FEATURED BOOK REVIEW - CHASE INC. VOL. 1 & 2
CHASE INC. VOL. 1 & 2
"The child who is not embraced by the village, will burn it down to feel its warmth."
-African Proverb
Chase Volumes 1 & 2 introduce us to harsh realities that exist in the world we live in. It reminds us that not everyone is afforded the same opportunities for simple things like love, safety, food, respect.
This story takes place in New York and centers around five young girls who banded together in an attempt to survive. The style that the story is delivered is akin to a documentary format. It opens with the introduction of two sisters who in one night were introduced into a horrific world that no child or human should have to endure. I won't go into detail here. You will have to read the series.
The story moves along in the same fashion delivering gritty, raw, real life scenarios with a sprinkle of eroticism. The characters were interesting. The storyline moved quickly and held my interest throughout. I'm interested to see how the series will progress, especially as the women move into adulthood.
If you are sensitive, please take heed to the trigger warnings that are listed. 
You can purchase your ebook, paperback or audio by clicking the button below. Enjoy!
Each of his novels earned 5 out of 5 stars, critical acclaim and sells internationally. The honor of knowing his books are in home libraries in the US and other nations is humbling. Genres: Urban Fiction, Crime, Erotica, Thriller, Political, LGBTQ, & Alternate Universe.
Abd’ al Halim K. Rashad was raised on Reggae and American Pop music. Born to a Jamaican family residing in Brooklyn, NY, Halim bore witness to the atrocities of life growing up with an abusive father involved in nearly every aspect of crime throughout NYC in the 70s and 80s.
Halim’s influences are The Almighty, Chinua Achebe, J.M. Coetzee, Alice Walker, bell hooks, Orhan Pamuk, Albert Camus, Samuel Clemens, Earnest Hemingway, William Golding, Spike Lee, Edgar Allen Poe, Robert Browning, William Shakespeare, and V.S. Naipaul.
While still an aspiring musician and songwriter, Halim found himself following in his father's footsteps to make ends meet and build his name in that world. Arrested at 16, Halim faced 15 years in prison when he was wrongfully accused of attempted robbery (with a litany of charges attached). By 18, the case was dismissed and sealed. He went on to work with many of the big name rap artists of that era, including WuTang Clan, and many more.
Today, Halim is a father, author, poet, and educator. He has worked with members of Wu-Tang Clan, interned at the legendary Cold Chillin’ Records at the age of fourteen, and taught the art songwriting to many developing artists. As of late, Halim has been writing poetry and novels also. He has completed a collection of poetry titled, "Blurred Rephlekshunz, Vol. I; The Foul Doctrine" which, in fact, took more than twenty-five years to create. At present, Halim is working on a collection of novels, and a part two of the Blurred Rephlekshunz volumes.
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A Black Coffee Book Tour: The Shadow of the Mole
Release Day Feature & Review - Island Secrets by Nina Foxx
His boat came in, but Denise Martine’s husband, Charles, wasn’t on it. Almost a year later, with his death still a mystery, Denise retreats to their vacation home on Kiawah Island to begin to sort out his affairs and her feelings amongst a group of her friends, only to be confronted with the mystery he left behind. Although she must go on, Denise feels as if something is not quite right with her husband's mysterious disappearance. Her suspicions are compounded as an old flame from college, Trent, shows up and begins to poke around in what Denise considers to be a very private matter.
Published: July 25, 2022 Publisher: Clever Vixen Media, LLC Pages: 254 Genre: AA Mystery/Thriller
Review
This was my first read by the author and I was not disappointed. The author fused descriptive imagery to set the tone and to create the world of Kiawah Island and then layered in complex characters whose movements were shrouded in mystery.
The story opens with our protagonist Denise Martine returning to the cove to sort out her missing husband's estate and her own feelings add to that an ex who may or may not be a welcomed sight. I loved the bit of history that was a part of the story i.e. "the island was both protected and haunted by the spirits of slaves...". I enjoyed seeing Denise interact with the friends and residents of the island and uncovering her relationship and Denise's with the island and residents alike. The story moved at a moderate pace allowing Foxx to build on the mystery and suspense of "Where is Charles?" I actually had two scenarios for the ending and Foxx did not disappoint.
I wondered myself is he dead? Did he fake it? Was he alone? I won't divulge too much. I'll simply say that this was as good as watching 20/20 on a Friday night. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery steeped in suspense.
You can get your copy of Nina Foxx's latest release by clicking the button below.
