Monday, 24 August 2020

Colors of Creation - Paul Thigpen and John Folley

Colors of Creation
Paul Thigpen
John Folley
TAN Books
ISBN 9781505114676
eISBN 9781505114690
ASIN B0854LV3CM


I have read some of Thigpen’s theological works. and loved them. When this book arrived for my youngest daughter we were both excited about it. She read it to me immediately after we unpacked it. And she has read it to me three times since. She instantly recognized the color pattern from a VBS a few year ago. The colors appear in this order:

Black
White
Blue
Brown
Green
Yellow
Purple
Orange
Red
Gray

The book is designed to help children see the colors in the world around them in a new way. It highlights the beauty of creation. And the love of the creator. It highlights some of the masterpieces in creation.

Thigpen’s verse in this volume is wonderful. My daughter marveled at the words as much as the illustrations from John Folley. She loved the illustrations and has gone over the book several times. This is a wonderful book for the young ones in your life. An excellent addition to any church or home library. It is an absolutely fantastic picture book for children.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan!




 Books by Paul Thigpen:
Manual for Spiritual Warfare
Saints Who Battled Satan
My Daily Catholic Bible
New Catholic Answer Bible
My Visit To Hell: A Novel
Manual for Eucharistic Adoration
The Rapture Trap
Gehenna
Saints Who Saw Hell
The Burden
A Year with Mary: Daily Meditations on the Mother of God
A Year With the Saints: Daily Meditations with the Holy Ones of God
The Passion
Last Words of Catholic Saints And Sinners, Stars And Strays
My Daily Catholic Bible: New Testament, NABRE
Catholic Answers to Catholic Questions
A Dictionary of Quotes from the Saints
The Biblical Names of Jesus: Beautiful, Powerful Portraits of Christ
Shaken by Scandals: Catholics Speak Out about Priests' Sexual Abuse
Praying the Rosary with St. Paul
Thessalonians: Stand Firm In Faith Chapters 1-2
1 and 2 Thessalonians: Stand Firm in Faith
Queen Of Heaven Leader's Guide
Queen Of Heaven Study Guide
Praying With Pope John Paul II
Questions Catholics Are Asked: Are You Saved?
The Prayers of Pope John Paul II
...

 Picture books by Paul Thigpen:
Colors of Creation
God's Wildest Wonderment of All
A Child's Christmas ABC Book: Angels in the Air Arrayed
...

 Contributed to:
Surprised By Truth: 11 Converts Give the Biblical and Historical Reasons for Becoming Catholic
Journeys Home
A Guide to "The Passion": 100 Questions About the "Passion of the Christ"
Doors of Mercy: Exploring God's Covenant With You
...

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Friday, 21 August 2020

Discovery - Karina Fabian

Discovery
A Rescue Sisters Story
Karina Fabian
Full Quiver Publishing
ISBN 9781606192313
ASIN B004CLYDUG


 I found it hard to believe that I had an 8-year gap in reading books by Karina Fabian, and now I have read 3 novels, and 2 collections of short stories she edited in under 5 weeks. I just cannot seem to put her books down. I already have a few others in my reading queue. I have read some of her contributions in anthologies and love her short form fiction. And I had to read this book after reading her piece, Antivenin, in Infinite Space, Infinite God II. I loved the short story, and I enjoyed the novel even more. I sincerely hope Fabian has more stories available in this world, or stories planned for it, because it is excellent world building.

 This is a story about exploration, friendships, religious vocation, and discovery. It is also about survival. A small team has been put together for a classified mission to explore and if possible, recovery an alien ship discovered by chance in the Kuiper Belt on an asteroid. The team includes a wealthy patron, scientists, rockhounds, and sisters of the Order of Our Lady of the Rescue they are post-modern nuns, brave to the extreme. They are pioneers of safety and rescue in space. With unusual habits suited to the work in zero gravity and rigours of space. Sister Ann seems to be a visionary along the lines of Saint Therese of Lisieux, she has great insights into people, and events, sometimes even before they happen. Sister Rita is the head of the orders presence on the mission. She finds herself balancing between the different groups on the mission. The Codists and Wiccans alike on the religious side and the scientist and miners on the skills side.   

 The story follows the rag tag group as they prepare and embark on this mission. They are in a partially refitted luxury ship. And The scientific discoveries might be eclipsed by their own personal discoveries and revelations. Oh, and by the way, the archeologist and right-hand man on the mission is a former seminarian with links to our fearless sister Rita. 

 As science fiction the story is excellent. It is masterfully written. But the characters are what make this story truly exceptional. You will find yourself engrossed with the personalities both central and on the edge of the main story. And likely you will be left wanting more stories with some of these characters.  

 This story is a great piece of science fiction writing. And the way Fabian handles religious themes and sets it in a space context is amazing. I really enjoyed her newer pure science fiction story, The Old Man and the Void, and the follow up volume, Dex’s Way. But I think she shines best when she incorporates more religious and specifically Catholic elements in her stories like in this incredible read. 

 This is a great story and I highly recommend it, to fans of religious fiction, or to anyone who just loves a great science fiction story. And this is another excellent read from Full Quiver Publishing a company that focuses on fiction focuses on the Theology of the Body. A most excellent read. I give it top marks. 

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan!


Dex Hollister Series:
The Old Man and the Void
Dex's Way
...

Neeta Lyffe, Zombie Exterminator Series :
Neeta Lyffe, Zombie Exterminator
I Left My Brains in San Francisco
Shambling in a Winter Wonderland
…

DragonEye PI Series:
DragonEye PI Novels:
9.0 Gapman
10.0 Magic, Mensa and Mayhem (Revised edition forthcoming)
11.0 Live and Let Fly (Revised edition forthcoming)
...  

DragonEye PI Short Stories:

DragonEye PI Original First Editions:
...

Space Traipse Series:
Space Traipse: Hold My Beer, Season 1
Space Traipse: Hold My Beer, Season 2
Space Traipse: Hold My Beer, Season 3
Space Traipse Stories
…

Madness of Kanaan Series:
(formerly The Mind Over Series)

Edited by: Karina Fabian:
Infinite Space, Infinite God I
Leaps of Faith
Infinite Space, Infinite God II
...


Contributed to:
Firestorm of Dragons
The Zombie Cookbook
The Book of Tentacles
Twisted Fayrie Tales
FRIGHTLINER: And Other Tales of the Undead
Mother Goose is Dead
Word by Word: Slowing Down with the Hail Mary
Image and Likeness Literary Reflections on the Theology of the Body
Corrupts Absolutely? Dark Metahuman Fiction
Weird Noir
The Complete Guide to Writing Paranormal Novels
Manifesto UF
Avenir Eclectia
Planetary Anthology: Jupiter
Planetary Anthology: Pluto
Planetary Anthology: Luna
Planetary Anthology: Uranus
FlagShip Science Fiction and Fantasy v2i5
My Little Book of Headdesks
To Be Men: Stories Celebrating Masculinity
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Thursday, 20 August 2020

Six Days, Six Hours, Six Minutes - Alex Smith - A Brutal British Crime Thriller

Six Days, Six Hours, Six Minutes
A Brutal British Crime Thriller
Zertex Crime
ISBN 9781913877033
ASIN B0881X8MFS


 The subtitle of this book calls it a Brutal British Crime Thriller, and it lives up to that. There is a lot of language in this read, and a lot of violence. If it was a movie and I was rating it, I would give it an R or an X. It was a disturbing read. Dark, gritty, and really disturbing. I really enjoyed Alex’s book for young adult. And I loved the first book in the Softley Softley series, The Harder They Fall. I have also been enjoying the DCI Kett novels which begins with Cry Baby. The Kett novels are dark, but this story takes it to a whole new level. In fact I took a break from reading it. It was so intense and dark. 

 The first words in this book are:

 “In six days, six hours, and six minutes, I will come back and kill you.”

 The main character, Blake Barton, finds a strange carving on his door frame at home. And he is soon plunged into a nightmare when a stranger shoves into the house and says:

 “In six days, six hours, and six minutes, I will come back and kill you.

 Tell anyone, and your wife and child will die. Call the police, and your wife and child will die. Try to run, or hide, or trick me in any way, and your wife and child will die. And they will not die quickly, Blake. Theirs will not be a good death. It will be slow, and it will be bloody, and they will know the full horror of hell before I end them.”

 And from there the story gets scarier and more terrifying with every chapter. The story follows Barton as he tries to handle this situation. First fear, then denial. Then anger. You are carried along at a breakneck pace. Follow Barton down the rabbit hole of this nightmare tale. He is living in fear for his own life, his wife, his son. And every time he thinks he has a plan. The stranger or one of his minions turns up. Can he find a way to outsmart someone who claims to be the devil, and seems to be guessing his every move? No matter what he tries they seem to be there. He is beaten up. Threatened, and abused. But ever man has a breaking point, some snape and some snap back. To find out which Barton is you will need to read this deeply disturbing novel.

 This novel pushed my limits. It was so disturbing I almost gave up on it. I am thankful I finished it. But I prefer the Softley or Kett series to this book. There are references to events in some of the Kett books in this volume and it seems like it might be possible the stories will end up intersecting. Much as Softley and Kett have briefly intersected. It is a great read for those into horror or thrillers. A gripping page turner.  

Mystery Books as Alex Smith:
Six Days, Six Hours, Six Minutes
...

 Softley Softley Series:
2.0 Hard Luck House
...

DCI Kett Series:
0.5 Cry Baby
2.0 Bad Dog
3.0 Three Little Pigs

Books By Alexander Gordon Smith:
Escape from Furnace:
Lockdown
Solitary
Death Sentence
Fugitives 
Execution
Execution Epilogue - Short Story
The Night Children - Short Story

Fury Series:
The Fury
The Storm

The Inventors:
The Inventors
The Inventors And The City of Stolen Souls

Non-Fiction:
1001 Questions and Answers
Inspired Creative Writing: 52 Brilliant Ideas from the Master Wordsmiths
The Solar System
Family QuizWriting Bestselling Children's Books: 52 Brilliant Ideas for Inspiring Young Readers







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Wednesday, 19 August 2020

Shadow in the Dark - Antony Barone Kolenc - The Harwood Mysteries Book 1

Shadow in the Dark
The Harwood Mysteries Book 1
Antony Barone Kolenc
Loyola Press
ISBN 9780829448108
eISBN 9780829448115
ASIN B0888DVR21


First I need to state that this is an amazing read. And I really look forward to reading the other two volumes as they release. Second I need to state that books with the same titles were released by this author in 2013, those ones were published as a series called The Chronicles of Xan. The author has stated that the books, though carrying the same title are substantially rewritten, tony stated:

“The prior series is entirely overhauled, including new plot lines and new major characters, as well as an entirely different writing style. So, yes, there are major differences.”

So even if you have read the earlier version, it would be worth picking up this version, as it is an excellent read. And if you love this one, wait for the new versions of books 2 and three. But now that you have the back story, back to this specific novel.

This story is historical fiction set in medieval England in 1184. Bandits attack in the middle of the night. A young boy tries to help his father. As he is heading away being chased by a bandit, he was knocked on the head. He wakes up later at the nearby abbey. They give him the name Alexander, Xan for short to use until he regains his memories.

Xan soon realized he has a role to play in figuring out who attached his village, and why. He is working with a young monk. He finds a role protecting the younger children and ends up in conflict with a bully. But underlying it all is his need to figure out who he is, and why God has brought him here. The story has amazing characters. And great attention to detail the research done to situate it historically so well must have been immense. You will find yourself drawn in and immersed in the story.

