Welcome To The Weekend With.... Bruce Brislin

Today we welcome Bruce Brislin the author of You Can’t Drink Diamonds. In his own words he tells us a summary of his life that is just as fascinating as the book he has written. A short excerpt of his book will follow.

Bruce, as a little boy, on the banks of the Zambezi in 1949.

I was born in Bulawayo (then Rhodesia) in February 1946. My Dad was a District commissioner and we moved about the country regularly on routine transfers. In consequence I spent most of my school days in boarding schools. Many of the places my Dad worked were pretty remote - the first time I lived in a house with electricity I was already nine years old and then there was no indoor plumbing. From an early age my only sister and I would accompany my parents when my Dad was involved in a 'patrol' as the routine administrative visits to the outlying areas were known. Before I was five I had been on several 'Zambezi Patrols'. I was schooled in Rhodesia and did Geology at Rhodes University in South Africa but dropped out due to lack of funds after my second year.

Nov 1947 Botswana- ECW, his maternal grandfather about 1/2 hr after being mauled by one of the lions.

My first job was diamond prospecting in the Limpop Valley. It involved walking and collecting samples from stream beds. We averaged around 20 miles a day six days a week and often had to carry up to four sample bags - (at 18lbs weight each when full). I then worked for the Rhodesian Mines Department for a few years. This was interrupted by call-ups to serve in the forces during the Bush War. In 1969 I moved to Botswana and worked for the Geological Survey. I was there for five years and was involved in the National Gravity Survey in which we travelled almost every road and track in the country as well as a lot of off-road travel, gathering gravimetric and magnetic data. At one of my camps I narrowly escaped being taken by a pride of lions. I met my wife in Botswana. She was a teacher out on a UK aid program contract at a school in Lobatse where we lived. We left Botswana with our daughter in 1974 to return to Rhodesia and set up a groundwater survey consultancy. Sadly military commitments meant I was in uniform in the operational areas for more time than I was working at the business and I had to drop the business. I then joined the Rhodesian Geological survey but again spent most of the time in the forces. We left Rhodesia and moved to the UK in late 1976. My son was born in December.

Pictured here are Bruce and his wife, Maggie on a hill above the first school ever built in Botswana.

This is his daughter Rebecca with a cheetah taken in 1997

Within six weeks of arriving I joined the United Geophysical Corp's crew in the Sudan and worked there for five years on a six and two basis. Much of the area we worked in was pristine wilderness and doubtlessly had seldom been visited by Europeans. The project ended when war broke out between the Muslim North and the Christian South in the early 80's. We had three of the crew shot and killed by rebels one night.

An oil painting he did of his camp on the Thamalakane River in Okavango Delta.

After the Sudan I worked at marketing geophysical equipment across Europe and elsewhere for several companies, the last of which I eventually took over. I sold the company after just two years, spent a year or two writing and then bought most of the shares in a groundwater consultancy in Botswana.

A friend wandering on the Makgadikgadi salt Pan in Botswana.

Botswana had changed a lot since the first time I was there and corruption was rife, albeit at a fairly low level. My first job there was to put in water supplies for elephant in a remote area adjacent to the Zimbabwe Border. It was a dream job but sadly I was only awarded one more big Government contract and could not break even on the small private jobs afterwards. The main problem was collecting payments for work done. The largest private job I did broke me. I could not get the money out of the politician who had commissioned the work and coupled to this I had reported a tax collector for trying to bribe me. He lost his job, had a suspended sentence and a heavy fine but his friends in the tax office took umbrage and began to make life a misery for me. We decided to cut our losses and quit Botswana. We had lost just about everything and returned to the UK where, at 54 years of age finding work proved to be all but impossible. My wife did supply teaching and market research for a while while I wrote and eventually we began working in catalogue sales which we are still doing although I still spend more time writing and painting these days.

