Feed: Free Book Reviews - AggScore: 99.9

Author Interview: A. R. Silverberry author of Wyndano's Cloak

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About your book: Wyndano's Cloak

A sinister shapeshifter threatens to shatter Jen’s world and the kingdom of Aerdem. Jen has one chance to stop them, with a magical cloak too dangerous to use.

Free Book Reviews
What do you think readers will find most notable about this book?

A.R. Silverberry
The heroine, a fourteen-year-old girl who battles world world-shattering power with little more than courage and determination.

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Have you acquired any good anecdotes surrounding this book? If so, could you share one?

A.R. Silverberry
I was signing books at Borders and noticed that after purchasing Wyndano’s Cloak, one girl sat on the floor, pulled her copy from the bag, and carefully pulled the price sticker off the dust jacket. Then she walked out of the store hugging the book tightly to her chest. That’s a moment I’ll treasure forever.

Free Book Reviews
Did researching and writing this book teach you anything or influence your thinking in any way?

A.R. Silverberry
The environment and economy are just a few of the unprecedented challenges children face today. As a psychologist, I've listened to the fears and longings young people express about their future. I wanted to write a story that helps children feel capable of facing our complex and sometimes frightening world. Wyndano's Cloak delivers a message of encouragement for young people to believe in themselves and trust the treasures they carry inside.

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What would you most like readers to tell others about this book?

A.R. Silverberry
You’ve got to read it! You’ll love it!

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Can you suggest one question readers might find interesting to discuss, concerning you, your writing in general, or this book?

A.R. Silverberry
What is the real magic in Wyndano’s Cloak?

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How can readers help you promote this book?

A.R. Silverberry
Read the book! If you enjoyed it, recommend it to your friends and post a review on Amazon!

"Like" my Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-R-Silverberry/122991764395051?sk=wall&filter=12

And follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/arsilverberry

About You: A.R. Silverberry

My name is Peter Adler. My pen name is A. R. Silverberry. I've been a licensed psychologist since 1991, and work children, adolescents, and adults. I continue to balance my clinical practice with writing. Wyndano's Cloak is my first novel. I’m proud to say the book has won a dozen awards, including Gold-Medal Winner in the 2011 Benjamin Franklin Awards for Preteen/Young Adult fiction. In addition to the social media links above, check out my website at http://www.arsilverberry.com. There’s a cool trailer there!

Free Book Reviews
Why do you write?

A. R. Silverberry
Stories grab a hold of me and won’t let me go!

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What is your greatest strength as a writer?

A. R. Silverberry
My imagination.

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What quality do you most value in yourself?

A. R. Silverberry
My passion.

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In addition to writing, what else are you passionate about?

A. R. Silverberry
Music, art, and books.

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What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in your life?

A. R. Silverberry
Every decade of my life, I’ve done something big. In high school, I wrote music for the school’s concert band. In my twenties, I wrote a choral cantata. In my thirties, I got my PhD. And in my fifties it was Wyndano’s Cloak!

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Is there any new or established author whom you feel deserves more attention, and what is it that strikes you about his or her work?

A. R. Silverberry
Well, I don’t know if she needs more attention, but I really admire Laini Taylor (http://www.lainitaylor.com/). The first story in Lips Touch Three Times is a masterpiece.

Intrigued by this interview? Then hop on over to A. R. Silverberry's website or find his book at the following:
Amazon
Google Books
Amazon UK

Book Review: Commitment (Predatory Ethics) by Athanasios

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Description from Amazon

Adam watched Mad Gods drag his father to Hell.

Melusine Rothschild, Grande Dame of the Black Nobility wants to raise him. She is part of the World Elite that live by Predatory Ethics and seek to guide him in wielding the power and influence of his dark birthright.

Adam, the teenage Antichrist/AntiXos, wants none of this. He watches his TV shows in one of Danvers Mental Hospital's nice padded rooms, snugly dressed in his own long sleeved, buckled, canvas jacket. He feels safe here away from a hostile, ravaging outside world.

He's horribly wrong.

Review

Overall Feedback: Before you read the previous review please read mine. I state this first because the previous was an obvious fake/false review of a book. You can not possibly miss the fact that this is the second in the series and if you (like me) had read the first then you know that this author is going to entertain you in the least. Now on to the scheduled review. Moving from Mad Gods to Commitment was smooth and hassle free. The author continues his story without missing a beat. Yes this is a story that we have seen, yes he does not deviate from a typical storyline but he does entangle the reader with a well written book. You will not regret taking a stroll through the mind on Athanasios once again.

Point of View: Here the author excels in bringing the reader into the mind of his main character "Adam:.

Voice: Typical but with only the spin Athanasios can place on it.

Character Development: Straightforward for the most part with small detours on Adam and his struggles. Ties really well together.

Plot: Again this is your straightforward good versus evil but I would not go to the levels of saying pass this up for something else. Athanasios adds his take on this story and I believe makes it better.

Dialogue: Athanasios has obviously worked on making sure his dialogue fits and enhances his story. I say you hit the mark, well done sir.

Pacing: From start to finish in one day.

Setting: How many times have we thought or suspected this is going on. We all know evil is battling good everyday.

Continuity: From start to finish I could not see one spot that would have pulled me out of the story and I believe you will see the same.

Where to Find
Amazon
Smashwords
Author's Blog

Happy Birthday to My Mom (Mary Robbins)

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In all boys there is this inevitable chance that we will become like our fathers but the one thing that will always happen is we are and will always be a momma's boy. So I say to all the momma's boys do not be ashamed, hold your head up high for we have moms that loved us enough we can not help but give back to them and share it with others. To our significant others, you may get tired of the momma's boy issues but remember she taught us how to treat you.

So to my mom Mary Robbins I say this on your Birthday:

There are times when only a Mother's love
Can understand our tears,
And soothe our disappointments
And calm away our fears.

There are times when only a Mother's love
Can share the joy we feel
When something we have dreamed about
Suddenly is real.

There are times when only a Mother's love
Can help us on life's way
And inspire in us, the confidence
We need from day to day.

Mother, thank you for your heart, faith and hope
And all your steadfast love
You were fashioned by the Angels
And sent from God above...

Happy Birthday Mom

Book Review: I Zombie I by Jack Wallen

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Description from Amazon

In a moment of pure chaos, the majority of the Earth's population became the walking dead. One man promises to unveil the truth.

When journalist Jacob Plummer is bitten by one of the undead he turns to the written word not only to ease the pain of change, but to reveal a truth that could spare the world from extinction.

As Jacob attempts to reveal the conspiracy behind the virus he fights off the undead masses to save the planet from a collision with entropy.

Review

Overall Feedback: I have had tow authors (Shea MacLeod and Danielle Blanchard) suggest that I read this book. I know both of them from the IWU Facebook Group and I trust they know a good book when they read it, so I gave it a chance. I am so very happy that I did. Jack is a brilliant writer and he can make your head spin with his storytelling wiles. Jack tells us his take on Zombies without the feeling like we are being slammed by yet another Zombie book or movie.

Point of View: In a unique twist you get to read the story through the eyes of a man while he changes and fights those he is becoming like.

Voice: Zombies are people too.

Character Development: Jack is able to take the reader through the full gambit of emotions for his main character. Spot on development.

Plot: We all know that the Zombie Apocalypse is coming so why not study up.

Dialogue: With the narrating from Jacob you have to wonder how Jack was able to know" what a zombie thinks. Besides "Brians"

Pacing: Count this review in with the rest of the one sitting reads.

Setting: Jack is able to convey a setting without going into intricate detail. In other words he gives just enough to the reader to know what colors to use but allows the reader to paint the portrait.

Continuity: A perfect start to what looks to be a perfect series.

Where to Find
Amazon
Smashwords
Barnes and Noble

Book Review: Zombie Exodus by Jim Dattilo

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Description from iTunes

Build your character and fight your way out of a zombie-filled city to save your sister in this interactive horror fiction story. Gather supplies and weapons while avoiding the military, bandits, and living dead. Your choices alone control the story.

Review

Seeing as how this is more an interactive story for an Android Device or Apple Device my review will have to be given in a different format. First of all this is a Free story on both Apple and Android devices and is also available for viewing online. I thought the author did very well with the story line and gave some interesting choices to make throughout the story. I was disappointed that there are still needs in development but it shows that this will be an ever growing narrative. This is def something that the enthusiastic Zombie Apocalypse Reader can get into.

Where to Find
iTunes
Android
Choice of Games

Author Interview: Cynthia Echterling author of Scavengers

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About your book: Scavengers

What does it mean to be human? It is one thing for anthropologist, Thomas Martin, to study the savages who live in the ruins, eating rats, garbage and their own dead. It is quite another to become one of them and survive. Scavengers is a post-apocalyptic story of devastation and rebirth.

Free Book Reviews
What do you think readers will find most notable about this book?

Cynthia Echterling
When I tell people what the book is about, many expect it to be horror. It has cannibals in it, right? But readers are suprised by how well developed the characters are, how I take you inside their heads and how sympathetic they, the reader, becomes toward the very realistic people in this novel.

Free Book Reviews
Have you acquired any good anecdotes surrounding this book? If so, could you share one?

Cynthia Echterling
The first person to read this book was my brother. He would come home from work and right away start reading. when I asked him about it, he said it made him hungry. I was shocked. He said especially the part about hunting ducks and pigeons. My brother was an invaluable resource on hunting, survival skills and how to fight dirty.

Free Book Reviews
Did researching and writing this book teach you anything or influence your thinking in any way?

Cynthia Echterling
Anthropology is a long term interest of mine. One thing I found interesting: In the book, certain peoples have been designated by the government as sub-human. Since they were discovered, Neanderthals too, were usually considered a less evolved species. In the past year, genetics research has shown that most of us carry Neanderthal genes and, since then, reporting has upgraded them to intelligent with any skills previously thought beyond their capabilities. It seems to parallel what I wrote years ago.

Free Book Reviews
What would you most like readers to tell others about this book?

Cynthia Echterling
To read it, of course! but seriously folks, I hope beyond being exciting, I hope they say it was thought provoking and I hope the ending gives them happy tears.

Free Book Reviews
Can you suggest one question readers might find interesting to discuss, concerning you, your writing in general, or this book?

Cynthia Echterling
What does it mean to be human, and what does it mean to be humane?

Free Book Reviews
How can readers help you promote this book?

Cynthia Echterling
Spread the word and if you purchase it on Amazon or Smashwords, come back and rate or review it. I also appreciate personal commnets emailed to me.

Also visit my website and check out my other books and videos at http://www.welikehumans.com

About You: Cynthia Echterling

I live in Indiana, but have also lived in Georgia where this story takes place. My training is in experimental psychology and I am an Army veteran. I am also an artist and dabble in animation and voice over. And! I'm one of those crazy writers who live alone with just a cat.

Free Book Reviews
Why do you write?

Cynthia Echterling
One of the cool things about being a writer is that you get to sit around staring off into space and call it working!

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What is your greatest strength as a writer?

Cynthia Echterling
I'm told I'm odd. Don't know if that's a strength, but it is a characteristic of my work. I'm also told my characters are well developed and my dialogue is realistic.

Free Book Reviews
What quality do you most value in yourself?

Cynthia Echterling
There are only hints of it in this particular book (comic relief) but I'm usually pretty funny! I'm also very nice person, though shy at times.

Free Book Reviews
In addition to writing, what else are you passionate about?

Cynthia Echterling
As I said, I'm also an artist and I love drawing my characters to get to know them. I'm also terminally curious and love learning new stuff.

Free Book Reviews
What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in your life?

Cynthia Echterling
Knowing that there are people who I have helped make their lives better.

Free Book Reviews
Is there any new or established author whom you feel deserves more attention, and what is it that strikes you about his or her work?

Cynthia Echterling
I just started reading Flight of the Sorcerress by Barry Wildorf. It's an historical novel about the last librarian at the Library of Alexandria and a woman who is a healer during the fall of Rome. I know he did a LOT of research but he incorporates it so well into the story, it doesn't feel like research.

Intrigued by this interview? Then hop on over to Cynthia Echterling's Website or find her book at the following:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Smashwords
Sony

SOPA and PIPA were dropped by Congress today

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Hi everyone!

A big hurrah to you!!!!! We’ve won for now -- SOPA and PIPA were dropped by Congress today -- the votes we’ve been scrambling to mobilize against have been cancelled.

The largest online protest in history has fundamentally changed the game. You were heard.

On January 18th, 13 million of us took the time to tell Congress to protect free speech rights on the internet. Hundreds of millions, maybe a billion, people all around the world saw what we did on Wednesday. See the amazing numbers here and tell everyone what you did.

This was unprecedented. Your activism may have changed the way people fight for the public interest and basic rights forever.

The MPAA (the lobby for big movie studios which created these terrible bills) was shocked and seemingly humbled. “‘This was a whole new different game all of a sudden,’ MPAA Chairman and former Senator Chris Dodd told the New York Times. ‘[PIPA and SOPA were] considered by many to be a slam dunk.’”

“'This is altogether a new effect,' Mr. Dodd said, comparing the online movement to the Arab Spring. He could not remember seeing 'an effort that was moving with this degree of support change this dramatically' in the last four decades, he added."

Tweet with us, shout on the internet with us, let's celebrate: Round of applause to the 13 million people who stood up - #PIPA and #SOPA are tabled 4 now. #13millionapplause

IWU Blog Tour: Susan Ricci author of Dinosaurs and Cherry Stems

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Please help us welcome Susan Ricci to our blog! Also help support IWU on Facebook by joining!

Free Book Reviews
If you were a tree (or animal) what kind of tree (animal) would you be?

Susan Ricci
Ah, gee, there was a time when I thought I'd like to be reincarnated as a stud horse, but now I'd just like to be a well cared-for Maple tree, housing the birds in summer, relaxing in the autumn, and having a long winter's nap before awakening in the spring.

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What is your favorite color?

Susan Ricci
My favorite color has always been any shade of red.

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You are invited to a large cocktail party at a country club. When you arrive, the room where the party is being held is already over half full of people. How do they react to you when you enter the room?

Susan Ricci
When I enter a cocktail party, people don't really notice me immediately, since I'm fairly petite, but once I get to conversing, I'm not exactly what you'd call the life of the party, but a small contributor to it.

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Why are manhole covers round?

Susan Ricci
Manhole covers are round because a man designed them that way. If they were called woman hole covers, what shape do YOU think they'd be? ;-)

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What is your favorite drink?

Susan Ricci
I favor 2-tea and spritzers.

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What would I find in your refrigerator right now?

Susan Ricci
My refrigerator contains breakfast essentials, (eggs, bacon, butter, milk, orange juice, half and half), spritzer essentials, (white wine and seltzer), diet sodas (yuck, those are Joe's), and condiments of all kinds, because I like to cook. My freezer is full of veggies, meats, and seafood. Maybe pancakes leftover from this morning...

Free Book Reviews
What is the last book you read?

Susan Ricci
I just finished Portrait of a Spy by Daniel Silva, and now dividing my time between Rally Killer by Allen Schatz and The Crystal Warrior by Mike Cooley. They're both terrific authors.

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If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional. with whom would it be?

Susan Ricci
I'm not really interested in trading places with anyone right now, because I'm very happy with my life. Maybe a few years back, I'd liked to have been Elizabeth Taylor, but in her middle years and without her various illnesses.

Free Book Reviews
What was the last movie you went to see?

Susan Ricci
The Descendants, George Clooney (sigh)

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What is your favorite movie (song)?

Susan Ricci
Moon Dance (the song), Gone With the Wind, of course!

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If aliens landed in front of you and, in exchange for anything you desire, offered you any position on their planet, what would you want?

Susan Ricci
I'd like to be the editor-in-chief of an alien newspaper, making a fabulous salary.

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If you could be any character in fiction, whom would you be?

Susan Ricci
I have so many favorite characters in fiction, I'd like to have some DNA from them all!

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If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role as you?

Susan Ricci
Yikes, I guess Michelle Pheiffer.

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If you could be a superhero, what would you want your superpowers to be?

Susan Ricci
I'd like to be a mind-reader, about five foot ten, and resembling Wonder Woman.

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If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?

Susan Ricci
She's Short, but Has a Mighty Fine Mind

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If you had only six months left to live, what would you do with the time?

Susan Ricci
Spend time with my family and the love of my life traveling.

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If you were a type of food, what type of food would you be?

Susan Ricci
Prime Rib!

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If you were a salad, what kind of dressing would you have?

Susan Ricci
Thousand Island.

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If you were written about in the newspaper, on the front page, what would the headline say?

Susan Ricci
Local Author Hits NY TImes Best Seller List Eighteen Months Running

Free Book Reviews
What makes you angry?

Susan Ricci
Waste, snarkiness, the duplicity of politicians, and lousy drivers.


Now on to your book: Dinosaurs and Cherry Stems

Title of your book? Dinosaurs and Cherry Stems

Description?

My current project, Dinosaurs and Cherry Stems, is the humorous tale of of a recovered divorcee who lands in an unexpected, sometimes turbulent, midlife relationship. Each chapter portrays how she and her man contend with keeping their baggage out of the equation, while discovering mutual love and respect within the boundaries of their unique connection.

Links of where it can be found.

The book can be found on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc, (hopefully), when it's published late this summer. I'm still revising...


Your Blog/website http://www.susanjeanricci.com (for blogging about just everything) and http://www.dumpyurstuff.com (for people who need a place to rant in private)--it's actually a fun site. And of course Twitter @susanjeanricci

Book Review: Prophecy Moon by Laura Eno

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Description from Amazon

Loner Travis O'Conner becomes the unwilling champion of a mysterious seer who plunges him into another dimension. His only guide—a deck of Tarot cards in her possession.

He falls in love with a woman who may not be his ally, while battling wizards intent on destroying him. Must Travis lose his love in order to save his world?

Review

Overall Feedback: Eno draws the reader into the action right off the bat and keeps pounding the action into your reading imagination and still manages to add a bit of romance into the story. Plenty of reviews will state that this is a page turner and that they could not put it down. But I say from the start to the finish it will not be that you can not put it down, it will be that you will not WANT to put it down.

Point of View: Fall in love, seek adventure, go on a quest to deliver something enchanted and live in a fantasy all from the safety of your mind all vicariously through Travis.

Voice: Inner struggle and how it can affect us all while immersing the reader in Fantasy and Romance. Perfection!

Character Development: Because the action starts with a bang it takes a bit to really develop the characters but I believe Eno wanted to catch the reader's attention and allow her characters to grow on and with the reader. Just as characters should develop.

Plot: The action could have caused a mess of the plot but Eno obviously took the time to carefully align the plot and pace.

Dialogue: Seemingly dry at times but for the most part added to the character development.

Pacing: Not to repeat myself, okay to repeat myself. Plenty of reviews will state that this is a page turner and that they could not put it down. But I say from the start to the finish it will not be that you can not put it down, it will be that you will not WANT to put it down.

Setting: Travis's world is magical, fantastical and stimulates the imagination bone.

Continuity: One word. FLAWLESS!

Where to Find
Amazon
Smashwords
Author's Website

Ravyn's Loft...Random Rantings: Hello blogger world

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Ravyn's Loft...Random Rantings: Hello blogger world: Hello Bloggers,       This will be my first ever blog posting as I have never had the time to blog before. The blog site I am creating here...

This is my friends new blog. Please hop on over and welcome her to the blogosphere and share with anyone you care to. Thanks

Author Interview: Michael Meyer author of The Famous Union

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About your book: The Famous Union

THE FAMOUS UNION is a rollicking romp through the halls of academia. The often eccentric characters, most of whom have opposing agendas, are met with total frustration as the power-that-be make such absurd decisions in this time of severe global economic hardship. It is timely read since what is happening at this small college is taking place throughout the country and the world today. This short novel will make you laugh and cry, maybe even at the same time.

Free Book Reviews
What do you think readers will find most notable about this book?

Michael Meyer
It is such a timely read since there is such a shortage of money to go around, and the decision makers seem incapable of doing anything to alleviate the situation. The problems at Famous Union College, though comical in nature, will surely hit home with most readers.

Free Book Reviews
Have you acquired any good anecdotes surrounding this book? If so, could you share one?

Michael Meyer
A friend of mine, after reading it, said that the United States Congress itself could not outdo the damage that the power-that-be at Famous Union College have created. The thought made me laugh.

Free Book Reviews
Did researching and writing this book teach you anything or influence your thinking in any way?

Michael Meyer
Since I recently retired from a 40-year career as a college professor, experiencing almost everything imaginable in my lengthy academic career, writing the book made me realize that almost anything is possible today in this time of terrible financial strain, and the thought scares me to death.

Free Book Reviews
What would you most like readers to tell others about this book?

Michael Meyer
I would like my readers to tell others about the very existence of my novel. Writing is thoroughly enjoyable, but the marketing end, my greatest weakness by far, is my Waterloo, so to speak. I depend heavily upon word-of-mouth recommendations and customer reviews posted to my Amazon site.

Free Book Reviews
Can you suggest one question readers might find interesting to discuss, concerning you, your writing in general, or this book?

Michael Meyer
How can a small group of individuals be allowed to make such momentous decisions that ultimately affect all of us?

Free Book Reviews
How can readers help you promote this book?

Michael Meyer
Let others know about its existence. Guide them to my Amazon site. Leave customer reviews on my Amazon site. Everything and anything you can do via word of mouth, Facebook, Twitter, blogs, and reviews written on my own Amazon site will be very helpful.

About You: Michael Meyer

After a forty-year career of teaching writing at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand; The University of Petroleum and Minerals, in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; Utah State University; Portland State University; The College of the Virgin Islands; and finally retiring from Riverside Community College, I am now devoting much of his retirement to his own writing. My two short humorous novels have been published on Amazon Kindle.

Free Book Reviews
Why do you write?

Michael Meyer
I love words and what they can evoke when creatively strung together. I enjoy bringing humor to even very serious situations. We, as human beings, are all in this together, so communication in crucial. I think I have something to say that can end up bringing thoughtful pleasure to others.

Free Book Reviews
What is your greatest strength as a writer?

Michael Meyer
I like the eccentric characters I create. I laugh with them, cry with them, and learn from them. I care about them, and I do everything to get the words just right at all times.

Free Book Reviews
What quality do you most value in yourself?

Michael Meyer
I see myself as an optimist even when pessimism seems to be called for in this chaotic yet wonderful world of ours.

Free Book Reviews
In addition to writing, what else are you passionate about?

Michael Meyer
I am an avid reader and an avid world traveler. I have lived overseas numerous times, and I try to travel internationally at least once every year.

Free Book Reviews
What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in your life?

Michael Meyer
I had a wonderful teaching career, and I have been told that I touched the lives of so many.

Free Book Reviews
Is there any new or established author whom you feel deserves more attention, and what is it that strikes you about his or her work?

Michael Meyer
I just recently reread John Steinbeck. It is not that he deserves more attention, but we need ensure that his works are never forgotten. He was a tremendous writer--what a way with words!

Intrigued by this interview? Then hop on over to Michael Meyer's website or find his book at the following:
Amazon
Amazon UK
Amazon DE

Author Interview: C D Swanson author of The Inner Office Of Samantha Evans

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About your book: The Inner Office Of Samantha Evans

It is a psychological drama, filled with suspense and intrique. The story centers around the beautiful and kind psychologist Samantha Evans, who helps others but has yet to help herself. While treating a young man, she begins to have flashbacks, escalating in frequency. It is while treating this man, that her past comes back slowly. Will she eventually figure out what happened in her life while treating this patient. This is a journey for both patient and Doctor as they confront demons from their past.

Free Book Reviews
What do you think readers will find most notable about this book?

C D Swanson
How helping someone else can at times bring about a "transformation of self" as you gain perspective through their circumstances.

Free Book Reviews
Have you acquired any good anecdotes surrounding this book? If so, could you share one?

C D Swanson
"looking through the eyes of another can take your vision to a higher level of understanding."

Free Book Reviews
Did researching and writing this book teach you anything or influence your thinking in any way?

C D Swanson
No, not really.

Free Book Reviews
What would you most like readers to tell others about this book?

C D Swanson
That it is a psychological drama that unfolds before your eyes, with romance, mystery and suspense. It also is the first of many installments, which of course is a "series" to come.

Free Book Reviews
Can you suggest one question readers might find interesting to discuss, concerning you, your writing in general, or this book?

C D Swanson
Yes. "What kind of influence do you have on others due to your childhood experiences?"

Free Book Reviews
How can readers help you promote this book?

C D Swanson
By tweeting, facebook, and blogging...

About You: C D Swanson

I am a Christian who loves God fully and totally. I love my husband, and our "little boy Max." And, I love to help others through encouragement, and counsel of their hearts.

Free Book Reviews
Why do you write?

C D Swanson
Because I am following the "love" that God placed in my heart, and accepting His gift He so lovingly gave me.

Free Book Reviews
What is your greatest strength as a writer?

C D Swanson
The ability to focus on what is right, and the colorful characters I bring to life.

Free book Reviews
What quality do you most value in yourself?

C D Swanson
My Faith.

Free Book Reviews
In addition to writing, what else are you passionate about?

C D Swanson
God. My husband, our "boy" family, friends...And, love for animals and the elderly.

Free Book Reviews
What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in your life?

C D Swanson
My first book "Dear God with Love" which was a complete book of poems straight from my heart and directly to God.

Free Book Reviews
Is there any new or established author whom you feel deserves more attention, and what is it that strikes you about his or her work?

C D Swanson
She is not published yet...But I would say Joni LeRette-Flores. She has a gift which was given to her from God, and she writes with humor, truth and a sentiment of which is an obvious pure and raw talent. Take a peek at her website and see for yourself. www.goduroc.com

Intrigued by this interview? Then hop on over to C D Swanson's Amazon Profile or get her book at the following:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Tower

Top 25 Books Reviewed On Free Book Reviews for 2011

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So every book blog has a best of list and we figured we would not be any different in that aspect. In order to decide on how the books got rank Free Book Reviews used the following criteria:

Overall Quality of the book. (Pacing, Character Development, Setting, Point of View, Voice, Plot, Dialogue and Continuity)

Presentation of storyline. (Writing Style)


So without further delay here are the top 25 books reviewed on this blog for 2011.


1) Indie Chicks by 25 Awesome Indie Female Authors
2) Amazon by Rebecca Weinstein
3) Kissed by Fire (Sunwalker Saga) by Shéa MacLeod
4) Hidden Heart by Camelia Miron Skiba
5) Judgment Rising: The Rys Chronicles Book III by Tracy Falbe
6) Along Came a Demon by Linda Welch
7) Angel's Requiem by Kate Kindle
8) Darkside: Waking the Dead by S.K.S. Perry
9) Treasure Me by Christine Nolfi
10) The Treasures of Carmelidrium by N. R. Williams
11) Alex Meets Zorba (The Minimonsters) by Christine DeMaio-Rice
12) Black Earth: The End of Innocence by David N. Alderman
13) Appalachian Justice by Melinda Clayton
14) Apolo Drakuvich (The Lost Souls of San Pinto) by G. W. Jefferies
15) God Touched by John Conroe
16) Blue, Selected Short Stories Vol. Two by Wodke Hawkinson
17) Strength of a Giant by Tony Passarelli
18) The Dinosaur Games by Christopher Gordon
19) Birthright by RJ Palmer
20) Dark Poison: A Mike Angel Private Eye Mystery by David H Fears
21) Pixie Tales by Francine L. Trevens
22) Page Truly and The Journey To Nearandfar by LB Gschwandtner
23) Infinite Possibilities: Chronicles Vol. 2: 2858-2862 by Joe Pranaitis
24) Hemingway Point by Nora Carroll
25) The Tales of Aradia: The Last Witch by LA Jones


So there you have it. Our picks for the best of 2011. Hope you enjoy.

Book Review: You Don't Need a Prince: A Letter to My Daughter by Cheryl Shireman

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Description from Amazon

Timeless advice on love for women of all ages!

As women, so many of us buy into the myth that we need a prince to live happily ever after - or at least our version of a prince. In reality, like the Good Witch tells Dorothy, YOU always had the power. You don't need a prince to be happy. The power to be happy lies within.

Now, instead of a fairytale, let a true story inspire you (or your daughter or a friend).

This book began as an email from a mother to a daughter in college at Indiana University. The daughter was going through a tough time in her relationship. She had mixed emotions about ending her current relationship because she simply did not want to hurt him. To make matters worse, she had just met another man. A man she was head over heels in love with. Amid this turmoil, her mother sent her an email with words of advice about love and relationships. About the myth that every girl needs a Prince.

The daughter loved the email so much that she began forwarding it to her friends. And so the chain began, women reaching out to women.

And now that email has been turned into a book for you to share with the women in your life.

Review

Normally when I review a book on this blog I have several criteria that I run through in order to give an idea to readers on if it will be worth the read. In saying this I had to modify the review template in order to review this one seeing as how this is a short story of about 2500 words. Now on to the review:

Without going into explicit details I can honestly say that this is a book(email) that is going to make it to the shelves of all the women still searching for happiness and love in my life. Shireman's email to her daughter Scarlett is an emotional, touching ride full of undiluted truths. She points out to her daughter (and many other women) what pitfalls they create for themselves and that setting expectations on others that are impossible to accomplish is self destructive to oneself. This heartfelt advise should be preached, painted and told to every girl in every corner of the globe. I also believe that this is a book that boys should read. While boys may find it difficult at first to comprehend or understand how this applies to them maybe they can see the bigger picture. Sometimes in our lives we meet that perfect woman (for me RJ Palmer) and we fail to see that by pushing us away harder and setting higher expectations on us we are only finding ourselves closer to their hearts. If we can recognize this and practice the patience spoken of in this book, along with sharing honesty with them we shall find the path together. If you have yet to read this book (email) take a moment to download and read this one. Once you are done, read it again. Now sit and think of the choices that you have made in your life, the relationships won and lost and I dare you not to see that at one time you were the same. This is not about settling for "Mr. or Ms. Right" it is about knowing that our expectations of them ruins and prevents finding them.

Where to Find
Amazon
Author's Website