Month: February 2018

February 12, 2018

The Good Man Book Review

Who is The Good Man in a world where an enemy may be a friend, an ally may be the enemy, and governments deny everything?

About The Good Man

In 1948, Vienna was divided among four powers: France, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Jack Marshall had served with Walker during the war, and now, working together for The Company, they are tasked to do the inconceivable. Could former Nazis really be recruited to assist the U.S. in the atomic race? As their team moves forward, they quickly discover they are not the only ones looking for these men. And the others in the search may just have the objective of murder.

In this tale of historical noir, of corruption and deceit, no one is who they say they are. Who is The Good Man in a world where an enemy may be a friend, an ally may be the enemy, and governments deny everything?

My Thoughts

Friends, enemies, spies, deceit all in the backdrop of post World War II Vienna – The Good Man has it all and more.

I LOVED LOVED LOVED this novel. I could not put it down. The plot itself was completely unique and was not what I was expecting at all. The novel is set in post World War II Vienna, where the effects of the war can still be seen in both the people and the architecture. It is here that two war veterans come together again with a task that many of us could not understand. In a race against the Russians, the Americans are looking for information from former Nazis. The only problem? They are not the only ones who are looking for these former Nazi members and the others looking for them have a more deadly agenda on their mind – revenge and murder.

Into this is thrown an alluring analyst, a young girl who has seen far more than she should have ever seen and a missing coin that is highly valued. Who can you trust when everywhere you turn you find lies and death? How do you even keep yourself alive amidst the corruption and torture?

This novel was laid out in an exciting manner with the plot ever-expanding and changing. Just when we think we know what is going to happen next, Gabriel throws in quite the twist (and maybe even a murder!). I learned a lot from this novel and did some of my own research afterwards, I find that this is the mark of a great novel – making you think and crave for more. It is well written and thought out, Gabriel puts his all in his work and this is definitely one of his best novels so far. Historical, suspense and all readers alike will love this novel.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

Rating: 5+/5

About the Author

Gabriel Valjan is the author of The Roma Series from Winter Goose Publishing. He lives in Boston, Massachusetts, where he enjoys the local restaurants, and his two cats, Squeak and Squawk, keep him honest to the story on the screen.

The Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

February 8, 2018

A Witch’s Path Book Two Review

In A Witch’s Path Book Two, most witches don’t work for police departments, but Michelle isn’t your average witch.

About A Witch’s Path Book Two

After a near death experience, Michelle has vowed to do her job, magical assistance for the police, and leave the heroics to someone else. Besides, life should be settling down for her since the trolls have been captured and the sorceress was neutralized. Unfortunately, the power behind the sorceress wants her dead, Elron starts acting funny, a magical creature wreaks havoc on a town, and there’s trouble with the werewolves. As if that wasn’t enough, the clans have started to notice her power and she has more reasons than ever to fear the clans.

Things go from bad to worse when Michelle’s best friend is abducted, and she must decide between her friend and her vow to stay out of dangerous situations.

My Thoughts

The follow-up to book one in A Witch’s Path series was just as good (if not better) than book one. I couldn’t wait to start this installment after listening to book one and Conneely does not disappoint!

After the ending of book one, Michelle would love just a bit of normalcy (which is hard to accomplish in a world of supernatural!). She wanted to leave all of the heroics to the police but somehow the adventure always seems to find her. Especially since someone wants to see her dead!! She tries to ignore the death the sorceress she helped captured in book one but when her friend is abducted, she knows that she needs more help and needs to fill others in on what is happening.

The plot in this story develops quickly and is very exciting. A lot of information is explained in this audiobook and leaves you craving for more. We learn more about the witches clans, Michelle’s personal family history, magical spells and the supernatural politics that rule their lives. We are introduced to more supernatural characters such as gargoyles and a t-rex, which I love about Conneely’s writing. She keeps you wanting more by the unique nature of her characters, she does not stick to the tried and true vampires, witches and werewolves.

