Thursday, 8 October 2020

Tyger Tyger - J.E. Mayhew - DCI Will Blake Book 0.5

Tyger Tyger
DCI Will Blake Book 0.5
Zertex Crime


This was the second DCI William Blake story that I have read. I stumbled upon them because of a recommended by Alex Smith, author of the DCI Kett books. I had read all the Kett books and was awaiting the next Softley Softley book when Smith mentioned this one and gave it a plug. After reading book 2, Fearful Symmetry, volume I discovered that the author publishes under two name, much like Smith. One for Adult crime novels, J.E. Mayhew and another for Young Adult and younger readers, Jon Mayhew. I am glad I gave that first one a try and jumped to this one next. Now I will clarify these stories progress and I just ended up jumping around. This prequel is available for free via the links at the end of his other books. And after read 2 of the 4 stories currently available I know I will end up reading the whole series. These books are not as gritty and do not pack as much punch as the Kett novels, but it is still a good British crime procedural story. When I reviewed a Kett story I stated I could see Jamie Bamber as DCI Kett, and while reading this I could not help but picture Karl Urban as DCI Will Blake. But let’s now focus on this novella.

This is a prequel of the series that currently consists of this work and 3 novels. I picked it up book 2 before realizing it was a second volume and gave it a shot anyways. I was very thankful I did and it led me to this story. This is good as a British Crime Procedural store. And a great introduction to DCI Blake. There are elements from this story that come back into play in the second story in the series. And from that I can only assume a significant intertwining across the stories. This story and the series remind me of the old TV series The Commander or even to some extent Wired in the Blood. This story takes place between Monday November 12th 2018 and Friday November 16th. Fearful Symmetry takes place a couple of years later placing it in the winter of 2020.

DCI Will Blake is working on a case that proves that has a lot of twists, turns, and surprises in it. The story starts on a dark country lane. With an interaction between a car and a cyclist in the dark. Next thing we know:

“He tripped, falling hard on the tarmac. And then the car was on him, turning the world into a confusion of light and noise, pain and blood.”

And the investigation is under foot. A cabbie named Alex smith is the first to find the body. And the investigation is under way. A vehicular homicide, that looks like it is far more than a hit and run. Very serious case of road rage. Blackmail. Thugs, and the steroid trade. There is a lot packed into this novella. 

As a reader will find yourself in Blake’s corner. The crime is not what it first appears to be. And even on digging deeper it takes a while to piece together the whole. Blake realizes he is up against a very smart and ruthless foe.

The plot moves well. The characters are well written. With having read one of the three novels, it is interesting to encounter Detective Chief Inspector Blake at this point in his career and life. Overall, it is a good read and know I am likely to read the rest of the series. If you enjoy crime lit or British procedurals, I am certain you will enjoy this book and series.  


Books as J.E. Mayhew:
DCI William Blake Series:

Books as Jon Mayhew:
The Spybrarian

Monster Odyssey Series:
1.0 The Eye of Neptune
2.0 The Wrath of the Lizard Lord
3.0 The Curse of the Ice Serpent
4.0 The Venom of the Scorpion
…

Mortlock Series:
2.0 The Demon Collector
3.0 The Bonehill Curse
…
…

Collins Big Cat Series:
The Merchant of Venice: Band 16/Sapphire
Hamlet: Band 18/Pearl
Romeo and Juliet: Band 18/Pearl
Macbeth: Band 18/Pearl
…

Contributed to:
Beyond the Book: A Collection of Short Stories
Storycraft: How To Teach Creative Writing
Criminal Shorts: UK Crime Book Club Anthology
Make Doves Not War - Forward
…

Books as Edwin Torr:
Dead Means Dead Series
1.0 Demons - 2017
1.3 Cotton Candy - 2017
1.9 Remurdered - 2017
2.0 Angel Hunter - 2017
2.5 Cold Caller - 2017
3.0 Jigsaw Girl - 2018
 





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Wednesday, 7 October 2020

The Road Goes Ever On - A.K. Frailey - A Christian Journey Through The Lord of the Rings

The Road Goes Ever On: 
A Christian Journey Through The Lord of the Rings
A.K. Frailey
A. K. Frailey Books
ISBN 9780997067514
eISBN 9781450288118
ASIN B06WD3JX25