I have started a new book - my seventh, I think. I will call it Rhodesian Requiem and it is a fascinating project for me. The plan is to present the events that led to the Bush War in Rhodesia and all that has happened since from the point of view af all the major races and sectors of society involved. It is not easy since I was very much involved with the European settler's side of things but I am really enjoying trying to look at the history from the other side objectively. I guess it is like trying to see 9/11 from the bomber's point of view. I'll probably get my hands smacked sharply but, what the Hell! Give it a go.



Best wishes,
Bruce.

You Can’t Drink Diamonds excerpt:

(this excerpt picks up a day into the hunt for a leopard who has been terrorizing local villages, killing livestock and a small boy. The hunting party has set up camp for the night and is enjoying the wild boar they captured for their dinner. I think it is a great example at how astute Bruce is at setting the tone and giving the reader a feel for the environment the character’s are in.)

Dikhela drew a small oilstone from his pouch and stropped the already razor-sharp assegai he carried. Lightning flashed in the distance and the thunder rolled magnificently over the flatland that formed the Okavango Delta. A gentle breeze that had been blowing briefly died as night settled in. The night-sounds took over from the silence of the day. Baboons shrieked and barked in the distance as they squabbled over safe perches in the trees and the francolins called noisily from their cover. Somewhere in the distance a turkey buzzard sounded off its deep, slow drum roll.

“Lehututu You hear him, Harry?” Dikhela asked using the Setswana word for the great birds

“I think he is wishing us goodnight.”

“We will sleep much better when this business is done,” Dikhela replied, “Despite his wishes. I dislike this business with leopards.”

“Ja, it’s a bugger.”

“Pity we didn’t get him earlier. Some more liver?”

“No thanks, I have had enough. What was that?”

Dikhela shrugged. He had also heard the sound but it was too soft and indistinct to identify. He helped himself to some charred tripe, smacking his lips as he consumed it. “Maybe he’s watching us even now.”

Harry involuntarily glanced about, knowing it was futile but incapable of resisting, “Maybe, did you see something?”

“No, but I can feel his eyes, Morena. I think he is watching us.” Harry moved uncomfortably. He had long since stopped ignoring Dikhela’s ‘feelings.’ Brian also sensed the tension.

A jackal yelped in the distance and was answered by several others from different quarters. The turkey buzzard drummed again and somewhere a leopard coughed. Neither of them made a comment but Harry checked his load. It might have been their leopard but from the direction the grunt had come this was unlikely. Besides, that particular leopard had long since learned that silence in the presence of men was almost as good a cover as darkness.

Dikhela drew some dark pigtail tobacco from his pocket and rubbed it in his horny hands before rolling it into patch of brown wrapping paper. If they were hunting antelope he would never have done so. The smell would certainly have spooked them but with the leopard he felt it better to advertise their presence and rely upon its curiosity, anger or fear to either close with them or clear off. He licked the rolled paper, closed the cigarette and placed it between his lips before picking up a live coal between his fingers and lighting the homemade cigarette from it. Idly he flipped the coal back into the fire and drew deeply, sighing with pleasure at the rank smoke. He hissed as he exhaled and spat a tiny bit of the ‘Magaliesberg shag’ from the tip of his tongue. The clouds were gathering in the distance but above them the stars were resplendent in their beauty. Harry yawned and settled down with his back to the fire, not far from where Dikhela was sitting, also facing away. Brian sat on the ground facing the fire.

“Do you remember what I once told you about leopards, Morena?” Dikhela asked while his eyes passed over the bush around them. He seemed in a reflective mood. He spoke to Harry in either Setswana or in Afrikaans. Harry was fluent in both languages but Dikhela could speak almost no English. He could not read either but had learned to recognise some place names and understood maps.

“You mean about the fact that before they come at you they move one step sideways?”

“You remember well. The lion of course, comes straight without any step aside but he is not as cunning. A hasty shot before the charge often misses a leopard, a lion less so.”

“What are you getting at, Dikhela?”

“Nothing really. Just that some leopards are left handed and some right handed. It is well to let them come close before shooting.”

“Why do you keep telling me these things?”

“For you to remember, I shall not be here forever It is important that I tell you all I can while I am still living.”

“Ha. The only way you’ll die will be by the hands of a jealous husband.”