Featured Post: Lucky Luke's Adventures Book Club
next up in childern's adventure!
FIRST DEER CHEER
ARE YOU READY FOR ANOTHER EXCITING ADVENTURE IN THE AWARD-WINNING LUCKY LUKE’S HUNTING ADVENTURES SERIES? CRYSTAL AND HER FRIEND MEGAN ARE SO EXCITED WHEN THEIR DADS TAKE THEM TO NORTHERN MINNESOTA FOR THEIR FIRST DEER HUNTING EXPERIENCE. YOU WON’T BELIEVE ALL THE CRITTERS THE GIRLS SEE FROM THEIR DEER STANDS! SO, DIVE INTO THIS ADVENTURE AND GET READY TO CHEER FOR CRYSTAL AND MEGAN AS THEY TRY TO GET THEIR FIRST DEER!
Minnesota author, speaker and outdoor enthusiast Kevin Lovegreen, finds great joy inspiring kids to read, write and enjoy the outdoors. Young readers follow Lucky Luke on amazing hunting and fishing adventures, in his award winning book series, Lucky Luke’s Hunting Adventures. As a world class speaker, Lovegreen uses his unique outdoor theme to inspire, teach and entertain kids. Visiting schools and connecting with the kids is one of his favorite things to do. Please contact him today, your kids will thank you.
you can engage with the author via: Instagram or Website
Blackthorn Book Tour: The Beached Ones
About The Beached Ones
Daniel and his younger brother grew up in
an abusive home. Daniel escaped. Now an established stunt rider, he intends to
go back to rescue his brother. But then one jump goes horribly wrong . . .
He recovers to find himself in Iowa,
unscathed, yet his life has drastically changed. His best friend won’t answer
his calls. Even his girlfriend is hiding something. Increasingly terrified, he
clings to the one thing he knows: He must pick up his brother in San Francisco.
In five days.
From the isolating fields of Iowa to the
crowded streets of San Francisco, Daniel must fight his way through a fog of
disjointed memories and supernatural encounters to face the truth and pay a
debt he didn’t know he owed.
Praise for The Beached Ones
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“A suspenseful ghost story that takes the reader on an existential tightrope walk to an emotionally charged ending.” Lance Thompson, Ghostwriter and Script Doctor
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This profound and heart-rending novel
satisfies on multiple levels. It’s an inspiring story of a brotherly bond that
only strengthens when tested, a chilling glimpse into the heart of evil, and a
riveting exploration of the mysteries and possibilities of the afterlife.
Through the moving personal journeys of the central characters, it shows how
the power of love may transcend even death, and how even when we are immersed
in darkness, there is reason to hold onto hope and look for the light. This
book continues to haunt me, in the best of ways. Goodreads review
The Beached Ones by Colleen M. Story is a
major achievement in fantasy and paranormal novel-writing, which verges on
magic realism with its narrative techniques. The author’s world-building and
characterization are two absorbing and intriguing features. Story has penned a
work that is at once spellbinding, enigmatic, yet literary. It’s a book that
mesmerizes—you won’t be able to cease following the emotional saga until the
very end, despite feelings of anguish and enormous heartache. Goodreads review
About the Author
As a full-time freelance health writer,
Colleen has authored thousands of articles for publications like Healthline and
Women’s Health, worked with high-profile clients in the healthcare industry,
and ghostwritten wellness books. She frequently serves as a workshop leader and
motivational speaker, where she helps attendees remove mental and emotional
blocks and tap into their unique creative powers.
A lifelong musician, Colleen plays the
French horn in her local symphony and pit orchestras. When not writing, she’s
walking, reading, and exploring the beautiful Northwest. To learn more, see her
website (colleenmstory.com), motivational blog (writingandwellness.com), and
mystical blog (lifeandeverythingafter.com), and connect with her on Twitter
(@colleen_m_story).
· Genre: Paranormal Suspense · Print length: 350 pages · Age range: This is an adult book · Trigger warnings: Themes of loss, childhood abuse and suicide; plot includes: deaths resulting from various causes including suicide, an incident of threatened injury to a child, some isolated violent scenes, a scene of self harm
Blackthorn Book Tour: The Portable Nine
About The Portable Nine
Meet Davenport, also known as the Mad Marksman of Malta. He is a hunter. Not of game or fowl, but of men. What he hunts he finds, and what he finds he exterminates—until his trusty revolver fails him at a crucial moment in Italy, that is, leaving a job unfinished and his resolve shaken. Mistakenly thinking the blow has been struck, a criminal mastermind known as the Black Phantom performs a cruel act of retaliation. The once and would-be assassin has no choice but to reunite with a storied band of skilled mercenaries in an effort to exact revenge.