I also loved the balance between the police suspense and mystery with some growing romance between Michelle and Elron, an Elf. I enjoyed that the romance does not distract from the suspense and plot of the story (there is nothing worse than following a story and then be distracted by a throw in romance that doesn’t always make much sense). Michelle is a strong, confident and growing in her strength as a witch. When she can’t get the help she needs, she takes matters into her own hands.

I fell in love with Michelle all over again and can no wait to listen to book three. This audiobook is definite must listen to!

You can purchase a copy of this audiobook on Audible. Listen to an excerpt here.

Rating: 5/5

About the Author

N.E. Conneely lives in northern Georgia with her dog and a mountain of books. They sweat through the summer and freeze through the winter, and life as they know it comes to an end when so much as a single snowflake falls out of the sky. For fun, N.E. plays with her dog, reads, knits, crochets, paints, and does tie-dyeing and origami. She makes a great pizza and is currently negotiating with her husband about raising sea monkeys and growing a vegetable garden.

About the Narrator

Jeff Hays has made a name for himself in the audio book world by creating immersive experiences out of his productions. His versatility and authenticity in voicing characters, expressive low-impact narration, and dedication to offering the highest quality audio possible has earned him a loyal following of listeners. Having been fascinated with sound since he can remember, Jeff takes his background of composing and producing music, and his continual consumption of the avalanche of fictional media we all experience in these modern times, and uses it to inform his style of story telling in the audiobook realm.

And now, having produced more than 80 audio books and perfecting his craft, using the namesake of his live streaming narration show, the Soundbooth Theater shingle has been hung. Soundbooth Theater is dedicated to applying Jeff’s production methods to new audio books with other budding narrator talent, and expanding his scope from audio books, to voicing and producing animation.

The Giveaway!

A Witch’s Path Series Giveaway: 3-Month Audible Membership

Disclosure: I received an audiobook in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

February 6, 2018

The Napping Princess DVD Review and Giveaway

Napping Princess is a film that shows that following your dreams is sometimes the best way to discover your past.

About Napping Princess

From visionary director Kenji Kamiyama (Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex and Eden of the East) comes a sci-fi fantasy that weaves together the rapidly evolving technology of today’s world with the fantastic imagination of the next generation. The Napping Princess was nominated for Best Animated Feature – Independent, at this year’s Annie Awards.

The year is 2020, three days before the opening of the Tokyo Olympics. While she should be studying for her exams, Kokone Morikawa often dozes off, entering a dream-world called Heartland that is full of fantastic motorized contraptions. But when her father, a talented but mysterious mechanic, is kidnapped for stealing technology from a powerful corporation, it is up to Kokone and her childhood friend Morio to save him.

Together they realize that Kokone’s dream-world holds the answers to the mystery behind the stolen technology, uncovering a trail of clues to her father’s disappearance and ultimately a surprising revelation about Kokone’s family.

Bonus Features:

Interview with Kenji Kamiyama
Special Interview with Cast
Intro at Japanese Release
Okayama Scenery
Special TV Program
Trailers and TV Spots

My Thoughts

I couldn’t wait to pop this DVD in as I fell in love with the cover image. I was (and still am) a huge fan of the Sailor Moon series and something about the cover brought back such great memories! This film is set in Japan in the future where technology is beyond what we could currently imagine.

Kokone is your typical teen, she has strong beliefs, a bit cheeky at times, loves to dream and has a tendency to drift off to sleep at the worst of times (which almost seems to be a joke between her and her friends) and enters her own magical dream world (which at first I thought was real!). Like many films similar to this genre, she also does a lot more than your typical teen would – she cooks for her Father (she almost seems to run the house!) and when her Father disappears she takes matters into her own hands. Along with her best friend, they set off with a stolen tablet, bike and begin on the journey to find her Father and to discover why he was taken in the first place.

I love the animation, it suited the film and plot. You can’t help but fall in love with Kokone. She has a huge heart and while her Father may drive her crazy at times, she would do anything to help him.

The film was roughly of two hours. I loved the theme of believing in yourself and chasing your dreams and never allowing the past to define the future.

The Napping Princess can be purchased on Amazon and Shout! Factory.

The Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received a copy of this DVD in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

February 6, 2018

SNAP! Change Your Personality in 30 Days Spotlight Tour

In SNAP! Change Your Personality in 30 Days, New York Times bestselling author Dr. Gary Small’s breakthrough plan to improve your personality for a better life!

About SNAP! Change Your Personality in 30 Days

Experts in psychiatry and psychology have long believed that our personalities are essentially set from early childhood and remain consistent throughout life. However, the latest scientific research contradicts this long-held assumption. New compelling evidence indicates that we can change our personalities – either on our own, with the help of a therapist, or a combination of the two – and meaningful personality change can be achieved in a snap! – as quickly as 30 days. These groundbreaking findings have shattered the false belief that we are locked into our negative personality traits – no matter how much they hinder our potential happiness and success.

As you read SNAP! you will gain a better understanding of who you are now, how others see you, and which aspects of yourself you’d like to change. You will acquire the tools you need to change your personality in just one month – it won’t take years of psychotherapy, self-exploration or re-hashing every single bad thing that’s ever happened to you. If you are committed to change, this book will provide a roadmap to achieving your goals and becoming a better you.

From New York Times bestselling author, head of the UCLA Longevity Center, and expert in neuroscience and human behavior, Dr. Gary Small, a practical look at the key components of personality development and tools and techniques for bringing the positive aspects of your personality to the forefront so you can become more successful, attractive, happier, and psychologically healthier.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

About the Authors

Dr. Gary Small, (Los Angeles, CA) is a professor of psychiatry and director of the UCLA Longevity Center* at the Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior. His research, supported by the NIH, has made headlines in the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times. Scientific American magazine named him one of the world’s leading innovators in science and technology. Dr. Small lectures internationally and frequently appears on the Today show, Good Morning America, PBS, and CNN. He has written six books, including the New York Times best seller, The Memory Bible.

Gigi Vorgan (Los Angeles, CA) has written, produced, and appeared in numerous feature films and television projects before teaming up with her husband, Dr. Gary Small, to co-write The Memory Bible, The Memory Prescription,The Longevity Bible, iBrain, The Other Side of the Couch, and The Alzheimer’s Prevention Program. She lives in Los Angeles with Dr. Small and their two children.

The Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: This is a spotlight tour. I received no compensation for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.

February 5, 2018

Tribal Affairs Spotlight Tour

In Tribal Affairs, Dahlia, a centuries old genie, lies hopelessly trapped in a damaged golden locket charm attached to an ankle bracelet. When Liana wears it for the first time, strange things begin to happen.

About Tribal Affairs

Dahlia, a centuries old genie, lies hopelessly trapped in a damaged golden locket charm attached to an ankle bracelet. Its owner, sixteen-year-old Liana, wears it for the first time during her father Jamison’s opening night illusion spectacular. Not only does its presence cause Jamison to folly his performance, but it also starts a chain of bizarre events that lead to a showdown with Dahlia’s mortal enemy, Stefan, and an unsuspecting romance between Liana and his son.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

About the Author

Matt Dallmann has a background in acting and holds a BFA from Marymount Manhattan College in New York City. His films and screenplays have been featured at film festivals across the United States including Cinequest, Big Apple Film Festival, Seattle’s True Independent Film Festival, DragonCon and Zero Independent Film Festival. His piano compositions have been published for commercial use and he is a member of ASCAP. Matt is also the Co-Founder and Vice President of the boutique medical billing firm VGA Billing Services, Inc. in New York City. He lives in New Jersey with his wife and two daughters.

You can connect with Matt on his website and Pinterest.

The Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: This is a spotlight tour post, I received no compensation for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.