Dikhela chuckled at this, “Perhaps He would have to be very quick though. And you, Harry, you have no wife yet.” It seemed as if he meant to ask why.

“I am patient. My time will come.” Harry replied answering the unsaid question.

“Indeed. There is a time for all things Listen, can you hear it?” Dikhela asked suddenly, alarming both Brian and Harry.

“Hear what?”

“Listen, it is the silence,” Dikhela whispered, “Can you hear it?”

“Loudly,” Harry replied grumpily.


Bruce, Thank you so much for sharing with us your history, wonderful photos and an excerpt from your book.  Click this link to purchase his book The Wanderer .

Book Review - It's In The Eyes by Charles Toftoy

There is a serial rapist/murderer on the loose in our nation’s capital. The Chief of Police is way out of his league and thinks that by bullying his subordinates, they will solve the case faster and make him look good. Unfortunately there is more to this case than meets the eye, but luckily for the citizens of Washington, DC, Deputy Chief Cory is on the case and he’s working with an outside team who knows how to catch and deal with killers like this. University professor Dr. Lars Neilsen, ace reporter Brenda, former FBI profiler Doris and former military Nate investigate the murders of the four blonde blue-eyed coeds, along side the police but without the restrictions the officer’s have. Is it the work of one man or is there more than one psychotic killer on the loose.

In It’s in the Eyes, Charles Toftoy has created an interesting cast of characters and he does an excellent job of keeping the reader from guessing the conclusion. There are times, however, when the story falls flat and extraneous bits of information and chapters slow the momentum of the plot. There are also one or two characters that just don’t ring true and their moments are distracting. However, even with those flaws, the story keeps you interested and is overall an enjoyable read. 3.5 out of five yellow scarves.




This book was provided by the author and will be given to one lucky commenter.

Book Review - Until Now by Denise Skelton

Just when Terry Meyers thinks nothing else can possibly go wrong or get worse in her life, it does. In Until Now, Denise Skelton, gives us Terry, a feisty sarcastic, quick tempered and equally quick witted single mom. Her ex-husband is a deadbeat who has remarried a virtual child. A woman who is determined to make sure he doesn’t live up to his financial responsibilities to Terry and their two sons, age 7 and 14. In addition this new wife is determined to make sure he has nothing what so ever to do with his children. This causes a further emotional strain on Terry, who now has to be the mom and the dad as she tries to make up for their missing father. On top of all that her oldest son has gotten in with the wrong crowd at school, her car is falling apart and she has just lost her job. Although we feel her desperation, Skelton makes she we don’t pity Terry by making her a fighter who won’t give up. Maybe that’s why there are dubious men always vying for her affection, when the last thing Terry wants in her life is another man.

Enter sexy undercover FBI agent, Wade Nelson. Wade is posing as a new high school teacher to uncover a drug and weapons ring. Not only is Terry’s son one of his students, but it seems every time Terry is at her worst or lowest point, Wade just happens to be around. Most men would run from a woman whose middle name seems to be drama, but Wade finds he can’t resist her feisty charms. Will he be able to quench her fire or will he too be burnt by the flames?

Skelton has done a wonderful job of bringing her characters to life and making them three dimensional. While she throws a lot of obstacles at them she never goes overboard and leaves the reader going, “yeah right.” The tension she builds between her romantic leads sizzles while remaining realistic. I don’t read a lot of straight romances, so I had my doubts when I picked this up, but Skelton has combined romance with not only mystery and suspense but with a healthy dose of humanism. Add to that a hot cover and you can’t help but root for this one. Four out of five stars.

Read the first two chapters here.

This book was provided by the author and will be given to one lucky commenter.

Book Review - Through the Triangle by C. P. Stewart

C.P. Stewart takes readers on a day trip that will turn into a life changing experience. We’ve all heard of the mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle. In Through The Triangle, Stewart gives us his interpretation of what happens to those who have disappeared over the years.