Wow! This book blew me away. This was the fifth volume I have read from the masterful pen of Ann A.K. Frailey. I have loved everything of hers that I have written. Both the fiction and non-fiction. But as much as I love her fiction, I think this is the best of her works that I have read to date. I honestly believe this is a book any Catholic, any Christian would benefit from reading. To be honest I bought it because of the author, but it was a very timely read. And one I know I will return to again and again. And that I will share with my children when they are older. The description of the book is:

“Tolkien's story, The Lord of the Rings, touches the soul in a profound way. Why is that? What makes the heroes so at-tractive? Can we ever become like them? The power to be strong and valiant is not limited to Middle-earth. We have been given the same tools and gifts that they are offered if we but recognize them. The rings of power in our society tempt us and our children as well. We would be wise if we awakened to that which tries our souls. Take a look at this classic from a Christian perspec-tive, and you might bring Middle-earth a little bit closer to home.”

The sections in this book are:

Introduction 
Chapter One: What Makes Our Heroes So Heroic? 
     Hope 
     Charity 
Chapter Two: Warriors Awake! 
     Prudence
     Justice 
     Fortitude 
     Temperance 
Chapter Three: Gifts From On High 
     Wisdom 
     Understanding
     Counsel 
     Fortitude 
     Knowledge 
     Piety 
     Fear of the Lord 
Chapter Four: The Rings of Power 
     Pride 
     Covetousness 
     Lust 
     Anger 
     Gluttony 
     Envy 
     Sloth 
Chapter Five: Lead Us Not Into Temptation 
     Computers and Television 
     Medical Technology 
     Communication Systems 
Chapter Six: Our Heroes and Saints 
     Frodo and Saint Thomas More 
     Sam and Saint Isidore the Farmer 
     Pippin and Merry and St. Tarsicius 
     Gandalf and Moses 
     Gimli and Saint Patrick 
     Legolas and Saint John the Apostle 
     Boromir and Saint Augustine 
     Faramir and Saint Thomas Aquinas 
     Eowyn and Saint Clare 
     Galadriel and the Communion of Saints 
     Aragorn and the Hidden King 
Chapter Seven: Summary

This book is a walk through the fruit of the spirit, the seven deadly sins and the seven heavenly virtues through the characters and events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. It is well reasoned, and logically presented. But I believe the book was written through much prayer, for the book has had an immediate impact on my life. There is so much to learn from this volume, And much that will be gleamed from reading it again and again. This was a book that I took my time with. But the further I got into the book, the more I wanted to keep reading. I found myself saying, yes, yes, yes that makes so much sense. Time and time again as I read the book. 

Frailey often draws on dictionary definitions for example:

“Let’s begin with Bilbo as he enters the first story and is the engine behind the thrust of the greater story. Faith is defined in Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary as “allegiance to duty or person; belief, trust and loyalty to God; something believed with strong conviction.” Faith in The Lord of the Rings is an act where by the characters are called to believe something they cannot fully explain and cannot even fully understand. That belief leads them to take action and that action demands a commitment. As Bilbo said, “It is a dangerous thing, stepping outside your door…..” For the truth of the matter is that any time we take a risk in acting on an inner light, we are depending on a basic underlying faith to guide us. The problem, of course, is to discern who or what is guiding us.”

This book is an excellent volume. It is great for those who are fans of the Lord of the Rings. But even if you are not a fan, or have only seen the movies, the book can still have a huge impact upon your life. This is a journey through the Christian virtues with LOTR as a framework of examples both good and bad. I am not sure what I was expecting when I began this volume, other than I expected it to be good because it came from the pen of Frailey. But it far exceeded my high expectations. I would love to see this book used in youth or college and careers groups at church. I would love to see it on courses that look at faith and film, or religious faction. But most of all I would love for you to pick it up and for the spirit to use it as tool to challenge, encourage and motivate you on to more. To becoming a better version of yourself. 

An amazing book that I strongly encourage you to read. 

