Book Reviews – Page 24 – Sassy Reviews

May 21, 2025May 21, 2025

John Quincy Adams, Reluctant Abolitionist

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: John Quincy Adams, Reluctant Abolitionist 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Jeffrey A. Denman ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“John Quincy Adams, Reluctant Abolitionist” by Jeffrey A. Denman is a compelling and insightful read. The book presents a powerful narrative of John Quincy Adams’ complex struggle with the institution of slavery. His formative years were deeply influenced by his parents, John and Abigail Adams, who were unwavering in their condemnation of slavery.

In 1779, Adams began keeping a diary—a practice he continued until his death in 1848. This diary remains one of the most valuable historical resources in American history. His first recorded mention of African slavery appeared on May 4, 1785.

Although Adams is often remembered for his presidency, it was a period marked by relative silence on slavery, largely due to political pressures and the need to secure support for his broader agenda. The title of this book has a great significance. I understood the meaning behind it after reading this book.

The book’s cover image captures the essence of Adams’ personality, while the depth of historical detail reveals the extensive research behind Denman’s work. Before reading this, I had little knowledge of John Quincy Adams—but this book changed that.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

May 21, 2025May 21, 2025

The Love That Lingers

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Love That Lingers 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Maya ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“The Love That Lingers” by Maya is a heartfelt romance narrated from the perspective of a female protagonist. For her, driving served as a personal escape—a symbol of the independence she had carefully built over the years. Once, her friend Urmi shared Yash’s number, suggesting they meet over tea.

Yash is a charming, younger man—honest and direct. From their first meeting, she sensed his calm and grounded nature. Though she had long guarded her heart, a part of her yearned to be seen, to be desired. Yash’s presence stirred something within her. She began enjoying his company and even shared her feelings about him with her friend Tina. Having spent years managing her expectations to avoid pain, she now found herself drawn in again.

Is Yash just another chapter in her life—or the beginning of something lasting?

Maya’s writing is engaging and warm, and the cover design is beautifully done. Each page kept me eager to know what came next. For anyone who enjoys romance stories, this one is not to be missed.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4.5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

May 20, 2025

Dreamscape Journeys

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Dreamscape Journeys 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Jakob Brønnum ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Dreamscape Journeys by Jakob Brønnum is a captivating poetry collection inspired by dreams and surrealist imagery. The poems revolve around familiar themes, allowing readers to find a sense of connection in the content.

In “Wardreaming,” the author reflects that his dreams aren’t about logistical concerns, like how food reaches soldiers behind enemy lines. Instead, they center on the looming threat of bombers. The only response left is to hide or run.

In “Parallel Souls (Dream Meetings): The First Step on the Moon,” the author imagines a dream where everyone becomes the first person to set foot on the moon. Gradually, more and more people arrive—until everyone is there.

“Lost in the City” portrays a dream in which the author wanders through an unfamiliar city, only to realize it’s the same one he recently moved to. People pass him by, and when he wakes, the dream replays itself.

These poems resonate with readers because the themes echo everyday experiences and thoughts. The language is simple and accessible, making the poems easy to follow. I particularly appreciated the author’s choice of title for the collection. Poetry lovers are sure to enjoy this dream-inspired journey.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4.5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

May 19, 2025

Timeaous Spark: And the Luck Curse

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Timeaous Spark: And the Luck Curse 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: E.K. Kidwell ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Timeaous Spark: And the Luck Curse” by E.K. Kidwell is a captivating addition to the Teen & Young Adult Magical Realism genre. The story follows Timeaous Spark, labeled a Non-Crea—someone without any special abilities. Longing for powers of his own, Timeaous dreams of standing up to bullies like Banthos and breaking free from a life of servitude. Raised in a household that serves a prestigious Angel Blood family, Timeaous is expected to follow the same path—either in service to a Dragon Blood or Angel Blood lineage.

However, Timeaous has aspirations beyond servitude. His acceptance into Mythica High marks a turning point, offering him a chance to change his destiny. There, he resides in the Non-Crea dormitory. Soon, he meets Ralph, another Non-Crea student and becomes friends with him.

Mr. Phix, one of the mentors at Mythica High, recognizes a hidden potential in Timeaous that others overlook. He promises to help Timeaous unlock his powers—on the condition that he keeps them secret, as such abilities could attract dangerous attention.

The book gave me strong Harry Potter vibes. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it—the plot was gripping, and I found it hard to put down until the very last page. Timeaous is a truly endearing character, and his journey kept me fully engaged.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

May 19, 2025

Life of a Leaf

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Life Of A Leaf 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Juliana Baker ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Life of a Leaf” penned by the author Juliana Baker is the debut book of the author. This book is about a falling leaf Leif that travels across the world becoming a better version of himself. Leif had to go through sunny days, rainy days and stormy days but luck had saved him every time. When he awakens, he finds himself in the fields of grass. The grass was full of fallen leaves who were just like him.

Now, Leif has two options. He can either be the leaf he has always dreamed to be or miss what he had lost. He realized how he was a rude, cruel and an ungrateful leaf but now he can shed his new light on others and he can see new worlds.

The character of Cecilia is also heart touching. This is a unique book that helps us to understand the journey of a falling leaf. The young author has a creative mind. The way she has written about such an amazing and transformational journey of a leaf is impressive. It will be amazing to read another book by Juliana in the near future.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Barnes & Noble

May 18, 2025

Miles in Time

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Miles in Time 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Lee Matthew Goldberg ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
If you’re a fan of time travel fiction, Miles in Time by Lee Matthew is a must-read. This is the first installment in the Miles in Time series, centered around a teenager named Miles. He’s the younger son of an unsuccessful inventor and often feels overshadowed by his older brother, Simon, who shares his father’s passion for inventions and is clearly the favorite.