When Stewart brings together a group of five men, who board a charter for a day of deep sea fishing, the Gilligan’s Island tune pops into my head. Understand, I grew up watching shows like Gilligan’s Island and also the original Star Trek, Land of the Lost, Wild Wild West, etc. On top of being a huge sci-fi fan, I also love a good mystery. Stewart’s book brings all the best elements of old sci0fi and suspense classics together. Now despite the silly TV show tune that entered my mind, there is nothing silly about this book. Through the Triangle is a nail-biting, edge of your seat thrill ride. Even before the mysterious storm overtakes the Oblique View fishing boat, Stewart begins building the suspense with an escaped murderer on the loose, who rounds out the five men on board. Also on board are the Captain - Mason, his 15 year old first mate - Juan, and an estranged father and teenage son. When a sudden storm and thick fog descends on their boat and seeing that they can’t out run it while keeping pace with another disabled charter boat, the men decide to wait it out. As the fog lifts, the other charter has vanished and communications are not working, so they head back to land….. a land that they no longer recognize. They will soon learn they are nearly three-hundred years in the future. Although the Florida coast seems deserted, they will soon discover they are not alone and the world that they knew has become a place were one must fight to survive.

Like all great sci-fi writers, Stewart gives you just enough about the characters to engage you without going overboard with details that would stagnate the action. He works his satellite characters into the story in a way that enhances the action without becoming a distraction. In addition, Stewart's writing allows the reader to visualize the world of the future as if we were walking along side the charcaters. Being an avid reader there are many books and authors that grab me. Being an artist and former film maker, I rarely have trouble visualizing the stories I read. I have to say, this is the first book I have read in a long time that I can see being a hit movie. It makes me wish I were a producer so that I could make it. It’s that good! I can't wait to read his next book. Definitely five out of five wormholes.

This book was provided by the author. Check back in January for an interview with this wonderful author.

This review will be part of Cym Lowell's Wednesday Review Blog Party on Dec. 9th.

Book Review - Three Feet From Gold by Sharon Lechter and Greg S. Reid

Three Feet From Gold by Sharon Lechter and Greg S. Reid is a book about empowerment and not giving up. The three feet from gold in the title is a reference to a prospector who gave up on looking for gold when he was only three feet away from it. This book takes a different approach than most self-help books of this nature. Yes, it gives you tips on not giving up, pushing yourself to succeed, working hard, keeping a positive mental attitude, helping others and paying it forward, etc. But what made this book stand out for me is that instead of listing things you should do it tells the story of how one man follows these principles, principles originally outlined in Napolean Hill’s Think and Grow Rich, first published a hundred years ago. While I like the approach of this book, I have to be honest in the beginning, when I read about this narcissistic, obnoxious jerk, Greg, I did not want to read about him becoming successful. He was rude, cared about no one but himself and his image and purposely walked over everyone he could. How can you root for someone like that? Why should we care about his redemption? That man, if he were truly deep down that person, we shouldn’t. However less than halfway through this book, you see how hard he works to become a better person, at first because he wants, power, money, success but he begins to grow as a person and his search for success becomes a a search for himself. He learns how to be a better man, how to be humble and how to share with others even when there is no obvious gain for himself. As we see his journey progress we do start rooting for him. Not only do we find that we want him to succeed but we find that we want his words of wisdom and we feel blessed to be able to share this journey with him. Greg could have left out that first chapter, the one that makes us not like him, but then we wouldn’t have appreciated his journey as much and his words would hold less meaning for us. It takes courage to show the world your bad side. Not everyone can be that honest. And yet Greg does just that, not to show the world how brave he is or to say “you didn’t want me to succeed but I showed you”. He shares that side of himself with us as a gift. A gift of humility and to show that no matter where a person is in their life, they can change and make a difference. It is a valuable lesson and one that is worth sharing.

