Book Reviews – Page 56 – Sassy Reviews

October 29, 2024

The Rostrum

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Rostrum 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: W.T. Sanders ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
If you’re a fan of political thrillers, The Rostrum by W.T. Sanders is a must-read. The story follows Special Agent Stanley Thompson, stationed at the FBI’s Little Rock office, who encounters Matthew McKinley Foster. Foster’s family has a unique legacy tied to President William McKinley, dating back to his great-great-grandfather George Foster, a Secret Service agent who was assigned to protect the President. Unfortunately , the president was assassinated. In memory of the tragedy, each firstborn male in the family is named McKinley.

As the Secret Service ramps up security for election season, they collaborate with Smithson Integrated Engineering, Inc. on the Rostrum Project, developing blast-resistant podiums for public addresses. Driven by a vision for ultimate security, the Secret Service Director demands a podium capable of withstanding a moderate blast within close range.

Meanwhile, Thompson is determined to join the Joint Terrorism Task Force but finds his requests denied time and again. When he stumbles upon a connection between local gang activity and the enigmatic initials “KGC,” he begins looking into a figure named Kenneth Günter Collins, setting off a complex investigation. To find out whether Matthew Foster can redeem his family’s tarnished honor and what decisions Thompson will make, you’ll need to dive into this suspenseful story.

The plot’s unpredictable twists kept me glued to each page, and the pacing made it impossible to put down. The cover design and title are fitting, adding to the appeal of this compelling read. Incorporating historical elements, the novel feels authentic and immersive. Don’t miss out on this exciting read!

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

October 28, 2024October 28, 2024

Cry of the Kestrel

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Cry of the Kestrel 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Marla Himeda ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Marla Himeda’s Cry of the Kestrel, the second book in The Bardic Isles Series, draws readers back into Kaelin’s journey as he takes on new challenges. Now thirteen, Kaelin leaves his home on Kestrel Island to study under four distinguished Masters, dedicating three months to each, starting with Master Talan on Eyrie Island. Urged on by his mentors, Master Bergid and Darryk, Kaelin sets out to deepen his skills and broaden his perspective.

With Master Talan, he learns the intricate craft of making a complete set of seventeen pipes. This experience sparks an understanding in Kaelin of how each Master offers unique insights and abilities. But Kaelin’s journey is complicated by a wrongful accusation of stealing a tuning fork, adding suspense and tension to his path.

Himeda’s narrative is both captivating and easy to follow, creating a world where readers are pulled into Kaelin’s experiences. The author’s fluid style and vivid storytelling make Kaelin’s growth and learning journey feel immersive, leaving readers eager for what lies ahead.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

October 27, 2024

The Electric God and Other Shorts

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Electric God and Other Shorts 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Michael Thomas Perone ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“The Electric God and Other Shorts” by Michael Thomas Perone is an enthralling anthology.

In “The Electric God,” set in the quiet town of Drake, Illinois, young Teddy struggles with the overbearing presence of television in his life. Teddy feels overshadowed by the screen’s hold on his mother, who hardly notices him—even when he comes home with burns. When she installs a TV in the bathroom, Teddy suffers a dangerous electric shock that leaves him unconscious. Meanwhile, his friend Will is similarly drawn in, taking on TV-inspired challenges at school. Will Teddy be able to come to terms with this overpowering wave of modern technology?

Another standout, “Paper Language,” follows writer Jonathan Zucker after he purchases paper from Skylark Press. He discovers an eerie message—”HELP ME” scrawled in deep red ink. Jonathan decided to use his discovery to his advantage. The cryptic message powered his storytelling.

This book is a page-turner. Each story holds a unique premise, keeping me fully engaged and eager to see what came next. The language is accessible, the storytelling fluid and powerful. Michael Thomas Perone demonstrates incredible creativity in this collection. If you’re looking for something that keeps you hooked from start to finish, this book is a great choice.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4.5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

October 21, 2024

ENDURE: To Suffer with Patience

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: ENDURE: To Suffer with Patience 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Dakotah Sanders ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“ENDURE: To Suffer with Patience” by Dakotah Sanders is a powerful and emotional memoir. The author shares a deeply personal account of his painful childhood, growing up with an abusive father. From his earliest memories, Dakotah witnessed the trauma inflicted on his family, recalling moments like hearing his mother’s cries behind closed doors when he was only four years old.