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


Books by A.K. Frailey:

Old Earth Series:
OldEarth ARAM Encounter
OldEarth Ishtar Encounter
OldEarth Neb Encounter
OldEarth Georgios Encounter
OldEarth Melchior Encounter
…

New Earth Series:
NewEarth: Justine Awakens
NewEarth A Hero's Crime

Oldtown Series:
Brothers Born
…

Wise Home Series:

Non-Fiction:
My Road Goes Ever On A Timeless Journey
…

Note: Old series that got reworked into other series:

Deliverance Series:
ARAM
Ishtar's Redemption: Trial by Fire
NEB the Great: Shadows of the Past
…

Hidden Heritage Series:
Georgios
Georgios II - A Chosen People
…




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Tuesday, 6 October 2020

Light of Heaven Saints Coloring Book - Adalee Hude

Light of Heaven Saints Coloring Book
ISBN 9781681923697


I picked up two copies of this and already wish I had picked up more. I grabbed one for my youngest daughter and one for a friend of the family. They have decided to color the same pictures and compare how they each did them the next time we get together. When I grabbed these books I was unaware of the companion volume, Light of Heaven Saints A Children's Book of Saints, and now have that on order. They both loved it and the friend in reading the back cover found out about the companion volume. The description of this book is:

“Celebrate the lives of 23 of our favorite saints! Illustrated by artist Adalee Hude, each coloring page is rich with detail, reminiscent of beautiful stained-glass works of art. Make each one your own using crayons, markers, or pens, bringing the lovely images to life!”

And the Saints in this book are:

     Saint Augustine of Hippo
     Saint Benedict
     Saint Catherine of Siena
     Saint Clare of Assisi
     Saint Elizabeth
     Saint Faustina
     Saint Francis of Assisi
     Saint George
     Saint Gianna Beretta Molla
     Saint Joan of Arc
     Saint John Paul II
     Saint Joseph
     Saint Jude
     Saint Kateri Tekakwitha
     Saint Maria Goretti
     Saint Martin de Porres
     Saint Mary Magdalene
     Saint Patrick
     Saint Peter
     Saint Teresa of Calcutta
     Saint Thrse of Lisieux
     Saint Thomas More
     Holy Mary, Mother of God

This is an excellent coloring book. The paper weight is nice and heavy. The pages are single sided. And the pictures could be colored by anyone from a young age to the later years in life. Some have very fine details but can be done separately of as groups for younger artists. And as my daughter works through the pictures I can share with her about the saints and their stories. 

This is a great volume, and I look forward to watching the pages be colored one by one. The artwork is great. I am thankful I picked up this book and will be getting more copies to give away as gifts. 

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

Books by Adalee Hude:
…
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Monday, 5 October 2020

Pope Peter - Joe Heschmeyer - Defending the Church's Most Distinctive Doctrine in a Time of Crisis

Pope Peter: Defending the Church's Most Distinctive Doctrine in a Time of Crisis
Joe Heschmeyer 
Catholic Answers Press
ISBN 9781683571803
eISBN 9781683571827
ASIN B089WJRJYK


This book is an excellent read. Great for the lay person with an interest in going deeper. And great for the academic. I would have loved to have had this book when I did my Religious Studies Degree with a specialization in Roman Catholic Thought. It was a book that I took a little more time with. Often reading a chapter and waiting a day or 2 before moving on. Really thinking about that was presented and sometimes looking up the extensive references and digging into the chapter endnotes. I enjoyed this volume greatly and have recommended it to a few different friends. Friends that are Catholic and two who have shown an interest in Catholicism. The chapters in this volume are:

Introduction: The Pope Francis Problem
1. Getting Theology Right
2. I Will Build My Church
3. A City On A Hill
4. Servant Of The Servants Of God
5. The Good Shepherd Calls A Shepherd
6. Jesus Tethers Peter To Himself
7. The Fisher Pope
8. Peter And The Eleven
9. Upon This Rock
10. You Are Peter
11. Whatever You Bind On Earth
12. The Post-Petrine Papacy

And the description of the book is:

“The papacy is no stranger to controversy.

In many ways it’s Catholicism’s defining doctrine—but also its most divisive. From medieval pontiffs who acted like princes to a modern pope whose every casual statement sets off a social-media firestorm, there has been plenty for non-Catholics to criticize and for the faithful to feel anxious about.

We profess that Jesus made St. Peter the visible head of his Church on earth and that his successors throughout the ages are guided by the Holy Spirit to govern, teach, and sanctify it. How can we strengthen this belief in the papacy in the face of challenges (both outside the Church and within it) and so strengthen our faith in the One who instituted it?

In Pope Peter, Joe Heschmeyer says that papal flaws are an opportunity to understand what the papacy really means, not to abandon it (or the Church). Drawing deeply on the scriptural and historical witness, he offers a thorough but accessible defense of the papal office and an edifying picture of the extent—and limits—of its authority.

Jesus made Peter the Rock of the Church and promised that the gates of hell would not prevail against it. Pope Peter will confirm your faith in that promise and help you proclaim its truth to others.”