This book shows us some of the most powerful and successful people in the world and the humility they have held on to. They share with us their wisdom, their stickability and the lessons and setbacks they have faced on their own roads to success. This book is a wonderful roadmap to finding not just success in life but in finding yourself. I highly recommend it and below, am providing several links to not only the authors and book websites but also to the Napolean Hill Foundation, his inspiring quotes and where you can download a pdf version of the book Think and Grow Rich that inspired this book. Five out of five golden nuggets.

http://www.threefeetaway.com/

Greg S. Reid:  http://www.gregsreid.com/

Sharon Lechter:  http://www.slechter.com/

The Napolean Hill Foundation:  http://www.naphill.org/

Think and Grow Rich: Free PDF : http://www.2ezbiz.org/TGR.pdf

Napolean Hill Quotes: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/n/napoleon_hill.html

Free Download & Blog: http://think-and-grow-rich-ebook.com/

This book was provided by the author.

Welcome to the Weekend With.... C. Ellene Bartlett

Today we welcome the weekend with the lovely and talented C. Ellene Bartlett. I recently read and reviewed her charming book Letters to Rosy. Click here to read the review.  Born Charlotte Ellene Bartlett in Clarkston, Georgia. After WWII  she moved to Stockbridge, Georgia. Divorced with two children was hard and then she met Air Force Sergeant and spent 34 years traveling the U.S and four years in Berlin, Germany. She now resides in New Port Richey, Fl. and has taken up painting again after 40 years and started writing. “Letters To Rosy” is a first novel.

What was it like growing up in a small town in Georgia?


Actually, it was fun and it was terrible. Living in the country offered a wholesome and healthy atmosphere in which to start a young life on the road to growth and adventures. Being with family is so important to a young life. The terrible part was not being able to do the things the city girls did. I felt we were poor, but realistically, we were really better off than the city folks were.

When you were a little girl what did you envision for your life? Who did you want to be?

Like most little girls, I wanted to be a movie star. I remember producing little stage plays in my neighborhood during WWII while my father was overseas. We lived in Atlanta at that time. Naturally, I was always the star in all my creations. That actually paid off. I played an important part in two plays in high school and my son and I had a part in the play “Macbeth” in the Berlin/American Little Theater Group.

You’ve lived in many places. Do you have a ritual when preparing to go to a new place and or for when you arrive?

No, I don’t have a particular ritual. I understand moving often was a necessity and we accepted it as part of the military life. I have a reputation for moving, in the military and in civilian life. Whenever we move, the first question is from my daughter, who always ask, “Is the house dirty again?”

Of all the places you’ve lived which one was your favorite and why? Is there a place that you wish you could have lived?

Our family adapted well at the many places we went. The most fun adult place was North Syracuse, NY., where we retired from the military. We made so many friends there, those friends are still friends, and I visit as often as possible. My thoughts often go back to my childhood in Stockbridge, Ga., where I grew up. I still have some family there and the memories are priceless.

I know that you paint. What inspires your paintings? Is your art now the same as the art you did when you were younger?

Oh no, there is no comparison. I entered a drawing at the Famous Artist. They said I had talent therefore, I signed up for their course. Two of my instructors were Norman Rockwell and Albert Dorne. Little did I know then that Norman Rockwell would become so famous? Due to unforeseen circumstances, I did not finish my course at Famous Artist. After 40 years, I finally picked up a brush when I saw Bob Ross paint on TV. My painting now is from the heart. I prep a canvass follow the brush and watch to see where it goes. Sometimes the journey hits the mark and a reasonably good painting emerges.

Do you plan to ever publish your paintings, say in a coffee table book?

That’s a great idea. I may pursue it some point. A short story connecting the paintings to each other would be a thrilling possibility.

What is your favorite adult hiding place? Guilty pleasure?

It is in my bedroom at the computer or on my sun porch daydreaming about some exotic adventure.

What is your writing process? Do you have any special rituals?

I have no special rituals. I choose a character, put it to work and see what kind of mischief it can get into.

Are any of your characters or events inspired by real life (yours or someone you know)?

Only the idea of a small southern town, its indiscretions and life as they know it.

With all the different elements in your book, how do you classify your novel?

I would say my book is mostly a mystery with Sasah missing, spiced up with intrique with the abduction of Mendy and Misty and mischief sprinkled with some indiscretions.

