Showing posts with label booktaster. Show all posts
Showing posts with label booktaster. Show all posts

Thursday, 18 January 2024

Jirvania: Book 2 in the Julu series

"What a beautiful book!"





My review


The 2nd book I read this year was a fantasy story with the title Jirvania. This
beautiful book was written by Jan Anderegg and published on May 9th. 2021.
It contains 506 pages in the Kindle edition. So, it took a while for reading and
reviewing, but it was worth every minute I spent for this book.

While reading I always make some notes. These were the notes I wrote down,
while reading Jirvania:

- The story is full of adventure, romance, and self-discovery, keeping readers
hooked from beginning to end.

- The author's vivid prose brings the fantastical world of Jirvania to life,
transporting readers to a realm filled with magic and mystery.

- The characters are complex, relatable, and well-grounded, making
them easy to root for and connect with. I really enjoyed reading about the
adventures of Jack and Julu. 

Overall, Jirvania is a well-crafted and entertaining novel that offers a
captivating story, immersive world-building, well-developed characters,
and a heartwarming message. It is a must-read for fans of fantasy literature
and anyone seeking an engaging and uplifting read.

Without any doubt, I give a five star rating for Jirvania. 


Booktasters

I really want to thank Booktasters and the author as well for providing me a
free copy and for their patience. It took a while for reading and reviewing this
beautiful book, but it really was worth all the time. 



Source picture: Book cover 



Saturday, 26 June 2021

Bookreview: Miley The Monkey - Easy as ABC

Easy as ABC



Summary

Miley really wants a bicycle. He dreams about riding it and having
lots of fun. But will he get one? 

It is Miley The Monkey's Birthday and he has been learning on his 
new bike! Do you think he learns how to ride? Is it really easy as ABC?


My Review

First of all: what an amazing children's book! I enjoyed it very much, 
although this genre isn't my normal reading taste. I also liked the 
simple, but beautifully drawn and colourful book cover. 

The book Miley the Monkey "Easy as ABC" reads very quickly and was 
written easily. It was very relaxing and yet it contains an important
lesson.

I liked the character of Miley a lot but I also had much sympathy for
his supportive family. 

I would recommend this book to children who start reading or to their
parents who like to read for their little ones. 

Of course, I give without any doubt a 5 star rating for Miley the Monkey
"Easy as ABC".  I hope to read and review more books of this series. 







The author

Merlot. G Hopkins, author of Miley the Monkey book collection is a newly 
become father who found an interest in writing children's stories whilst on the
hunt for engaging books for his son. Inspired by real-life scenarios and
everyday activities. Merlot aims to spread motivation and positivity throughout
his collections. 


Booktasters


I received a free copy from Booktasters to read and review this children's book.
I really want to thank Booktasters for this great opportunity.


Milley The Monkey "Easy as ABC" was published in March 2021. It is available
in Kindle and as a Paperback in Amazon.  

Wednesday, 24 March 2021

Author in the Picture: Darlene Corbett

A while ago, I got the chance to read and review a book via Booktasters. It was
Stop Depriving the World of You - A Guide for Getting Unstuck, written by
Darlene Corbett. You can re-read my review on this link

I was very fascinated by her book and her unstuck theory that I wanted to ask her
for the author in the picture post. 

So, here are the questions and answers for and by Darlene Corbett. 





Questions and answers


How did you start writing? Did you for ex. study something special?

I fell in love with writing in my fifties. I took no courses, but I constantly hone
my writing skills. I have developed a style of writing that is conversational.

My first article was published in 2011 when the Massachusetts’
National Association of Social Workers invited me to write about hypnosis
for their monthly publication. I was scared to death. My initial fear is that
it would be rejected. Fortunately, it was not. A friend who did not know I was
writing it, let me know had read it and thought it was good.

Next I wrote for an online forum that focused on aging. The editor liked my
articles. Some of the audience did not like my message of having more choices
as we age, but that is a different story. My confidence continued to grow,
and I began writing articles on LinkedIn. I wrote a few when Huffington Post
gave a platform for those who wished to publish on their website. Unless,
your article was elevated, you could not locate the author.

 Eventually, through a newsletter, they found their way in front of an
administrator of a small publishing company who introduced me to the
publisher, and my book was published several months later. Along the way,
I began to write articles for Sixty and Me and a few on Thrive Global. Finally,
BizCatalyst360 reached out to me  and invited me to write for them.
Within a short period of time, I went from Columnist to Featured Contributor
for their online media platform.


Can you tell me more about your writings?

Most of my writing is around subjects of personal development since
I am a therapist. The beauty of my professional identity is that it crosses over
many issues in life. I have also begun to take a stab at writing some fiction around a
historical figure. It has been much fun to try to get into their heads and develop a
short story around them.


Do you prefer to write/work alone?

I write alone. I would not be opposed to write with a group, but time
for me is the essence.


Do you have a special daily routine?

No, I fit in writing when I have time or make time if I want to finish an article.


What is your biggest inspiration?

I do not know. I believe in God and feels he inspires me.
An idea will suddenly pop into my head. It could be around a person,
event, or something I forgot about and try to resurrect. I am blessed that so far
I have not experienced writer’s block.


How did you start with the unstuck theory?

I worked with a strategy coach on how to hone my very broad message of
positivity. She suggested this, and being someone who helps to get people
unstuck for a living, it resonated with me.


You do a lot of professional things. Can you explain more and which
one do you like the most or don’t you have any preferences?

I love all of my professional experiences. As I get older, I would like to cut
back on my therapy practice and increase my speaking and writing endeavors.
I will always be a therapist which is my foundation for everything else.


Do you like sport or do you do other important things for your health?

I exercise at least three to four times a week. The treadmill  has been my main
source, but as I get older, I have added other forms of exercise such
TRX for my upper body.


How did you spend your time during the Corona time?

I have been very blessed to be able to make a living with the help of platforms
that bring virtual therapy to the world. My clients are fine with it. I prefer to see
people versus teletherapy. I had been planning to close my practice in eastern
Massachusetts, and fortunately, virtual therapy has helped me usher into this next
chapter. Again, I am blessed that I have these tools. Other than going out far less,
my life has not changed except for not having an arduous commute.


Do you like to learn new things?

I remain a lifelong learner and will continue to be so all the days of my life.
Like many writers, I am a voracious reader. Before the internet, I used to keep
a dictionary by my side to research words that went beyond my vocabulary.
When I leave this earth, I hope to be reading a good book or writing one.


What are your plans/wishes for the future for you and the world?

I plan on continuing all of my endeavors. Again, I want to increase speaking
and writing.  I may slow down, but as the great Confucius said, “It does not matter
how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.”





Thank you 


Darlene, I want to thank you very much for taking your time to answer my 
Questions. I wish you lots of success with all your projects and keep me
updated :-) 


👉 If you want to know more about Darlene Corbett, please check her website
on this link.

Saturday, 20 March 2021

Bookreview: The Dream Factory

Written by John Simes 

"What a page turner"


Summary

After the violent abduction of his parents by the criminal 'Golden Hand', the
16 year-old Peter Young and his brilliant friend, Navinda Eman, flee to the 
Dream Factory - a stone hunt on a deserted beach. Peter has a precious secret
that he must protect, but someone in the village is determined to find them 
and destroy the Dream Factory.


My Review


While reading, I always make some short notes, but this time I absolutely
wanted to know the end. So, be aware, this is a real page turner! I even 
couldn't stop reading. 

I liked the lay-out, the clear chapters and the fantastic characters of the
story. It was a mix of adventure, fantasy and humour.

Later I learned that this is the author's first book. This is very hard to
believe!

My conclusion: don't hesitate to read this book, if you like adventure
and fantasy. I give with lots of pleasure a 5* rating. 





The Author

John Simes was born in Lambeth, London. He is an experienced teacher
of English Literature in state secondary schools and has served as a
Principal and Head Teacher in two of the UK's largest comprehensive 
schools. John founded 'Collingwood Learning' in 2004 to advise on
school improvement and he is assisting government programmes in the UK
and Africa to set up new schools. 

In 2013, John set up Collingwood Publishing and Media Ltd. He now writes
fiction and supports programmes in the UK and Africa to set up new schools. 

He lives with his family in south Devon where he grapples with his addictions
to cricket, poetry and the stunning local landscape. 
 

Booktasters


I received a free copy via Booktasters and the author. Thank you very much for this 
fantastic reading chance!

Wednesday, 10 March 2021

Bookreview: When Your Voice Became Mine

There is a mailbox in Heaven


"What an emotional story"


Summary

Time does not exist in heaven. Since heaven is our real home, I will
not allow time to consume me here on earth; instead, I choose to use
my precious time wisely.

I have been sending "packages" to heaven - letters that I write to my
ten year old daughter - Christina - since she passed away on 
May 29, 2005. 

Each one is tied with my hopes, wishes, and new found purpose. What
I never fathomed were the gifts from above that would be sent back to
me. ....

Celeste N. Bowers






My Review

Losing someone special always is very tragic, especially a child.
It's very brave from the author to write about her daughter, the
loss and her feelings. 

The book and the story brought me a lot of thoughts and tears,
it certainly was written with love.

Perhaps it can be a support for anyone who had to deal with a
great loss. 

It was written very clear and it read fluently. That's why I want
to give this book a 5 * rating. 

BookTasters


I received a free copy from the author and from Booktasters.
Thank you very much! 



Source picture: Wikipedia

Saturday, 30 January 2021

Bookreview: Looking for life

"What an amazing book!"


Summary


Strap in, turn down the lights, and enter worlds that will stretch your imagination
to the full....

From a stranded alien comedian to the darkest depths of the human psyche; from
mind-blowing galactic adventure to clandestine extraterrestrial behavior on Earth.
They're all here and more in this spell-binding collection of seventeen short stories
to keep your guessing at every turn. 

With tales of alien invasion, deep space mystery, time travel, and dystopian future
Earth, this is a collection which takes inspiration from the much respected 
'old masters' of Science Fiction. Here be new realms to explore - can you cross
the void and challenge your dreams?






My Review

To be honest: I don't know much about the science fiction genre, but
I'm never too old to discover new things. I was verry happy to read and 
review this amazing book.

It is a collection of wonderful short stories. It also is a good mix between
dialogues and story telling. The book is written clear, fluently and it has
nice well developed characters!

I would recommend this book to all who love science fiction and short
stories. Therefore I want to give this book a 5 star rating. 


The author

Clayton Graham read a lot of Science Fiction. He loved the 'old school'
masters such as HG Wells, Jules Verne, Isaac Asimov and John Wyndham.
He settled in Victoria, Australia in 1982. 

Combining future science with the paranormal is his passion. Milijun, his 
first novel, was puclished in 2016, and second novel, Saving Paludis, in
2018 and more. 

Please do take a look at his website on this link


Booktasters


I received a free copy by the author and Booktasters. Thank you very much
for giving me the chance to write my honest review!



Source picture: Wikipedia