Davenport. Abel Hazard. Miranda Gissing. Dr. Joseph Intaglio. Mr. Bonnet. Twitch Markham. The Butcher. Lovinia Dulcet. Robin Varnesse. These are the Portable Nine. They operate outside the law, but they are not without a code of ethics. Outcasts all, they are heroes to the underdog and enemies of the ruthless. Intelligent and fearless, they will stop at nothing to see that their brand of justice is meted out.
Purchase your copy by clicking the button below.
Praise for The Portable Nine
A reinvigorated gang of nine fearless yet curiously likable villains springs into action…. The author keeps all his characters spinning, though some naturally dominate, right through the rather rushed but satisfying ending. A creatively conceived, over-the-top thriller with plenty of room for more delicious treachery. Kirkus review
⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you took, oh, say… James Bond, John Wick, Sam Spade, Nate Ford, and Danny Ocean and mixed them all together until somehow they popped out a group of nine vigilante hit men (and women) with varying degrees of morality, you’d have a pretty good start on this book.
The Portable Nine are nine such characters, a group of individuals with unique and deadly talents, who on occasion work together to defeat those who practice evil without reservation. In this particular story, it’s a shadowy (and often…naked?) villain called the Black Phantom who has caused the forces of the Portable Nine to assemble once more after years of quiet, and the quest to stop the nefarious evildoer will take the Nine across continents, will make them question their trust in each other, will sink everyone involved deep into intrigue and suspense, and will just in general be a pretty dang good adventurous time for you, the reader. Amazon Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mesling is brilliant with the pen, I cannot imagine reading a thriller with this type of prose. This was the perfect pallet cleanser for the avid horror reader. I could see this on everyone’s summer TBR. Amazon Review
A Blackthorn Book Tour: The Hag of the Hills
Hag of the Hills by J.T.T. Ryder: Book Information
·
About Hag of the Hills
“Nothing is unconquerable; even our gods
can die.”
Brennus is destined from birth to become a
warrior, despite his farmer’s life. But when the Hillmen kill his family and
annihilate his clan, he now has the opportunity to avenge those whom he loved.
Brennus must survive endless hordes of
invading Hillmen and magic-wielding sidhe, aided by only a band of shifty
mercenaries, and an ancient bronze sword.
Failure means his family and clan go
unavenged. Victory will bring glory to Brennus and his ancestors.
Hag of the Hills is a heroic fantasy novel
set in 200 B.C. on the Isle of Skye, steeped in Celtic mythology and culture.
Genre: Historical fantasy · Print length: 288 pages · Age range: This is an adult book but suitable for mature teens age 16+ · Trigger warnings: Violent deaths; deaths of family members; human sacrifice, . · Amazon Rating: 4.5*
Praise for Hag of the Hills
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
In depicting this world, Ryder is seeking
create not just a historically possible world, but a historically possible consciousness.
He is trying to depict, through fiction, what it may have been like to inhabit
that world, to see it through eyes which have seen no other, to be born and die
in it. So (unlike the Hollywood version of the period) his characters are not
modern people with familiar sensibilities, fancifully adorned with flowing
clothes and archaic weapons, elecuting olde english. They are very different
from us. They see the world very differently. The emotional landscape is
shockingly unfamiliar… I was utterly compelled by it…. This is a consummate achievement
of storytelling. Amazon Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is a historical novel about iron age
people living in a conflict-ravaged island off ancient Britain, where death –
frequently violent – is everywhere. An old soldier tells his tale, complete
with some encounters with the gods of his day.
If you love history, you will love this
story for the authenticity of its research; if you love anthropology, you will
relish this portrayal of a mindset and a social order.
(No doubt plenty of readers will love the
gory battle scenes too. Battles aren’t my thing, but if they are yours, and you
like them ‘vivid’, you will be deeply rewarded.) Amazon Review
About the Author
Joseph Thomas Thor Ryder is an
archaeologist and author of the heroic fantasy trilogy, THE BRONZE SWORD
CYCLES. Book 1 and 2 are Hag of the Hills and The Lion of Skye, alongside their
prequel, Tomb of the Blue Demons.
He is a published author of Viking
archaeology, and a doctoral candidate specializing in the Viking Age and Celtic
Iron Age. He lives in Norway where he conducts archaeological research and
writes heroic fantasy set in historical periods.