When writing, Letters to Rosy, did you already have the plots outlined or did you let Rene and Rosy speak to you and lead the story?

No, like many other writers, I believe I had divine intervention. I knew nothing about writing when I sat down at the computer and Rene started daydreaming in her garden. One thing led to another and another and the results a completed story. The mind can create some fascinating characters if you let it and capture it on paper. However, writing a book is difficult. You must be disciplined and set aside time every day to devote time to writing, research and reading.

Will we get to hear from any other characters from the book in the future?

Oh yes.

What’s next for you?

I have almost finished another thrilling book titled “An Orchid Among Evil.” I hope to have it published early in 2010.


Ellene, thank you so much for taking the time to tell us a little bit more about yourself. To learn even more visit her website. 

Be sure to leave a comment  and become a follower for a chance to win a copy of her book Letters to Rosy as well as a leather bound journal, stationary and pen. Contest will end on December 12th at midnight. As an extra bonus if I get twenty commenters I'll throw in a book of Forever stamps as well.

Book Review - Sorrowed Souls by Brenda Youngerman

What would you do if you woke up on the streets and couldn’t remember who you were and how you got there? That is what Bryan wakes up to in Brenda Youngerman’s Sorrowed Souls. In Sorrowed Souls Bryan wakes up on the street and Gus, the “sheriff” of the street people takes him under his wing. Youngerman takes our rose colored glasses off and gives a real-life look at what life on the streets is like. She goes a step further by showing us what transpired in the life of these people that lead them to become lost and homeless. Youngerman writes such an amazingly real story that I kept having to remind myself this is fiction. That is the mark of a truly gifted writer. She opens your eyes and makes you see street people in a whole new way. I work in a place where I pass homeless people and pan handlers several times during the day. My hear goes out to most of them, but occasionally I come across one that doesn’t look obviously homeless, in fact they look like high school or college students that are looking to make a few bucks off the generousity of others. Having many homeless in our area that truly need help and goodwill from their fellow man, it always makes me angry to see the posers. After reading this book, I feel guilty about that, because I don’t know their story and I shouldn’t make assumptions based on appearance. Sorrowed Souls is aptly titled. It is a book filled with sorrow. It is the story of people who grow up unwanted and unloved and how they deal with and sometimes don’t deal with life. It reminds us that any of us could be the one to wake up on the street. It reminds us to look past the outer appearance. It reminds us that we are not always the architects of our own lives and yet at the same time every decision we make carries with it a consequence. Youngerman’s book is sad and heart wrenching. It is not an easy book to read and yet it is so well written and so compelling it is a book everyone should read. We all want to read the happy books, the adventures, the love stories and we often shy away from those that make us think and open our eyes to the world around us. We want the warm fuzzy and feel good books. Amidst the darkness in this book there is light and at the end you are left with a sense of hope, but it is a hard journey. A journey many will shy away from because it’s not easy, and that is the very reason this book is a must read. It opens your mind to the human condition and the harsh realities of the world around us. The most amazing thing to me about the way Youngerman writes is that there is no judgment. Again this is one of her gifts. As humans it is our nature to judge and it’s something that permeates everything we do. To write a compelling and honest look at people society wants to forget without placing any type of judgment on those characters sets a beautiful example for us all. This book gets five out of five life lessons.

This book was provided by the author and will be given to one lucky commenter.

Book Review - Pigs in the Pulpit by J.Michael Wittman

I will admit that when I read the title Pigs in the Pulpit, I knew I had to read this book. Ironically, being anti-religion, I love to read books on religions. I think it is more my love of the human condition and what motivates people than the study of any religion in particular. Plus it always disappoints me that any given religion thinks that theirs is the only way and that those who don’t follow are doomed, yet at the same time fascinates me that almost all religions when broken down to their fundamental core are the same. I was raised Southern Baptist in an affluent environment and even at a young age, the main theme was go to church showing off your best clothes, etc, while smiling and acting “Christian” during those few hours every Sunday and/or Wednesday in an effort to convince yourself and the world what a wonderful pious person you are and then as soon as you walk out the door you talk about others behind their backs and go right on with your sinful and unchristian behavior until next week, after all, you have put in your few hours of show and given money and that is all you need to do to make it to heaven. I’m not saying all religious people are this way, just that in my experience from the age of toddler on, that is mostly what I encounter in religious environments of any denomination. It seems easier for most to blindly follow what fallible “religious leaders”, often men, say than to establish their own relationship with God. You see in my studies, since it’s beginning, religion has always been man-made and designed to give certain men and groups power over others. This is why I follow God not man. But enough of my views on religion, let’s get back to Pigs in the Pulpit.