This book is an excellent read. We are told in the first section that:

“The idea for this book started nearly a decade ago, during the pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI. On my blog Shameless Popery, I wrote a series of five articles on the topic of “Pope Peter,” exploring the biblical basis for the idea that the papacy was established by Christ, with Simon Peter as the first pope. That seed would eventually flower into this book, but along the way, several things happened.”

The book is more of an academic work. But Joe has written it in such a way that any Catholic, Christian or really anyone could pick it up and read through it. It does a great job of defending the church and the seat of Peter. The writing is clear and concise. The sources extensive. 

This book was an engaging read. It is very well written. This was the first book by Joe that I have read. But I have already picked up his other one and know I will pick up any future offerings.

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

Books by Joe Heschmeyer:
Who Am I, Lord? Finding Your Identity in Christ
…

Other Books from Catholic Answers:
Hard Sayings: A Catholic Approach to Answering Bible Difficulties - Trent Horn
A Daily Defense: Apologetics Lessons for Every Day - Jimmy Akin
The Apostasy That Wasn't: The Extraordinary Story of the Unbreakable Early Church - Rod Bennett
Answering Atheism - How to Make the Case for God with Logic and Charity - Trent Horn
Persuasive Pro Life: How to Talk About Our Culture's Toughest Issue - Trent Horn and Fr Frank Pavone
The Protestant's Dilemma: How the Reformation's Shocking Consequences Point to the Truth of Catholicism - Devin Rose
Behold Your Mother: A Biblical and Historical Defense of the Marian Doctrines - Tim Staples
Handed Down: The Catholic Faith of the Early Christians - James L. Papandrea
Demons, Deliverance, Discernment: Separating Fact from Fiction about the Spirit World - Fr. Mike Driscoll
Navigating the Tiber: How to Help Your Friends and Family Journey Toward the Catholic Faith - Devin Rose
100 Biblical Arguments Against Sola Scriptura - Dave Armstrong
The Drama of Salvation: How God Rescues You from Your Sins and Brings You to Eternal Life - Jimmy Akin
The Truth is Out There (Brendan and Erc in Exile Book 1 - Brother Amadeus and Amadeus
...Memorize the Reasons! Defending the Faith with the Catholic Art of Memory - Kevin Vost
Marching Orders: A Tactical Plan for Converting the World to Christ - Dan McGuire
The Fathers Know Best - Jimmy Akin
Why We're Catholic: Our Reasons for Faith, Hope, and Love - Trent Horn
The Old Evangelization: How to Spread the Faith Like Jesus Did - Eric Sammons
What the Saints Never Said - Trent Horn
...

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Saturday, 3 October 2020

Overmorrow Stories of Our bright Future - Edited by Jon Garett and Richard Walsh

Overmorrow
Stories of Our bright Future
Jon Garett (Editor)
Richard Walsh (Editor)
ISBN 9798687013796
eISBN 9781005472276
ASIN B08HJVLJD8
 

I love reading anthologies. In part because I love short stories. The skill and talent required to craft great short stories is very different than writing novels, and especially authoring series. But I have found that from each anthology I read I typically find an author or two who really impress me, and I often goon to read everything they have published. And I was intrigued by both the title of this anthology and by some of the contributors. I had recently read another anthology, Cracked An Anthology of Eggsellent Chicken Stories, that had contributions from three overlapping authors. So, I was very inclined to give this collection a try. The description of the volume is:

“News feed getting you down? Spending too much time hate-reading and doom-scrolling? Grab a collection of science fiction, cast your eyes starward, and put the current moment in perspective.' An Eastern monarch once charged his wise men to invent him a sentence, to be ever in view, and which should be true and appropriate in all times and situations. They presented him the words: "And this, too, shall pass." How much it expresses! How chastening in the hour of pride! How consoling in the depths of affliction!' - Abraham Lincoln "OVERMORROW: Stories of our Bright Future" is an anthology of science fiction short stories set in an optimistic future. From classic Golden Age style science fiction to wicked satire, from solarpunk to parody. Colony ships bound for distant solar systems, humans (and chickens) on Mars, Transhumanism and medical revolutions. This collection will transport you out of the present day to the bright future of the day-after-tomorrow.”