As a child, Dakotah often felt a strong desire to protect his mother and sisters but was overwhelmed by the helplessness of his youth. His father would demand that Dakotah “be the man” and take responsibility for their safety, which left him questioning how he could defend them from the very person he was told to follow. He found solace only in the moments when his father was away or during visits to his grandmother’s house.

This memoir stirred deep emotions in me, showcasing the resilience Dakotah developed in the face of such adversity. It’s a heartbreaking yet inspiring story that highlights the impact of abuse on children. I believe this book holds a vital lesson for parents, offering insight into the devastating effects of toxic behavior and urging them to act with greater love and responsibility toward their children.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available here

October 21, 2024

What a Tale My Thoughts Will Tell: Words Not to Be Forgotten

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: What a Tale My Thoughts Will Tell: Words Not to Be Forgotten 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: John Edwards ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“What a Tale My Thoughts Will Tell: Words Not to Be Forgotten” by John Edwards is an engaging memoir that delves into the complexities of human emotions and relationships. Edwards explores how cultural, psychological, and social factors shape our joys and sorrows, interweaving these themes with the narrative of his own life journey.

The memoir recounts John’s relationship with Robbin, from their instant connection to their eventual marriage after a year and three months of dating. Despite their deep bond, John struggled with expressing his feelings about the lack of intimacy in their relationship. As life progressed and they welcomed a child, the couple found it increasingly difficult to find time for themselves. As they planned for second children, John started feeling emotionally distant from his spouse. He became focused on starting a new management career path.

After 18 years of marriage, John’s world was shattered when Robbin asked for a divorce. John’s ideal of lifelong commitment, inspired by his father, clashed with the painful reality of their separation. Through his story, Edwards reflects on the lasting ache of lost love and emphasizes that the true essence of life lies in love and connection.

This memoir serves as a guide for readers facing their own emotional upheavals, encouraging them to seek meaning and healing through life’s trials. “Reflections of a Life Unspoken” left a profound impact on me, prompting introspection about my own life’s purpose. I highly recommend this book to anyone who appreciates thought-provoking memoirs and is searching for deeper insights into love and relationships.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

October 21, 2024

Master of Music

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Master of Music 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Marla Himeda ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Master of Music” penned by the author Marla Himeda is the first book in The Bardic Isles Series. The main character of the story is an eleven-year-old boy named Kaelin. He is an orphan and lives with his sister. Kaelin has a dangerous musical talent. He has a fear that his music can harm others. Therefore, Kaelin plays his flute only when he is alone.

Once, Kaelin listened to Master Bergid playing the variation he had played the night before. This made him realize that the Master must have heard him playing. Kaelin followed the Master secretly so he can take his help to find a Bardic apprenticeship. Read this story to know what Kaelin will learn from Master Bard.

Those who enjoy fantasy fiction stories should get their hands on this book. The writing style of the author is nice. The cover photo is eye-catching. The storyline is gripping and I enjoyed every bit of this book. The author has created an interesting world that hooked me till the last page.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

October 19, 2024October 19, 2024

Beyond the Ordinary

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Beyond the Ordinary 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Mandy Nicholson ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“We never know how much time we have… so choose to live now. To be now. To do now.”

“Beyond the Ordinary: Discover the Power of Creative and Neurodiverse Women” by Mandy Nicholson is a powerful self-help book, featuring the journeys of 30 women who have overcome significant challenges. Each story is a testament to resilience and triumph.

The chapter “Your Mind Literally Never Slows Down!” particularly resonated with me. The author’s advice on prioritizing self-care struck a chord. The blend of motivational quotes, personal experiences, and actionable tips makes this book a practical guide for personal growth.

“Chasing Butterflies – A Journey to Finding Myself” by Caroline West is a must-read. Caroline’s story felt deeply personal, mirroring my own struggles with low self-worth and hesitation to step outside my comfort zone. She encourages us to let our inner butterflies—our true selves—take flight and soar.

Shelley Devine’s “Is My Heart Still Beating?” is another emotional journey. Her reflections on grief, after losing a loved one, offer profound insights into the personal nature of healing. She urges us to express our emotions through writing or art to deepen our self-understanding.

This book is an empowering tool for neurodiverse women, encouraging them to embrace their uniqueness and use it as a foundation for a rich, meaningful life. Every story serves as a reminder that we all have something special within us. I’ll keep this book close, revisiting one story each day to stay motivated in my journey toward a fulfilling life. I’m deeply grateful to these women for sharing their experiences and inspiring others to stay strong and creative.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

October 19, 2024October 19, 2024

SPEAK LIFE: Healing the Hurt of Verbal Abuse

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: SPEAK LIFE: Healing the Hurt of Verbal Abuse 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Antonia Agbonkpolor ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“SPEAK LIFE: Healing the Hurt of Verbal Abuse” penned by the author Antonia Agbonkpolor is a book worth reading. Through this book, the author is making the readers aware about verbal abuse. Verbal abuse is when someone says unkind things to us either by doing our insult, calling us with teasing names, constantly pointing to our mistakes, etc.

I strongly recommend this book to parents as kids often feel verbally abused by their own parents. This is an eye-opening book for the parents. They should treat all their kids as equals and shouldn’t say harsh words to them. Verbal abuse can leave long term scars on children that can impact their marriage and workplaces once they turn into adults.

The author has mentioned that to start healing, we should begin by accepting our feelings. We should believe in God’s unwavering love and healing power. I loved the ‘Prayer Points’ chapter.

Through this book, the author wants to heal the people who have been hurt by words. I wish I would have gotten my hands on a book like this a few years ago. I have been a victim of verbal abuse at my workplace and it took me a year to heal. This book gave me a better understanding about why hurt people hurt others. After reading this book, we should make a promise to ourselves to not tear anyone by our words. I am glad to get my hands on this book. Great work done by the author in it.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

October 19, 2024

From Trauma to Triumph and What Lies Between

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: From Trauma to Triumph and What Lies Between 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Trina Kennedy ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Trina Kennedy’s “From Trauma to Triumph and What Lies Between” is an uplifting and motivational book that explores the power of self-healing. The author emphasizes how breaking the cycle of unresolved pain can prevent its transmission to future generations.

In this deeply personal narrative, Trina shares a vulnerable moment in her life when she considered ending it all. She opens up about how the absence of validation, emotional support, and recognition left a lasting imprint on her mental health. I found her story particularly relatable, as I too have faced similar struggles.

Trauma is often seen as a psychological scar, and it can manifest in various ways, from “Big T” trauma to “Little T” trauma. These experiences can erode self-esteem and distort one’s sense of identity, leaving a person feeling lost or worthless. Trina reflects on how her own trauma shaped her worldview, impacting her ability to grow and thrive.

This book is ideal for those on a path to self-discovery or healing. The author’s journey toward resilience offers valuable lessons, and I am thankful for her willingness to share her experiences. The practical advice provided throughout the book has the potential to guide many toward healing. It also prompted me to confront my own past, offering insights into my struggles with building new relationships post-trauma. This book gives hope to the readers that healing is possible even in the darkest times.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

October 19, 2024October 19, 2024

Forever Boy

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Forever Boy 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Michael J. Bowler ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Forever Boy” by Michael J. Bowler is the opening novel in “The Forever Saga.” The story centers on three main characters: Isaac Foster, Stephanie, and Drágan Albescu. Isaac and Drágan, both fourteen, develop a close friendship after Drágan is drawn to Isaac’s kindness. Isaac, who has never had many friends, invites Drágan to live with him.

Isaac, a geek, leads a quiet life until Drágan, an orphan who models for a living, comes along. Drágan’s mysterious nature piques Isaac’s interest, especially when Isaac tries, and fails, to lift Drágan’s unusually heavy valise, which Drágan manages with ease. Isaac grows curious about what might be hidden inside.

When Drágan steps in to help Stephanie, a schoolmate of Isaac’s with a troubled home life, it sparks more intrigue. Isaac explains that Stephanie is popular and typically doesn’t talk to him. Her curiosity about Drágan leads her to discover old photographs of him, dating back to the 1930s and 1940s. This raises the question: Who is Drágan, really?

Bowler’s writing is captivating, with a compelling title and a well-paced narrative that never drags. The unexpected twists kept me engaged, and I particularly enjoyed Isaac’s character. The cover is striking, and the story offers a thrilling ride from start to finish.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon