Lost Angel by Ana Valen

Lost Angel by Ana Valen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lost Angel by Ana Valen opens with a harrowing scene that sets the tone for the book. Mia, the main character is in a foster home following the death of both her parents in a car accident. She proceeds to get beaten up by her enemies and gets no support from the powers that be. The story truly begins as her life intersects with Liam Forrester, an LAPD detective. This is a fascinating book with characters that are manipulative and calculating, and deceptively real, and sometimes it's hard to know which direction the book is going in. The author never fails to pull you in as a reader, creating a nuanced and addicting storyline. The back and forth pull keeps your interest, and as far as crime thrillers go, this one is perfectly rendered. Highly recommend it for some fine writing and a compelling story.

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Evil Robots, Killer Computers, and Other Myths: The Truth About AI and the Future of Humanity by Steven Shwartz

Evil Robots, Killer Computers, and Other Myths: The Truth About AI and the Future of Humanity by Steven Shwartz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Evil Robots, Killer Computers, and Other Myths: The Truth About AI and the Future of Humanity by Steven Shwartz discusses AI and its implications for society. This is surprisingly an easy-to-read book. The author manages to disseminate the information in a relatively simple manner, making what might appear to be a complicated subject, more accessible. With the advancement of AI, many are fearful of what might happen to us as humans as this technology explodes. The author sets out to dispel our fears and makes a case that AI is not going to take over the world or dominate society. Computers simply cannot think as well as humans. This is an enjoyable read, one that combines common sense with a touch of humor. For AI enthusiasts this is a perfect book, and for those who don't know the subject well, it will calm their fears. Highly recommend.

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The Happy Leader by Shawn Johal

The Happy Leader: A Leadership Fable about Transformation in Business and in Life by Shawn Johal
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Happy Leader: A Leadership Fable about Transformation in Business and in Life by Shawn Johal is a mindful and thoughtful story about the transformative power of forgiveness. Beyond being a parable, this tale expresses the dilemma facing many today, the downward spiral of just getting through life, instead of actually embracing it. Ethan and Ravi's friendship is at the core of this book, exposing nuances and realizations that you might not expect. This is an amalgamation of novel and self-help books, the execution of which is mesmerizing. A powerful book with relatable and real characters, this one resonates on a meaningful level and leaves you at peace once you finish reading. Read this book if you want to be re-awakened in a deeper way, and start a new journey in your life. Highly recommend it for a wonderful read.

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Cross that Bridge : The Effective Guide to Achieving Your Goals and Living a Purposeful Life by Samuel Jeremy Lucas

CROSS THAT BRIDGE: The Effective Guide to Achieving Your Goals and Living a Purposeful Life by Samuel Jeremy Lucas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

CROSS THAT BRIDGE: The Effective Guide to Achieving Your Goals and Living a Purposeful Life by Samuel Jeremy Lucas is an effectively written self-help book that will help you achieve your goals whatever they might be. There are a ton of strategies in this book to help you get your head straight and achieve your dream. With plenty of tips and actionable advice, this is the perfect book to read for when you want to actively look at your life and where you are headed. From building positive habits to dealing with procrastination the author has imparted his knowledge and experience to the reader. Looking inward and having self-awareness is key to achieving the kind of life you want according to the author. Highly readable and accessible this book is strongly recommended if you need a positive message and boost.

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The Veiled World by Vanessa Garden

The Veiled World by Vanessa Garden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Veiled World by Vanessa Garden is a well-written book with a compelling fantasy storyline. Amber is the main protagonist, and for her short young life, has experienced a lot. Most significant is the tragic death of her twin brother. For some reason, people in her small town blame her for his death. But now a new opportunity awaits, one that could open the door to new possibilities as Amber joins a group of fellow teenagers on a journey. Chosen by a billionaire to go to a secluded island for an escape and to test a new series of energy drinks, Amber thinks this is the chance of a lifetime. Little does she know what is in store for her and the others. Magical portals await, and the story proceeds nicely. Along with an innovative plot in this story, there are well-crafted characters and a sense of unease that permeates the book. This propels you along as a reader until you get to the final page. Highly recommend.

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HUMANS, GODS, AND HYBRIDS: CHILD 19 by Mark Marinaccio

HUMANS, GODS, AND HYBRIDS: CHILD 19 by Mark Marinaccio
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

HUMANS, GODS, AND HYBRIDS: Child 19: A First Contact, Sci-Fi Thriller by Mark Marinaccio is a fun science fiction thriller that compels you to read due to the fast pace right from the start. The book is about contact between aliens and humans and with the author's background, having experienced some paranormal things, it makes perfect sense. Of course, you have to suspend your disbelief while you read, but for avid science fiction fans, that should be no problem. There are touches of humor throughout, a strong and compelling plot, and a fast pace. Character development could have been a little deeper, and sometimes scene-setting seems a little rushed, but overall, this is a great read and perfect for a fun diversion. If you are into stories about alien and human hybrids, this is a perfect read. You will not be disappointed. An interesting read and a promising start for this author. Highly recommend.

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The Ancestor by Lee Matthew Goldberg

The Ancestor by Lee Matthew Goldberg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Ancestor by Lee Matthew Goldberg is a formidable story that requires a little suspension of disbelief. A man, Wyatt Barlow wakes up in the Alaskan wilderness in the present day only to see a hunter nearby who looks exactly like him. All Wyatt has is his journal dated 1898 and a mirror. They say everyone has a doppelganger, and in this story, it forms the basis for all that follows. This is a fascinating story that takes a look at familial history, perceptions of time, all while providing epic descriptions of the Alaskan scenery. The characters are rather rough and gruff, so much so that they can be a little difficult to relate to, however, the undercurrents of tension and adventure suit the plot well. This is both a thriller and a suspenseful mystery rolled into one package. The author has a way with language that certainly pulls you into the story. Hang on for a wild ride, a unique premise, and skillful writing. Highly recommend.

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Back to You by Steve Bates

Back To You by Steve Bates
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Back To You by Steve Bates is a fun and entertaining science fiction story featuring the concept of a time travel machine disguised as a 1974 Ford Pinto which is simply perfect. This is a rather tongue in cheek example, poking fun at numerous societal norms, media, history, and more. As an accomplished journalist working for not only the Washington Post but other notable national publications, Bates is now having fun with his writing. This time we get to know a goofy and varied cast of characters from an AI woman known as unit TT7970-44BES or Bess to Eddie to Chris and many more along the way. The exploits are crazy, the time travel is capable of changing history and serious shenanigans take place. A whirlwind of a story, massively entertaining and hugely creative this is one time travel science fiction book you won't want to miss. With a hefty dose of humor and fun, this book is a must-read for an entertaining diversion.

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Resistance, Revolution and Other Love Stories by K.

Resistance, Revolution and Other Love Stories by K.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Resistance, Revolution and Other Love Stories by K. is a vast assortment of unique stories, so unique in fact, you will likely have to go back and read to make sure they were written by the same author. One of the best stories is the very first one called Radius, featuring Mustapha. Through the use of emotional and expressive language, you easily get to know this main character and his inner workings. The writing is nuanced creating memorable scenery while distilling the emotions of the characters in this story. Overall, this is the most notable point of this collection, gathering the emotions of the various characters and through effective storytelling, allowing you to get to know them on a real level. You know them and learn about these people as you read. Completely thought-provoking and thoughtful, this is a wonderful collection, from which you will get a lot of entertainment. The imagery is on point, characters nuanced, and scene-setting perfection. Highly recommend.

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