The contributors are:
Allen Baird 
Curtis Edmonds 
Mike Pauly 

The stories are:
The Sun is a Distant Star
Martian Chicken Man
Theseus’ Guy
Working On Cloud Nine
The Multicoloured Plain
Detour
Doall’s Brain
Perspectives
Courage to Care
Family Buffalo 
Freedom and Luck Always Go Together 
Being Tamika 

The only story in the collection I have read before was Martian Chicken Man by Bokerah Brumley, and I did read it again to see if there were any differences. None that I note on a single pass. Of note neither of the editors contributed pieces to this collection. Typically when I read an anthology there is a story or two that are more meh? That was not the case this time. This is a wonderful collection of 12 stories. 

One of my favorites is Karina Fabian’s Doall’s Brian, this story a parody of Star Trek The Original Series episode is sublime. The Courage to Care is the story that impressed me most. And my favorite was Being Tamika by Lyssa Chiavari. And I would love to know what happens next after the events of The Sun is a Distant Star by CW Hawes, what happens a years out 5, 10 …

What I loved about this collection is they are stories of hope, stories of new beginnings, and stories of change. The editors in the forward state:

“Overmorrow is an archaic word meaning ‘the day after tomorrow.’ The stories to come are positive visions of the brighter future that is waiting for us then.”

And what is waiting for you is wonderful collection of stories. If you give the collection a try, I am certain there are many you will enjoy and a few you will love.

Note: For reviews of other Anthologies click here.
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Friday, 2 October 2020

Prayer of the Day Prayer to Saint John Southworth

Prayer to Saint John Southworth 

Almighty God,
You made your Church grow
through the missionary zeal and apostolic work
of Saint John Southworth.
By the help of his prayers
give your Church continued growth
and an increase among its people
of holiness and faith.
We make this prayer
through our Lord
Jesus Christ your Son
who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit,
one God
for ever and ever.
Amen..

Reviews of books about Saint John Southworth:
... 



Prayer from the book:
John Southworth:
Priest and Martyr
CTS Saints of the Isles Series
Michael Archer
Catholic Truth Society
ISBN 9781860826689
eISBN 9781784693800
ASIN B073GZWCJQ
CTS Booklet B730
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Thursday, 1 October 2020

Worlds of FabianSpace A Story Sampler - Karina Fabian

Worlds of FabianSpace A Story Sampler 
Karina Fabian
Laser Cow Press
ISBN 9798684131684
ASIN B08HP8F4XF


Wow, what a collection of short stories! Five excellent short stories. I had read two of these five previously but still loved reading this excellent collection. This volume contains one piece that links to each of Fabian’s series. The two series that I have not read yet have jumped way up in my ‘to be read’ pile from my introduction in this story. The description of the book is:

“A snarky dragon working as a private investigator in our world. An exterminator who specializes in eradicating zombies. A psychic teen whose abilities drive him insane. Nuns who do search and rescue operations in outer space. Rednecks in a Star Trekish future. Come explore the worlds of FabianSpace: Stories of imagination, humor, and heart.”

The stories in this volume are:

Illusion 
DragonEye, PI 
Wokking Dead 
Antivenin 
The Polarity Panic 

And they are followed by a section on the origins of the individual pieces. Of offerings in this collection the story Antivenin is my favorite. But to be honest each of the stories are great reads. I already had plans to finish the Space Traipse series this year, but after reading this collection I also hope to read through the Mind Over, Neeta Lyffe, and DragonEye Pi series as well. I am certain there is something in this collection for all readers.

A dragon who is supposed to stay in our realm working as a private investigator. First on the hunt for a missing family heirloom and relic, and later a missing princess. In Illusion we have Deryl, a young man who happens to be psychic, just trying to make his way in college and in life. A story about the struggle, and the back story to the Mind Over series. The story Wokking Dead, actually made me laugh out loud. It is part of the Neeta Lyffe, Zombie Exterminator series. And We are informed they should be back in press soon. There were several puns in this story, and the ending, oh my. Maybe I should not mention I make kimchee omelettes. I loved the first of the Space Traipse books. It reminded me of the old James Blish Star Trek books, and yes, it is written in homage to Trek. This is a fun story, and one that will leave you wanting more. 

For the price you cannot go wrong! Pick up this collection of 5 very different stories and dive into the worlds of FabianSpace. I am sure that as you dip your toes into those waters you will soon find yourself diving in. Even if you have read a few of the stories before it is worth picking up this collection for the other offerings. And if you love these stories be sure to check out her Dex Hollister series also, the only one not represented in this collection. Five amazing stories.  

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:

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
Overmorrow Stories for our Bright Future
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