The book is marketed for Middle grade readers but would also be great for tweens and teens. I am in my fifties and I loved it. An excellently written novel and one that will leave you excited for the next book in the series. Antony ‘Tony’ Barone Kolenc is a retired Lieutenant Colonel from the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps. He currently teaches law. But in this story, he has shown that he has great skill with the quill and ink. And it is a story sure to entertain.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews 2020 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Antony Barone Kolenc:
The Harwood Mysteries:
Shadow in the Dark
The Haunted Cathedral

Other Books:
Penny and the Stolen Chalice
…

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Tuesday, 18 August 2020

Saint Joseph Prayers and Devotions - Donal Anthony Foley - CTS Devotions

Saint Joseph Prayers and Devotions
CTS Devotions
Donal Anthony Foley
Catholic Truth Society
ISBN 9781860829109
CTS Booklet D772


 Over the last few years, I have read over 150 volumes from the CTS. I have read books from many series. And many authors. Lately I have read several books that are part of the CTS Devotions and Prayer Series. Prior to that I had only ever read one book from the CTS and it was by Donal Anthony Foley, Apparitions of Mary, a wonderful volume I picked up on retreat almost 14 years ago. When doing research for a different review and I came across this book. I had to track it down and read it. And it did not disappoint. The description of the volume is:

 “The booklet will help deepen love for St Joseph bringing him closer to the everyday needs, concerns and joys of all. Explaining the effects of devotion to St Joseph over the centuries, the booklet is a practical and simple way for people to foster a devotional spirit and can be used individually or in parish groups.”

 And the jacket blurb states:

 “The statues and paintings in Catholic churches and chapels are an aid to prayer and devotion for everyone. 

 This booklet explains the origin of devotion to St joseph, and his importance in our everyday life and on our journey of faith.

 The best loved litanies, novenas, devotions and hymns are included to encourage a prayerful visit to Jesus’s foster-father and a mind and heart lifted up to God.”

 Over the last few years as I have aged, and as my children are growing, I have found myself drawn to Saint Joseph again and again. I have read several books about him, and prayer a few different prays for his intercession daily. And even with all the books and booklets I have already read about Saint Joseph I was very happy to have read this little work, and to have it now sitting in my bedside table. 

 The chapters in this volume are:

 Origins and Importance of the Devotion
     St Joseph’s role in the infancy narratives
     Devotion to Saint Joseph

 Prayers and devotions to be said in front of the statue/icon.
     Readings from the Feasts of Saint Joseph
     Prayers to St Joseph
     Prayers to St Joseph, patron of the dying
     Novenas and Meditation in honour of St Joseph
     Hymns to St Joseph
     Prayers of consecration to St Joseph

 The first part of this volume is a brief history and introduction. And then there are many prayers. The booklet can be used for personal devotion or for communion prayers. It is a wonderful little volume. This booklet should be in every Catholic home, or the desk of every Catholic man. At the end of the book it recommends Companion to Saint Joseph by J.B. Midgley and The Role of a Christian Father by Keith Chappell. Both of which are excellent volumes to pursue along side this one. Even with everything else I have read about Saint Joseph I found this book of great worth. I highly recommend this book and will be pursuing other offerings from the pen of Donal Anthony Foley. A great read, I encourage you to track it down and pray your way through it.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan! For other reviews of books from the Catholic Truth Society click here.

 For reviews of other books in the CTS Devotions series click here.

Other reviews and articles about Saint Joseph:
Consecration to St. Joseph - Fr. Donald Calloway
Favorite Prayers to St. Joseph Compiled from Traditional Sources- TAN Books
Prayer to Saint Joseph Prayer of the Day
Joseph of Nazareth - Federico Suarez
Devotion to St. Joseph - F. Declaux
Go to St. Joseph: Do Whatever He Tells You - Brian Kiczek
Saint Joseph: Help for Life's Emergencies - Kathryn J. Hermes
Feast of Saint Joseph 2018 Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary Principal Patron of Canada
Companion to Saint Joseph - J.B. Midgley - CTS Companions Series
Saints of the Roman Canon - Julien Chilcott-Monk - CTS Living the Liturgy Series
Seven Saints for Seven Virtues - Jean M. Heimann

Books by Donal Anthony Foley:
Christian Living: The Spirituality of the Foyers of Charity
Understanding Medjugorje: Heavenly Visions or Religious Illusion?
Marian Apparitions, the Bible, and the Modern World
Medjugorje Revisited: 30 Years of Visions or Religious Fraud?

Fiction:







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Monday, 17 August 2020

Fathers and Writers of the First Millennium - Pope Benedict XVI - The Spiritual Masters

Fathers and Writers of the First Millennium
The Spiritual Masters
Pope Benedict XVI
Catholic Truth Society
ISBN 9781860827228
CTS Booklet B739


 I love reading books from the Catholic Truth Society, and I love reading books by and about Pope Benedict XVI.  And this volume combines both those passions. Over the last few years I have read over 100 books and booklets from the Catholic Truth Society. And several volumes by or about Pope Benedict XVI. The description of the book is:

 “The ten catechisms in this richly illustrated volume take us back to the historical period immediately following the first Fathers of the Church.  Each of the Spiritual Masters described by Pope Benedict left their own mark on the Church’s culture and spirituality and helped in her growth.

 John Climacus describes the ladder to heaven famously depicted in many icons but also present in the practical counsels he passes on to us in his writings. Bede the Venerable reminds us of the centrality of the Sacred Scriptures as a constant source of theological reflection.  St. Boniface, Apostle to the Germans and a great organizer, founded the monastery of Fulda in 743 which became the heart and the centre from which a new spiritual and religious culture spread.  A less well known writer from Provence was Ambrose Autpert, who transmits across the centuries his precious theological work on the struggle between good and evil; he was a great defender of sacred images and of the Assumption of Our Lady.  John Damascene was a figure of great importance in the history of the Universal Church and the Byzantine theology.  St. Theodore the Studite bore a vivid and coherent witness to Jesus in turbulent times. Rabanus Maurus was a monk whose writings help put us into contact with the wisdom of the ancients.  John Scotus Erigena excelled as a notable thinker and patriotic scholar.  Sts Cyril and Methodius were brothers united both in the Faith and blood who together committed their lives to missionary work and to sanctity.”

 And the chapters are:
John Climacus
Bede the Venerable
Saint Boniface
Ambrose Autpert
Germanus of Constantinople
John Damascene
Saint Theodore the Studite
Rabanus Maurus
John Scotus Erigena
Saints Cyril and Methodius

 The English edition of this book released in 2011, it is a translation from Italian that was released in 2009. There is a companion volume Spiritual Masters: Medieval Fathers and Writers that was released the same year. Both are currently out of print. And I am still trying to track down the second volume. This volume was an excellent read. And one I plan to return to and read again. It is also different than many of the books I read from the Catholic Truth Society.  It is a beautiful hard cover volume. With full glossy pages. Aver few pages is a 2 page color print, and often single pages prints of classic artwork. There are 26 illustrations in total and 5 of those are two page spreads. Each chapter is a translation of an audience given between 11th February 2009 and 17th June that same year. These ten reflections go deep into the fathers, their lives, and their meaning for us today. They each are examples to us today. 

 I seldom keep physical books. I tend to pass them on to others. But this book is a pleasure to read and view that it has gone on my shelf of keepers. 

 This is an excellent volume and well worth tracking down. 




Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan! For other reviews of books from the Catholic Truth Society click here.

Books by Benedict XVI:
The Way of the Cross - Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger - Pope Benedict XVI
Finding Life's Purpose: Inspiration for Young People
Don't Be Afraid To Be Saints - with Pope John Paul II
Confession Advice and Encouragement from Pope Benedict XVI 
From the Depths of Our Hearts - Pope Benedict XVI and Robert Cardinal Sarah
Way of the Cross Meditations and Prayers
Way of Calvary: Stations of the Cross 
Spiritual Masters Fathers and Writers of the First Millennium 
Spiritual Masters Medieval Fathers and Writers
Jesus, the Apostles and the Early Church and Church Fathers 
...                   

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