J. Michael Wittman takes us on a journey through his life: through his addiction, his discovery and acceptance of God, through his joys and sorrows of those journeys. His story is open and brutally honest. He doesn’t gloss over his own role and uncertainties in his journey. In this book, he is almost self-depreciating. He is harder on himself than on those who trespass against him. In these pages you see a true Christian, not one who puts on Christianity like a fancy suit jacket. Oh you will see that type of “Christian” in this book also. While reading this a thought came to my mind, “why do the good always seem to get walked on and taken advantage of by the wicked?”. Unfortunately this book, shows us that we sometimes bring it on ourselves. While you almost instantly relate to Michael, there are times when he does things, being the good person that he truly is, that you just want to scream at him. There are times in quest to be a good Christian and person that he lets people take advantage of him. The wonderful thing about his story is that even when you want to scream at him to have more of a backbone, you want to stand beside him and let him know things will be alright and that you admire his faith in the face of adversity. In many ways Michael is a role model of what a person of face is supposed to represent. Michael and his family put their faith in God. They don’t give up on God or their faith even when they have doubts. Personally, I want to write about what a evil scumbag, Jason Bower is. I want to tell the reader all the sick ways he uses people in the name of God. But that is not what Michael would do. Even when he is telling you the bad things being done, he does so in a way that is accepting and forgiving. He shows us how to be a better person. His story is our story and that is what makes this book compelling and worth reading. Whether you agree with his choices or not you understand them because he opens his soul to the reader. This is not an easy thing for us to do, but it is this bearing of his soul that compels you to read page after page. It is what makes you admire him. Yes the book is the story of corruption in religion but it’s so much more than that. It’s a story of faith and believing in something bigger than yourself and trusting the path that leads you on. I highly recommend this book and give it five out of five prayers.

This book was provided in eBook form from the author and one lucky commenter will receive a copy.

Book Review - Septimus Heap: Book 5 Syren by Angie Sage

Syren is the fifth book in the Septimus Heap series written by English author Angie Sage. Having not read the first four books in the series, I not sure whether, I would have had a better understanding of the characters. While this book can be read as a stand alone, one gets the impression of joining a group of friends who all grew up together. In this book Septimus has returned from his Queste. His friends are waiting at a trading post for Septimus to return and take them home, but along the way Septimus becomes stranded on a mysterious island. Before he starts this particular journey Septimus is promoted to senior apprentice and this promotion enables him to take off on his trusted dragon friend Spit Fyre to retrieve his friends from the trading post. The story has several arcs. The story of Aunt Zelda, Wolf Boy, Lucy and the Port Witch; Jenna and Beetle with Milo and his fellow henchmen; Septimus and Spit Fyre on the mysterious island with Syrah. This book is full of adventure, magyck and rich details to enchant the preteen audience it is aimed at. As for me, an adult, I found the book a little slow to engage at the beginning and that it jumped around a bit too much for my taste, however, I can see how the young audience it is aimed at will fall in love with the characters and their adventure. The highlight for me was the magnificent illustrations done by artist Mark Zug. His work is truly inspired and gives life to the characters. I give this three out of five magyckal charms because while it was not the most enjoyable for me to read, I believe it’s target audience will enjoy it.

This is Spit Fyre by Mark Zug. Just one of his wonderful illustrations. make sure you check out his website for more of his fabulous work. http://markzug.com/








This book was provided by the author and will be given to a lucky commenter.