Book Reviews – Page 14 – Sassy Reviews

July 28, 2025

Accidental Ukrainians: Part Two – February 2023 to February 2024: Missile Mania

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Accidental Ukrainians: Part Two – February 2023 to February 2024: Missile Mania 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: John and Natasha Sennett ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Accidental Ukrainians: Part Two – February 2023 to February 2024: Missile Mania” by John and Natasha Sennett offers a compelling and eye-opening account. The book chronicles the experiences of two American citizens living in Kyiv and Chernivtsi during an intense year of war and uncertainty.

The authors describe The Battle of Kyiv as their first true test—one they faced with unshaken faith. Once the battle subsided, autumn arrived, and with it came a new wave of terror: relentless missile strikes. Power and internet outages became the norm, forcing them to leave Kyiv—though they remained in Ukraine.

On October 24, 2022, the couple relocated to Chernivtsi so that one could continue working while the other pursued prerequisite courses for a master’s program at a U.S. university. After four months, they returned to Kyiv. The authors have mentioned about acceptance of death. That way, they started living more. Natasha also reflects on her teaching career so a job would keep her productive.

If you’re looking for a firsthand account of how missile and drone attacks escalated in Kyiv, this book is for you. I can’t begin to imagine what it was like in their shoes, but I deeply admire their courage and resilience. I look forward to reading more from the Sennetts. Definitely add this book to your TBR!

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

July 28, 2025July 28, 2025

A Tale of Dreams and Demons

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: A Tale of Dreams and Demons 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Elizabeth Hernandez ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“A Tale of Dreams and Demons” by Elizabeth Hernandez is a captivating Teen & Young Adult Coming-of-Age fantasy. The story follows a curious and imaginative teen named Melosia, who finds her ordinary life dull. She dreams of magic being real and longs for an epic adventure like the ones she watches with her sister, Alma.

On a recent family camping trip, Mel is suddenly attacked by a monster—only to be rescued just in time by her Uncle Lupus. However, her mother is wary of Lupus and doesn’t want him near her daughters. Later, Mel learns from her uncle that they share a special heritage, one that sets them apart from her mother and sister. One night, Uncle Lupus takes Mel into another world. What awaits her there? Will she find new friends? How will she adjust to this strange, magical place?

This book reminded me of the Harry Potter series. I truly enjoyed reading it. The storyline kept me hooked from the very first page, and I couldn’t put it down. The pacing was perfect, and the characters have definitely left a lasting impression on me. Elizabeth Hernandez has crafted a truly enchanting tale.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

July 28, 2025

Trennen: The Southern War

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Trennen: The Southern War 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: M.C. Bradley ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Trennen: The Southern War” by M.C. Bradley is a compelling and well-crafted story that draws you in from the very first page. At its center is Princess Sophia, a sharp-tongued and intelligent woman from Rike, the capital of the powerful kingdom of Rosmaria—known to be superior in every way to its neighboring lands, Madotia and Nosmad.

In a bid to prevent Madotia from falling into the hands of barbarians, Princess Sophia journeys there as an advisor, tasked with helping strategize a defense. During her time in Madotia, she meets Prince Koa, who insists she learn to defend herself—a notion Sophia initially rejects. She relies entirely on her royal guard, Dame Lilith, for protection and firmly believes that war is no place for women.

However, as she and Prince Koa spend more time together, a deeper connection begins to form. Will this bond grow into something more? And how will Sophia influence the fate of Madotia?

This book stands out for its well-developed characters—I especially loved Sophia and Koa—and its fast-paced, engaging plot. There isn’t a single dull moment. The cover design is eye-catching, and M.C. Bradley’s writing is captivating from start to finish. I’m thrilled to have picked up this latest release and eagerly look forward to reading more from the author.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

July 28, 2025

Farewell to Old England Forever

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Farewell to Old England Forever 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Doug Limbrick ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Farewell to Old England Forever” by Doug Limbrick is a compelling and insightful read. The author vividly captures the experiences of those who left their homeland to journey by sea as emigrants to the Australian colonies.

In 1844 and early 1845, more than 4,000 immigrants arrived in the colonies under new bounty schemes. One of the most effective ways of encouraging emigration was through personal letters and support from family and friends who had already made the move.

By 1888, Australia had seen a century of migration and settlement. Despite the greater distance, higher costs, and challenges compared to North America, many still chose the Australian colonies as their destination.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Doug Limbrick’s extensive research is evident throughout. The inclusion of photographs enriched the narrative and helped me connect more deeply with the subject. His writing style is engaging and accessible, and the cover design is striking. The book gave me a deeper understanding of the various government migration schemes of the time.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

July 26, 2025

The Puppet

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Puppet 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: M.C. Bradley ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
The Puppet by M.C. Bradley is a Teen & Young Adult fiction novel centered around a puppet named Marionette. She was created by the cruel Master Mary, who forced her to perform despite her foot being damaged from practice the previous day. When the performance fell apart because of this, Master Mary lashed out at Marionette, calling her useless and saying unkind things.

One day, Marionette overheard Master Mary planning to sell her. Determined to escape, she fled and soon crossed paths with an elderly woman named Ruth. Ruth offered Marionette a job, but things didn’t go smoothly at first—Marionette made several mistakes and feared she would be punished. However, Ruth proved to be kind and understanding, encouraging Marionette to learn from her failures and view life from a different perspective.

Marionette’s journey of healing made this book a truly enjoyable read. The story felt fresh and original. This was my first time reading a book by M.C. Bradley, and I was thoroughly impressed by her writing. The narrative was so immersive, I felt as though I was right there with Marionette, experiencing everything alongside her.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

July 25, 2025

Taming Your Money Monster

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Taming Your Money Monster 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Doug Lynam ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Taming Your Money Monster: 9 Paths to Money Mastery with the Enneagram” by Doug Lynam is an insightful and thought-provoking read. The author emphasizes how our relationship with money is closely linked to our personality type.

I resonate with the author’s point that financial trauma can significantly influence how we relate to money. He outlines practical steps toward becoming a master of our finances, and by applying these strategies, we can fast-track our path to financial freedom.

This book offers powerful insights that can help readers heal their money mindset on a deeper, more spiritual level. I’m truly grateful to the author for sharing such wisdom, which empowers us to break free from harmful financial habits and build a more prosperous and balanced future.

Doug Lynam’s wisdom in this book is truly commendable. It’s a must-read for anyone seeking to elevate their personal development and achieve lasting financial independence.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

July 25, 2025

Accidental Ukrainians

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Accidental Ukrainians 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: John & Natasha Sennett ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Accidental Ukrainians offer a powerful glimpse into the Russo-Ukrainian war through the eyes of American civilians who were living in Ukraine when the full-scale invasion began. This is the first book in a series, and it gripped me from the very first page.

John and Natasha Sennett share their personal journey—how they initially planned to settle in Belarus and even bought a house there. However, due to the political conditions of Belarus, they decided to move to Kyiv, Ukraine, which was just a six-hour drive away. When Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, the couple made the bold decision to remain in Kyiv.

As the war unfolded, Kyiv quickly transformed into a ghost town. For the first time, the authors experienced life in a city emptied of people. Hospitals, cafes, clinics, and businesses shut down. Their beloved dog Sammi passed away from cancer shortly after the Battle of Kyiv. Embassies were evacuating, and foreigners were fleeing the country. The memoir includes personal letters, including one John wrote on the evening of the full-scale invasion. Read this book to find out will they eventually leave Kyiv?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It captures moments of joy and heartbreak, and some passages are truly chilling. The authors opened my eyes to what it’s like to live in a country under invasion. I felt a deeper emotional connection to this book than anything I’ve seen on the news about the Russo-Ukrainian War.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

July 23, 2025

Rune of Renewal

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Rune of Renewal 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Bjorn Leesson ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Rune of Renewal” by Bjorn Leesson is the second installment in the Outside the Thalsparr series. After finishing the first book, I was eager to dive into Book 2—and it was definitely worth the wait.

This time, the story follows Myrgjol Andersdottir, who is no longer in Montana. She finds herself in a strange land and an unfamiliar era, surrounded by her own descendants. According to Greenfeather, she’s now in Nevada—a place where people freeze at night and roast during the day.

Here, Myrgjol meets Rebecca Peele, the fifth descendant of the original company. It’s been fifty years since Dokkrsdottir vanished, and now her descendants try to fill her in on everything that has changed. Myrgjol becomes the focal point of a new mission. She also meets Greenfeather’s son and daughter, deepening her connection to this new world.

What follows is a journey of discovery—both personal and supernatural—as Myrgjol tries to unlock the powers within her.

The world-building in this book is incredibly rich, a testament to the author’s vivid imagination. Myrgjol once again captures the heart, just as she did in the first book. Alongside her, several other characters leave a lasting impression. The plot is engaging and will keep you hooked until the very last page.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

July 23, 2025

Divided

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Divided 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: CC Robinson ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
This gripping dystopian novel envisions a divided United States governed by a harsh and oppressive regime. Society is segregated by ethnicity, with towering walls enforcing strict separation and banning any interaction. The narrative centers around four teenagers—Marcos, Rose, Harriet, and Jason—each belonging to a different group.

Marcos Sanchez, an eighteen-year-old, dreams of escaping the tyranny of both his authoritarian father and the ruthless Supreme Commander Martin. But when a daring decision leads him to a secret labor camp, he discovers The Underground—a secret resistance group fighting to overthrow the regime. Together, the teens take on the dangerous mission of liberating the camp. Read this book to find out what challenges they will face in their journey.

The story captivated me so deeply that it made me forget my boring routine. The characters are richly developed, with Marcos and Rose standing out as my personal favorites. It’s a compelling and immersive read—I loved every part of it. This book will inspire readers to value and fight for their freedom. I devoured it in one sitting and can’t wait to dive into the next installment in the series.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

July 23, 2025

The Stag Diary

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Stag Diary 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Doug Limbrick ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“The Stag Diary – Passage to Colonial Adelaide 1850” by Doug Limbrick is a compelling and well-researched account of a remarkable journey. The book chronicles the voyage of around 260 emigrants who travelled to colonial South Australia in 1850 aboard a square-rigged ship named The Stag.

Most of the emigrants made the journey in steerage class, including Francis Taylor, who wrote, “… you cannot by day or night enjoy one moment of solitude…” He described the challenges faced by passengers, particularly after 12 days at sea with the ship making slow progress toward Plymouth—many struggled with sleep due to the ship’s motion and seasickness.

The Stag, a medium-sized square-rigger built in Sunderland in 1842, is illustrated in the book alongside an unidentified vessel. The final days of the voyage were filled with a mix of emotions and experiences, which the author vividly captures.

Through detailed references and thoughtful narration, Limbrick offers a glimpse into the lives and feelings of those on board. His extensive research shines throughout the book, making it a fascinating and informative read. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon