the true Primal of Death strengthening. With a family of the heart willing to battle by their side, can Sera and Nyktos stop Kolis before he destroys the realms, or will it all disappear in a fiery inferno of blood and ash?
And the line between justice and vengeance has never been so thin.
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Sera is free from Kolis, but her time as his captive haunt her. Reunited with Nyktos, she must accept her role as Queen of the Gods and convinced the courts to join forces with her and Ash.
Sera discovers much more is at stake and wonders how much the Fates and the prophecy have played a role in what is coming. Armentrout, of course, pulled me in with antics in the high court, unexpected surprises and the characters themselves.
The overall arc delivered answers and clarified some events that occurred. The author is a masterful storyteller and hooked me. I was worried I wouldn’t remember details, but as soon as I began to listen, I was once again beside Sera & Ash. I loved the court, the bickering and the shenanigans. Sera is clever and Ash ever supportive.
The battle scenes were fantastic and while I felt the ending fell a little flat for me, I was overall pleased with the outcome. If you love mythology, prophecy plots, and strong romances with plenty of steam and unexpected spice, you’ll want to dive into this series. I highly recommend listening.
Stina Nielsen narrates and has really become the voice of these characters. Listening enhanced my overall enjoyment of the series & romance. I loved the tone and playfulness Nielsen brought to the characters as much as the badass moments.
Amazon | Audible
# 1 NEW YORK TIMES, # 1 International, and USA TODAY Bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout lives in West Virginia. She also writes under the name J. Lynn. When she’s not hard at work writing, she spends her time, reading, working out, watching zombie movies, and pretending to write. She shares her home with her husband, his K-9 partner named Diesel and her hyper Border Jack Apollo, and a slew of farm animals that include alpacas, goats, and sheep.
Stina Nielsen is a New York based actress who has performed in Film, TV, Broadway, London’s West End, and at many American Regional Theaters. She has recorded over 200 audiobooks.
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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/09/born-of-blood-and-ash-by-jennifer-l-armentrout.html
Periphery, by AA Dasilva, is a gripping and emotional novel that explores the intricacies of trauma, loss, and the complex journey of healing. The story centers around Charlotte, who finds her life shattered after a devastating car accident that leaves her grappling with physical and emotional scars. As she navigates her recovery, Charlotte encounters mysterious visions and newfound abilities, setting her on a path of self-discovery and unexpected connections.
From the first chapter, Dasilva captures the reader’s attention with vivid descriptions and an intense opening scene. The portrayal of Charlotte’s struggle to piece together her life after the accident is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. The author’s ability to convey the protagonist’s inner turmoil and resilience is commendable, making it easy to empathize with her journey. The integration of Charlotte’s visions adds a layer of intrigue, blending reality with the supernatural in a seamless manner.
Dasilva’s mastery of character development is particularly noteworthy. Charlotte’s evolution from a shattered individual to someone who learns to embrace her new reality is portrayed with depth and sensitivity. The supporting characters, especially the Donovan brothers, bring additional richness to the narrative. The interactions between Charlotte and Sy, one of the brothers, are charged with a palpable chemistry that keeps the reader engaged. The dynamics of their relationship, coupled with Sy’s mysterious past, add a compelling dimension to the story.
The prose is both eloquent and accessible, making for a smooth and enjoyable read. The author excels in creating atmospheric settings that enhance the mood of the story. Whether it’s the chaos of the trauma bay, the serenity of Charlotte’s home, or the tense moments of confrontation, the descriptions are vivid and immersive. The pacing is well-balanced, with a good mix of introspective moments and action-driven scenes.
Periphery, by AA Dasilva, is a captivating read that will appeal to fans of contemporary fiction with a touch of the supernatural. Dasilva’s ability to blend emotional depth with elements of mystery makes for a compelling narrative. I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy stories about resilience, healing, and the unexpected ways life can change.
Pages: 287 | ASIN : B0DGQS1XKW
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/09/13/periphery/
Dr. Harry Somaraju’s Anxiety to Ahh-mazing in 60 Days offers a deep exploration of self-help and emotional regulation. The book culminates in the introduction of the author’s groundbreaking HASH60 system. This innovative approach blends a variety of techniques into a practical and easy-to-follow guide that empowers readers to take control of their emotional well-being. By offering clear and actionable strategies the author helps readers apply these methods to their daily lives and foster a sense of calm and emotional balance. Drawing from an impressive range of disciplines, Somaraju integrates wisdom from Buddhist teachings, Stoicism, modern self-help practices, and positive psychology. He even delves into heart rate variability training which offers a holistic approach to emotional regulation.
Through his own journey of mastering his emotions Somaraju shares his personal growth and the invaluable tools he’s gathered along the way. This book stands out to me for its depth and rigor. It is not the typical surface-level self-help book that is filled with vague platitudes. Instead Somaraju offers well-researched insights and practical advice that is rooted in ancient wisdom and cutting-edge science. From the heart-brain connection to mindfulness and positive neuroplasticity Somaraju’s exploration is both thorough and grounded in science.
His intelligent and thoughtful approach makes complex concepts accessible to a broad audience. One of the most impressive aspects of the book is the depth of information it provides. Somaraju goes into great detail, offering clear instructions for readers to experiment with the techniques themselves. He introduces a range of meditation and mindfulness practices that provide a fantastic foundation for people who are new to these practices.
It is evident that Somaraju has personally benefited from mastering his emotions and his writing reflects a sense of calm and fulfillment that comes from living in alignment with core values. His passion for the topics discussed make the book engaging and inspiring. The HASH60 program, introduced towards the end of the book, offers a simple yet powerful framework for implementing real change. Somaraju’s clear and encouraging writing style ensures that readers feel empowered to embark on their own journeys toward emotional well-being. He highlights practical strategies for reducing modern-day stress and enhancing overall mental health which, I think, makes the book relevant to today’s fast-paced world.
Anxiety to Ahh-mazing in 60 Days: Transforming Stress, Anxiety and Anger into Sustainable Happiness is a thoroughly researched and thoughtfully written guide to emotional mastery. It provides real value to readers by offering the knowledge and tools needed to make meaningful changes. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking to enhance their emotional well-being and live a fulfilling life.
Pages: 382 | ASIN : B0D7W7D8G2
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/09/13/anxiety-to-ahh-mazing-in-60-days-transforming-stress-anxiety-and-anger-into-sustainable-happiness/
Should’ve Been Dead is a gripping memoir that dives into the tumultuous life of a former crack addict who miraculously transformed his life from the depths of addiction to become a successful businessman. Written by Sweta Patel, with Londer’s candid input, the book chronicles Rory Londer’s journey from the streets to owning a million-dollar home improvement business, all while battling his demons and coming to terms with his past.
I enjoyed this book because I found the narrative to be raw, unapologetic, and often heart-wrenching. The book offers readers a visceral glimpse into the struggles of addiction and the relentless pursuit of redemption. It doesn’t shy away from the grim realities of addiction. Early chapters like “Moment of Crisis” and “Stuck Like Chuck” vividly depict Rory’s desperation, from robbing a gas station to surviving the terror of crack houses. These scenes are not easy to digest, but they are necessary to see what life was really like for him.
The writing pulls you into Rory’s world, where paranoia and fear are constant companions. The book also highlights Rory’s painstaking recovery. In chapters such as “Fork in the Road” and “Keep Your Side of the Street Clean,” readers see him gradually rebuild his life. These sections are marked by small victories that slowly add up. The writing here becomes more reflective and offers a glimpse into Rory’s internal transformation. He’s not merely quitting drugs he is reshaping his entire existence. The emotional depth in these parts is profound and leaves a lasting impression.
What sets this memoir apart for me is its dual perspective. Patel, a teacher who invited Rory to speak to her students, doesn’t just observe his journey, she shares how it affected her life. This intertwining of narratives adds a unique layer to the book. It becomes more than Rory’s story and becomes a testament to the ripple effect one person’s life can have on others. Patel’s reflections add depth and makes the memoir more relatable and engaging.
Should’ve Been Dead is a story of resilience, transformation, and hope. Rory Londer’s journey is heartbreaking and uplifting and is a powerful reminder that change is possible no matter how deep one has fallen. This book will resonate with anyone seeking inspiration or understanding of the human capacity for redemption.
Pages: 232 | ASIN : B0CVG46NL9
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/09/13/shouldve-been-dead-lessons-from-a-crack-addict-who-broke-free/
In Billion Dollar Bullseye, Jonathan “JCron” Cronstedt breaks down his formula for business success by focusing on seven critical principles: Purpose, Profit, Product, Prestige, Promotion, Persuasion, and People. His central thesis is simple but powerful: hitting the “bullseye” in these areas allows businesses to scale quickly and exit on their own terms. Cronstedt offers practical advice and real-life examples from his time at Kajabi. He also supplies strategies for entrepreneurs who are looking to grow their companies meaningfully and in a sustainable way.
I like how action-oriented this book is. Cronstedt doesn’t just present lofty ideas, he translates them into concrete steps. For instance, his explanation of how Purpose drives profitability is backed by research, showing that businesses with clear purpose often grow three times faster than their competitors. This grounded approach makes the book feel more like a guidebook than a motivational read. I appreciated his emphasis on refining purpose not only for external growth but for internal clarity as well, a theme that runs throughout the book and shows up again when he discusses creating a people-centered company culture.
Cronstedt’s writing style is conversational but sharp. His advice on Promotion, for example, is laced with personal anecdotes from Kajabi’s promotional tactics, including how their “Hero” program grew into a viral success. He contrasts big-name companies like Coca-Cola and Apple with everyday entrepreneurs, driving home the point that building brand loyalty and recognition isn’t reserved for massive corporations. I found his thoughts on emotional connection, how brands should be personal and authentic, refreshing in an industry that sometimes leans too hard on hard-selling.
While Cronstedt acknowledges that failure is part of the entrepreneurial journey, the seven-ring system can feel like a magic formula that oversimplifies the messiness of real-world business. Still, I found his advice actionable—his tips on hiring and maintaining a purpose-driven culture resonated with me as a business owner who understands how essential people are to success.
Billion Dollar Bullseye is a must-read for entrepreneurs who want actionable advice wrapped in a conversational, no-nonsense tone. The author’s ability to break down each principle into digestible parts makes it ideal for seasoned business owners and people just starting. If you are looking for a book that gives you not only the “why” but also the “how” of growing your business, this is it.
Pages: 200 | ASIN : B0DB2N5NYR
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/09/13/billion-dollar-bullseye/
In Forks & Knives, a woman discovers her husband’s secret battle with alcoholism and must decide if she should fight to salvage her marriage as they are about to welcome their first child. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
The general story arc is loosely based on my first marriage, but I fictionalized it to explore the “what ifs” I wondered about along the way. What if I’d said something else or done something different? Would the outcome have changed? Processing all of that was cathartic to my healing after-the-fact. I tell people, the actual story of my journey is peppered throughout the story, but it’s not told in a linear arc. The fictional details are things I feared might happen, or outcomes I wished had happened.
The forks that Kat considers in her mind’s eye at various crossroads in her marriage are possible alternate roads…some of which are painful and cut like knives. Ultimately, she empowers herself, and that’s the kind of mindful choice I hope all women arrive at in their own lives, no matter their circumstances.
Forks & Knives is an incredibly compelling story. What was one of the hardest parts for you to write?
Alcoholism and codependency are weighted topics for most people who live with addiction and seek recovery. Navigating love without trust, clinging to hope when fears abound . . . these are difficult tasks at best. Oftentimes, people lose themselves in the battle.
I suppose one of the hardest parts of writing this book was being honest about all of that. It’s easy to paint the addict as the only person who owns responsibility when a relationship flounders in the muck of mental illness, but it takes two people to make a partnership. I wanted both Kat and Eric to be sympathetic, despite their respective flaws. Most people are doing the best they can at any given moment. Sadly, sometimes their best isn’t enough to build a future on. But usually, people have choices. Whether they see them or act on them is one of the book’s central themes.
What do you think were some of the defining moments in Kat’s character development?
I don’t think people can change if they aren’t honest with themselves first. Kat was fortunate to find wise people and resources that helped her see herself clearly, and she embraced her areas of growth–in some forks more easily than in others. As she learns, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over, hoping for different results.” Kat wanted different outcomes, so she was willing to try different things. In the end, she redefines what her key values look like: We say we love someone; what does that look like in action? We desire commitment to shared goals; how does each person live that out? Maybe reality doesn’t jive with the words people say . . . and then what do we do about that?
What is one thing you hope readers take away from Kat’s experience?
Except for living in dire circumstances, I believe we always have choices. The path we are on is not permanent. Unless we meet with death, we can always change our situation. We cannot, however, change other people; we can only change ourselves.
Along those same lines, life’s too short to be living in an unhappy home—and we pass along a sad legacy if we do. Everyone deserves to be safe and to live an authentic, content life. Empowering ourselves to choose healthier forks when we’re at a crossroads in our lives is an important place to start. Those decisions might be as small as how we choose to react to another’s anger or as big as leaving an unhealthy relationship behind. Every choice can matter in how we navigate the options in front of us.
Kat’s choices are hers. My hope is that readers will consider the forks in their own lives, past and present, and I wish for happy, hopeful, and healthy outcomes for all.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/09/13/people-lose-themselves-in-the-battle/
Patricia Evangelista’s Some People Need Killing is both a reporter’s notebook and a contemporary political history of the Philippines.
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2024/10/03/dutertes-cruel-tricks-some-people-need-killing-evangelista/
Perry Link and Wu Dazhi’s biography of China’s most famous dissident, Liu Xiaobo, doubles as a history of Chinese political thought and activism over the past half-century.
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2024/10/03/chinas-iconoclast-i-have-no-enemies-liu-xiaobo/
For many of us who grew up watching the weekly adventures of Robin Hood on a black-and-white television screen, the word “sheriff” conjures the dogged lawman of Nottingham chasing the noble bandit through Sherwood Forest. Today’s most recognizable sheriff may be the rabidly anti-immigrant Joe Arpaio of Maricopa County, Arizona. Thrown out of office by […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2024/10/03/are-sheriffs-above-the-law-jessica-pishko-greenhouse/