Miles, however, dreams of becoming a detective. He even starts his own small venture, “Mr. Hardy’s Detective Agency.” So far, his only cases have been helping elderly women find their missing cats—paid in pies rather than cash. But Miles longs for a real mystery to solve. That chance comes unexpectedly when Simon dies under suspicious circumstances. It was considered a suicide but Miles believes otherwise—and he sets out to uncover the truth. As he steps into this role, can he carry the weight of his family’s grief and find out what really happened to Simon?

Lee Matthew’s storytelling is captivating. The language is simple and engaging, making it a perfect pick for teen readers. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can’t wait to dive into the next one in the series. It’s the kind of book you just won’t want to put down.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

May 17, 2025

Dragon Killers in Avalon

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Dragon Killers in Avalon 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Phil Harris ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Dragon Killers in Avalon” by Phil Harris is the sequel to Trial by Dragon Fire, but it can easily be enjoyed as a standalone. The story picks up after the fall of Desseley Castle, where the dragon Blaze has been slain by three brave companions—Perkin Trueblood, Vivienne Lachapelle, and the magician Merlin.

As Vivienne and Perkin set out to relocate to Lake Land, their journey is ambushed. Vivienne is captured by Rogue, a dragon from the powerful Dragon Council of Twelve, and taken to Avalon. The council is furious over Blaze’s death and seeks retribution. With a new dragon leader rising, what fate awaits Vivienne?

This thrilling fantasy adventure had me hooked from start to finish. The scene where Vivienne is flown through the skies to Avalon was especially breathtaking. The world is rich with mythical beings—dragons, elves, wizards, and more. The dragons stood out as my favorite, particularly their remarkable unity. A truly gripping read that kept me turning pages nonstop.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

May 17, 2025May 27, 2025

A Poetry Encyclopedia of Dreams

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: A Poetry Encyclopedia of Dreams 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Jakob Brønnum ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
This poetry collection presents a lyrical exploration of dream interpretation. Through evocative verse, the author delves into the hidden meanings behind various types of dreams, weaving together themes that often emerge in our subconscious. Serving as a companion volume to Jakob Brønnum’s Dreamscape Journeys, this book deepens the poetic inquiry into the landscapes of the mind.

One such dream—being doomed to live with an ex—symbolizes the need to break free from the confines of time. Another, titled Forgetting Your Name, reflects the loss or absence of self-identity, hinting that perhaps it was never fully formed.

The dream of being naked is particularly intriguing. According to the interpreter, it’s actually a positive sign, suggesting that there’s still shame we need to shed in order to grow.

I often dream about my teeth falling out, and like many, I’ve turned to Google for answers. That’s why this collection resonated with me. The poetic interpretations offered a fresh, imaginative take on common dreams. It was my first time reading a poetry book centered on dream analysis, and the experience felt truly original and engaging.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

May 17, 2025May 17, 2025

Me No Pause, Me Play

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Me No Pause, Me Play 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Manoj Kumar Sharma ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
This book is a moving tribute to the strength, struggles, and silent endurance of women, especially during midlife. Me No Pause, Me Play explores the emotional and psychological journey of a woman navigating the challenges of menopause, societal pressure, and self-identity. At its core, it’s a story of reclaiming space—physical, emotional, and spiritual—in a world that often forgets to acknowledge the woman behind the roles.

The protagonist doesn’t just endure her circumstances—she transforms them. Through thoughtful choices and inner strength, she pushes past pain and invisibility, using her experiences as fuel for growth. Her story highlights not only the physiological changes women face, but the deeper internal shifts that push them to either stay silent or rise. She chooses to rise.

Manoj Kumar Sharma’s storytelling is straightforward, yet quietly powerful. His writing gives voice to a stage of life often spoken about in hushed tones. This book encourages women to view midlife not as an end but as a new beginning—to stop pausing for the world, and start playing for themselves. A resonant, relatable read for anyone who values self-worth and transformation.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

May 14, 2025

Spoiler

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Spoiler 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Michael J. Bowler ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Alex’s twin brother had tried to kill him, and the memory made Alex shudder every time it crossed his mind. His old wheelchair was completely destroyed when one of Ms. G’s soldiers ravaged the ghost town. In its place, Alex received a brand-new, indestructible wheelchair. What hurt the most was that his identical twin—whom he had only recently been reunited with—had turned on him like a rabid dog.

Despite everything, Alex never let his wheelchair stop him from living life on his own terms. Mr. Shaw is now working with General Lewis to use advanced technology to track down Andy and Ms. G. Alex resents Ms. G for poisoning his brother’s mind and turning him against his own blood. Even though Andy attacked Alex for her sake, Ms. G doesn’t truly trust him. She reminds Andy that he belongs to her.

Alex has been told that his compassionate and caring nature is the reason the full powers of the Healer are accessible only to him. While Andy managed to steal some of those powers temporarily, they won’t last. If Andy attempts to open the gate and fails, Alex knows that Ms. G and her followers will come after him next.
Read this book to find out what happens next.

I loved how the story concluded. It’s fast-paced and full of twists that keep readers hooked until the final page. The more we learn about Alex, the more we admire him. His compassion and love for others encourage us to become healers in our own lives. Michael has done a fantastic job in this book. Go ahead with this series for sure.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon