Title: Virtue Inverted
Authors: Piers Anthony and Kenneth Kelly
Publisher By: Dreaming Big Publications, 2017
Reviewed By: Corinthia M
​
About the Book
Virtue Inverted is the first novel of a hard-hitting sword and sorcery trilogy by Piers Anthony and Ken Kelly. Benny Clout is a poor mountain boy who has found true love in Virtue the vampire. However, Virtue is not an ordinary vampire; she's actually a very nice girl. Her bites contain extraordinary power, but will that power be enough to combat the evil that awaits them?

Review, Rating 3/5
For me, starting Virtue Inverted was a promising beginning. I enjoyed reading about a boy getting magically conned into going on an adventure with a strange otherworldly being and a corrupting hero. It was fun watching the unlikely trio interact with their surroundings. However, for me, as soon as our leading vampire lady, Virtue, was introduced the plot became muddled and the storyline went downhill.

Ken Kelly and Piers Anthony write in a way that makes their own voices distinct, but remain a nice blend of their narratives. For me, this was a better one of Piers Anthony as he reined in a bit of the sexual content, but not his strong male gaze (which I felt weakened much of Virtue’s character). However, I applaud both authors. Writing a narrative with someone else (especially a series) takes a strong dedication and love for what’s being wrote, and the passion that these two authors have for their work comes through strongly in their narratives.

Although, Virtue Inverted wasn’t for me it would be a great read for any of Ken Kelly and Piers Anthony’s fantasy fans.
DISCLAIMER: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for writing a review. I was not obligated to give a positive review, and all thoughts are my own.

About Authors
Piers Anthony is one of the world's most popular fantasy authors, and a New York Times bestseller twenty-one times over. Anthony is the author of the Xanth series, as well as many other best-selling works. Piers Anthony lives with his wife in Inverness, Florida.
 
Kenneth Kelly is a 26 year old native of Plant City, Fl. He has been an avid writer his whole life, and has had a number of short works published during grade school and college. He has a Bachelors degree in English Professional Writing from St. Leo University. 

​Title: Olivia MacAllister, Who Are You?
Author: Celine Rose Mariotti
Published By: Dreaming Big Publications, 2017
Reviewed By: Jessica B
 
Rating: 4/5 Stars
This is a cute children’s chapter book that is great for adventurous and imaginative minds. It prompts children to ask questions about their family and ancestors, and to learn more about where they come from. The chapters are short and easy to understand. The characters are relatable and engaging. It is a great family read! The ending is a tad bizarre and might go over younger kids heads, but overall the plot is fun and creative! Would be a great book to read in October, before Halloween.
 
About the Book:
Bobby MacAllister and Noel Simpson are cousins, who visit their Uncle Eb in Maine for the summer. There they embark on an adventure to discover the story of their ancestors and the secrets of the ghost, Olivia, who stays in the house.  Together, with family friends and partners from the town, they uncover the truth of a long lost love story.
 
Olivia MacAllister, Who Are You? is a fun fiction chapter book for children aged 7 to 10. Will you be inspired to learn about your ancestors’ past like Bobby and Noel?
 
About the Author:
Celine Rose Mariotti was born in Derby, CT and has lived in Shelton, CT all her life. Since a child, she always liked to write. Celine's first book was "Olivia MacAllister, Who Are You?" Her latest book is "Minister's Shoes". Celine loves to write mysteries and science fiction stories.
 
DISCLAIMER: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for writing a review. I was not obligated to give a positive review, and all thoughts are my own

​Moonfish by Aaron Hwang
                My father was often solitary - a dark and fathomless man. He seemed to prefer solitude to people - he often sailed out alone, and stayed there deep into the night. I sometimes wondered if he didn’t like me - but then, he never frowned at me much either. Sometimes I’d get a word from him, or a salted wrinkle in the corner of his mouth, and I’d almost believe I could see him, like a dark silhouette rising from water. But then the moment would pass, the shadow would descend back to the depths, and I’d be left unsure if I’d seen anything at all.
I don’t know what made that one night different from any other. But I remember waking, my shoulder drifting in the gentle rock of his hand.
“I want you to see this,” he said. “Get your shoes.”
I nodded, intrigued by the reverence in his voice, by the anomaly of his interest in me.
                He said nothing else as we left the house. . Even outside we stayed silent, though I knew no one could possibly overhear us. We just walked. Walked and walked until the sidewalks that became boardwalks became beach. The landscapes all but melted together in the night.  The ocean was so dark, that looking at it was just like closing your eyes.
                Eventually we reached the dock where the boat was kept. My father freed the stern lines while I untied the bow. I flipped on the dim cabin lamps and he revved up the engine. We seemed to float on darkness instead of water. We sailed out and out.  It wasn’t until the isolation was absolute, like the deepest, oldest cave, that my father finally spoke again.
                “New moon,” he said, “is the only time you see them. Shy creatures, moonfish. Hmph. You’ve never seen moonfish before, yeah?”
                I shook my head. No, I hadn’t. My father nodded and cut the engine, and I turned out the lights. The silence we created was glassy, smooth and hard. My father found my shoulder and guided me to the edge. He took my finger and pointed it towards the depths. At first, I couldn’t even see water, not in that darkness. Then, following the finger, I saw faint flickers I was sure I imagined: phosphorescent sparks, flash negative-rainbows, twinkling on the tips of waves. I tried to blink them away, but instead they caught like silver-green fire, spreading and darting beneath us in great schools, churning and alive. One flashed from the brine with a flicker of lightning spray, and I gaped as it hung above us in a streaking corona, every droplet off its scales sparkling, luminous.
                The next day my father was his taciturn self again. He made no mention of our midnight voyage. When he goes out on his boat from time to time, he still prefers to go alone. He’s a solitary man, my father, and serious, so if you asked he might even tell you to stop chasing my fancies, that I put too much stock in fish-tales and dreams. And it’s true that when we talk, he stays silent on the subject of moonfish. But sometimes - just sometimes I see him smile, and then it darts across his face like a flash of scales.
The ocean too, is dark and silent, but does that mean it holds no wonders?
 
Edited by Ariel Barreras
 

​Title: Pulp Medical
Authors: Kevin Findley, Kristi Morgan, and Kenneth Robkin
Published: June 2017, Pro Se Press
Reviewed By: Jessica B
 
Rating: 3/5 Stars
 
Pulp Medical contains three short stories written by three different authors. The stories revolve around the lives of nurses and doctors, but with a twist. These doctors and nurses are involved in situations not normally presented to them in the field. The first story, “Harlem Medical” explores a plot where mobsters collide with medical personnel. A doctor gets stuck in between two sides after he saves one of the leaders. “The Healing Curse” revolves around the theme of good versus evil, and the question of using powers and its consequences. (This one was my favorite due to the writing style.) “The Internship” moves rather quickly as the new intern at a hospital discovers an unsettling truth about its doctors and patients.
 
Although short stories are not my favorite to read, I like how this collection twisted what is expected in society. Doctors take an oath to save lives, but is that always the case? This collection takes readers into difficult dilemmas in three exciting, short stories. I think the length of each of the stories, as well as the collection is perfect. It keeps the attention of the readers to be able to read all three in one sitting (if they would like). Each author has a unique writing style, allowing readers to be able to connect to at least one.
 
I would recommend this collection to those wanting to explore short stories in a different setting. Anyone who is fans of macabre short stories will enjoy these medical tales.
 
About the Book:
Doctors and Nurses stand knee deep in Life and Death every single day. And sometimes, it’s their lives that are at risk! Pro Se Productions and authors Kevin Findley, Kristi Morgan, and Kenneth Robkin delve into the world where saving lives collides with crime and danger. PULP MEDICAL puts professional lifesavers and the hospitals and emergency rooms they staff in the spotlight…and in the crosshairs. Sometimes the patients aren’t the only ones that need saving… PULP MEDICAL. From Pro Se Productions.
 
About the Authors:
Kevin Findley has been writing in the wonderful, macabre worlds of Pulp for two years now. Pulp Medical is his seventh tale to be published and the second with Pro Se. Before taking up the pen, he wielded the sword for twenty years in the U.S. Air Force. Between those decades in uniform and beginning life as a freelancer, he designed and maintained commercial websites for three years. His wife is pleased he began writing as it keeps him home, out of trouble, and where she can keep an eye on him.
If you want to tell Kevin how much you enjoyed Doc Monroe and want to see more of his world, you can reach him at www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-findley-36a20835 . If you didn't like it, tell him anyway; just don't expect a reply. Well, at least not a polite one.
 
Kristi Morgan lives in Mississippi with her husband, three kids, cat, dog, and turtle.
 
Ken Robkin lives in the bright sunshine state of Florida where he teaches 3d character animation at Florida State University. He was a character animator for Sony, animating on the Uncharted series, DC universe game and the Jak and Daxter.
Ken has always enjoyed story telling in all its forms, but after a successful Cthulhu themed Kickstarter project that comprised a small fetish and novella, he has been focusing on writing.
 
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for writing a review. I was not obligated to give a positive review, and all thoughts are my own.

First published in March 2017 in ebook and paperback, Bugs in the System is now available in audio, narrated by Rick Gregory.

This collaboration between Dreaming Big Publications and Orcs Unlimited is a science fiction short story collection based on the world and characters from Orcs Unlimited's RPG, We Hunt Bugs. 

Visit Orcs Unlimited at orcsunlimited.com for more STRANGE GAMES MADE BY STRANGE PEOPLE.

Amazon Link: 
https://www.amazon.com/Bugs-System-Pat-McNary/dp/1543009352/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1502179570&sr=8-2&keywords=bugs+in+the+system

"It's a tough universe out there with death-by-giant insect waiting around every corner."Immerse yourself if these short stories based on the role-playing game, We Hunt Bugs, and experience the tales of shaky alliances, backstabbing comrades, and terrifying monsters.
"It's what we do. We hunt Bugs."

Title: Black Pulp
Authors: Walter Mosley, Joe R. Lansdale, Gary Phillips, Charles Saunders, Derrick Ferguson, D. Alan Lewis, Christopher Chambers, Mel Odom, Kimberly Richardson, Ron Fortier, Michael Gonzales, Gar Anthony Haywood, and Tommy Hancock
Published By: Pro Se Productions, 2013
Reviewed By: Jessica B.
 
Rating: 3/5 Stars
 
This collection contains 12 pulp fiction stories, with an introduction piece and author biography section. Each story varies in genre, with most containing action scenes or small plot twists.
 
While short stories are not my first choice to read, the story “Mtimu,” was my favorite among this collection. The writing style contained beautiful descriptions, especially the beginning. I could picture the jungle scenes and the animals involved in the story. Charles Saunders has a talent for writing and engages the reader through his details. Also, I enjoyed “Dillon and the Alchemist’s Morning Coffee.” While I didn’t care for the particular writing style in terms of the dialogue, the plot was action packed and kept my interest. The other stories weren’t awful; each writer has a unique style and plotline. However, they just weren’t for me.
 
While the stories didn’t all capture my interest, I really enjoy collections like this. Short stories are quick and get right to the action. If one catches your interest you can enjoy it. If it doesn’t, you don’t feel as if you’ve wasted your time reading it. And most of the time you can appreciate the writer’s efforts and ability to create their piece.
 
About the Book:
From Today's Best Authors and up and coming writers comes BLACK PULP from Pro Se Productions! BLACK PULP is a collection of stories featuring characters of African origin, or descent, in stories that run the gamut of genre fiction! A concept developed by noted crime novelist Gary Phillips, BLACK PULP brings bestselling authors Walter Mosley and Joe R. Lansdale, Gary Phillips, Charles R. Saunders, Derrick Ferguson, D. Alan Lewis, Christopher Chambers, Mel Odom, Kimberly Richardson, Ron Fortier, Michael A. Gonzales, Gar Anthony Haywood, and Tommy Hancock together to craft adventure tales, mysteries, and more, all with black characters at the forefront! "Literature for the masses kindled the imagination and used our reading skills so that we could regale ourselves in the cold chambers of alienation and poverty. We could become Doc Savage or The Shadow, Conan the Barbarian or the brooding King Kull and make a difference in a world definitely gone wrong."--Walter Mosley from his introduction. Between these covers are 12 tales of action, adventure, and thrills featuring heroes and heroines of darker hues that will appeal to audiences everywhere! BLACK PULP! From Pro Se Productions!
 
 
About the Authors:
(Taken from the end of the book)
Walter Mosley is one of America's most celebrated and beloved writers. His books have won numerous awards and have been translated into more than twenty languages.
Mosley is the author of the acclaimed Easy Rawlins series of mysteries, including national bestsellers Cinnamon Kiss, Little Scarlet, and Bad Boy Brawly Brown; the Fearless Jones series, including Fearless Jones, Fear Itself, and Fear of the Dark; the novels Blue Light and RL's Dream; and two collections of stories featuring Socrates Fortlow, Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned, for which he received the Anisfield-Wolf Award, and Walkin' the Dog. He lives in New York City. Check out more at: http://www.waltermosley.com
 
Joe R. Lansdale is the author of over thirty novels and numerous short stories. His work has appeared in national anthologies, magazines, and collections, as well as numerous foreign publications. He has written for comics, television, film, newspapers, and Internet sites. His work has been collected in eighteen short-story collections, and he has edited or co-edited over a dozen anthologies. He has received the Edgar Award, eight Bram Stoker Awards, the Horror Writers Association Lifetime Achievement Award, the British Fantasy Award, the Grinzani Cavour Prize for Literature, the Herodotus Historical Fiction Award, the Inkpot Award for Contributions to Science Fiction and Fantasy, and many others. His novella Bubba Hotep was adapted to film by Don Coscarelli, starring Bruce Campbell and Ossie Davis. His story Incident On and Off a Mountain Road was adapted to film for Showtime's Masters of Horror. He is currently co- producing several films, among them The Bottoms, based on his Edgar Award-winning novel, with Bill Paxton and Brad Wyman, and The Drive-In, with Greg Nicotero. He is Writer In Residence at Stephen F. Austin State University, and is the founder of the martial arts system Shen Chuan: Martial Science and its affiliate, Shen Chuan Family System. He is a member of both the United States and International Martial Arts Halls of Fame. He lives in Nacogdoches, Texas with his wife, dog, and two cats. His latest book, THE THICKET, debuts from Mullholland this fall. More about Joe and his works can be found here: http://www.joerlansdale.com
 
Gary Phillips, Mystery and New Pulp writer, has penned short stories for Moonstone’s Kolchak: The Night Stalker Casebook, The Avenger Chronicles, The Green Hornet Casefiles and the upcoming Spider: Extreme Prejudice anthologies. His most current novel is Warlord of Willow Ridge which Booklist said of the work, “Phillips is a veteran crime novelist who creates a plausible post-apocalyptic scenario in which the safety of middle-class America can dissolve in a moment. Exciting, violent, and entertaining.” He also has out the ebook novella, The Essex Man: 10 Seconds to Death, a homage to ‘70s era paperback vigilantes. Please visit his website at: http:// www.gdphillips.com.
 
Charles Saunders was born in 1946 in English, Pennsylvania, a small town located near Pittsburgh. He also lived in a bigger town, Norristown, near Philadelphia before going to Lincoln University, where he graduated with a degree in psychology and curiosity in 1968. Since 1985, Charles has lived in Nova Scotia. Charles has worked as a community college teacher and research assistant. Journalism found him in 1989, when he began writing an opinion column. He later became a copy editor, and his last day job - which was really a night job - was editorial writer and editorial page editor for the Halifax Daily News. The first spark of Imaro, his most celebrated work, came to Saunders in 1970 and the flame has risen and fallen ever since. He has also written non-fiction books, two screenplays for direct-to-video movies, and two radio plays. These days, he is concentrating on the revival of Imaro, as well as other African-oriented fantasy ideas. Charles keeps up a blog about his work here: http://www.charlessaunderswriter.com
 
Derrick Ferguson is from Brooklyn, New York where he has lived most of my life. He has been married for 27 years to the wonderful Patricia Cabbagestalk-Ferguson who lets him get away with far more than is good for him.
Derrick’s interests include old radio shows, classic pulps from the 30's/40's, comic books, fan fiction, Star Trek, pop culture, science fiction, animation, television and movies. His primary love is reading and writing and he’s written several books to date: Dillon And The Voice of Odin, his love letter to classic pulp action/adventure with a modern flavor and the sequel, Dillon And The Legend of The Golden Bell as well as Four Bullets for Dillon; Derrick Ferguson's Movie Review Notebook and its sequel The Return of Derrick Ferguson's Movie Review Notebook; Diamondback Vol I: It Seemed Like A Good Idea At The Time, a spaghetti western disguised as a modern day gangster/crime thriller.
Anything else you'd like to know about Derrick, check out more here: http://dlferguson- bloodandink.blogspot.com
 
D. Alan Lewis is a native of Chattanooga, Tennessee who now resides in Nashville with his children. He has been writing and illustrating technical guides and manuals for various employers for over twenty years but only in recent years has branched out in to writing fiction. In 2006, Alan took the reins of a Novelists Group where he has been working to teach and aid aspiring writers. Alan's debut novel, The Blood in Snowflake Garden was a Top Ten finalist for the 2010 Claymore Award. He also has a number of short stories published as well as other projects in the works. Find out more at: http://www.snowflakegarden.com
 
Professor Christopher Chambers, a Washington, D.C. native and Georgetown University professor, is author of the best-selling Angela Bivens series for Random House, and is co-editor of Darker Mask: Heroes from the Shadows. He was a PEN/Malamud finalist for short fiction. He is also commentator for The Root, RT America, MSNBC and Huffington Post Live. His novel Yella Patsy's Boys will drop in 2014.Keep up with Professor Chambers at here: http://dangerfieldnewby.tumblr.com
 
Mel Odom writes in a number of fields, but always with the hope of telling an interesting tale that will incite a reader to think for himself or herself, to examine his or her own place in the world, and offer a little nudge in the direction of dreams, faith, and personal growth in spite of whatever odds a person has to face. Mel also believes we were all put here for a purpose. Hopefully, several purposes. Mel is a father, a little league coach, a teacher, a friend, and a writer. He holds tightly to the belief that he is doing all he can be doing, and doing what he should be doing. Follow Mel here: http://www.melodom.blogspot.com or http://melodom.com
 
Kimberly Richardson - After being found as an infant crawling among books in an abandoned library, Kimberly Richardson grew up to become an eccentric woman with a taste for jazz, drinking tea, reading books, speaking rusty French and Japanese, playing her violin and writing stories that cause people to make the strangest faces. Her first book, Tales From a Goth Librarian, was published through Dark Oak Press and named a Finalist in both the USA Book News Awards for Fiction: Short Story for 2009 and the International Book Awards for Fiction: Short Story in 2010. Ms. Richardson is also the author of The Decembrists (Dark Oak Press) and Mabon/Pomegranate (Dark Oak Press); both were enlisted for the 2013 Pulitzer Prize. Ms. Richardson is also the Editor of the award winning Steampunk anthology Dreams of Steam, the award winning sequel, Dreams of Steam II: Of Brass and Bolts, Dreams of Steam III: Gadgets and Dreams of Steam IV: Gizmos, all published through Dark Oak Press. Other short stories and poetry by Ms. Richardson have been published through Sam’s Dot Publishing, Pro Se Press, Midnight Screaming and FootHills Publishing. See more about Kimberly here: http://nocaesthetic.blogspot.com
 
Ron Fortier has been a professional writer for over thirty-five years. He has worked on comic book projects such as The Hulk, Popeye, Rambo and Peter Pan. With Ardath Mayhar Ron penned two TSR fantasy novels, and in 2001 he had his first play, a World War II romantic comedy, produced.
Ron is currently writing and producing pulp novels and short stories for various publishers and has several movie scripts floating around Hollywood looking for a home, and if that isn't enough, he also has a review column at the http://www.pulpfictionreviews.blogspot.com website. Ron is Cap’n over at Airship 27: http://www.airship27.com
 
Gar Anthony Haywood, born in 1954, is the Shamus award-winning author of the Aaron Gunner mysteries. Born in Los Angeles, he spent over a decade as a computer technician before first publishing fiction in the 1980s. Influenced by a love for the Los Angeles mysteries of Ross Macdonald, he wrote Fear of the Dark (1987), winning the Shamus award for best first novel and introducing the tough-nosed L.A. detective Aaron Gunner.
Haywood continued the Gunner series through the bestselling All the Lucky Ones Are Dead (2000), and in between Gunner novels produced the two-book Loudermilk pair of serio-comic mysteries. In an effort to broaden his fan base, Haywood wrote two standalone thrillers, Man Eater (2003) and Firecracker (2004), under the pen-name Ray Johnson, finding critical acclaim for both. He has also written for newspapers and television, including an adaptation of the Dennis Rodman autobiography, Bad As I Wanna Be. His most recent novels are Cemetery Road (2010) and Assume Nothing (2011). You can find his website here: http://www.garanthonyhaywood.com
 
Michael A. Gonzales - Spinetingler Nominee Michael A. Gonzales has written fiction for Crime Factory, Needle and Bronx Biannual. A former NY Press columnist, his essays have appeared in NY magazine, The Village Voice, Spin and XXL. Gonzales blogs @ http://Blackadelicpop.blogspot.com, Twitters @ gonzomikeandlives in Brooklyn.
 
Tommy Hancock - Steeped in pulp magazines, old radio shows, and all things of that era’s pop culture, Tommy Hancock lives in Arkansas with his wonderful wife and three children and obviously not enough to do. He is Editor in Chief for Pro Se Productions, is an organizer of the New Pulp Movement, was a founding member and original Editor-in-Chief of ALL PULP, works as an editor for Seven Realms, Dark Oak, and Moonstone. He is also a writer published by Airship 27, works as Promotions and Marketing Coordinator for Moonstone Entertainment, is the Editor in Chief of ALL PULP, a full news site devoted to Pulp and the Coordinator for PULP ARK, the premiere Pulp Culture Convention in the South.
 
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for writing a review. I was not obligated to give a positive review, and all thoughts are my own
 

War for the Planet of the Apes
Starring: Andy Serkis, Woody Harrelson, Steve Zahn, Amiah Miller, Sara Canning
Rated PG-13
Reviewed by Ariel Barreras
 
ABOUT THE MOVIE
Caesar and his apes are forced into a deadly conflict with an army of humans led by a ruthless Colonel. After the apes suffer unimaginable losses, Caesar wrestles with his darker instincts and begins his own mythic quest to avenge his kind. As the journey finally brings them face to face, Caesar and the Colonel are pitted against each other in an epic battle that will determine the fate of both their species and the future of the planet. Written by Twentieth Century Fox (imdb.com)
​
MY REVIEW
Rating: 5/5
“We are the beginning and the end.”  This phrase is one that speaks volumes throughout War for the Planet of the Apes, the third film in the Planet of the Apes series.  Andy Serkis reprises his role as Caesar, the ape that started a revolution.  Serkis continues to develop his character in a flawless manner.  It is clear in this film how much Caesar has changed since the last two films and how far he is willing to go to save his fellow ape.  On the other side of the war is The Colonel, played by Woody Harrelson.  Harrelson, a fun-loving man in real life, depicts the merciless soldier in a brilliant, yet disturbing manner.  The war between Caesar and The Colonel is one that continues to elevate the themes of this film and the previous movies in the franchise.    This film seems to be the most political one of the series by showing where humans are headed if they continue their ways.  It also raises a lot of questions: How can we rebuild our society?  Are we really the superior species?  What makes us human?  Caesar’s journey in War for the Planet of the Apes is a heartbreaking and suspenseful one that fans will be satisfied with.       
 

Title: Black Dawn
Author: Mallory McCartney
Published By: Clean Reads, February 2017
Reviewed By: Jessica B
 
Rating: 4/5 Stars
 
Black Dawn is the first novel in a fantasy series. The plot moves fairly quickly with a lot of information thrown at the reader, which makes the beginning a bit confusing. Each chapter switches perspectives, which keeps the plot interesting and moving. The dialogue is a little stiff at moments and some of the action could be described better. Overall, I like the plot of the book, but the writing style is a bit young for me. I think it works as a young adult novel, possibly late middle school/early high school level. One of the aspects of the story that wasn’t my favorite was the romantic plotline. I think it was slightly immature, but once again could work for a younger audience.
 
The general plotline of Black Dawn is why my rating is 4 out of 5. Fantasy plotlines are one of my favorites to explore. It’s not necessarily a book I would read for my own entertainment, but I think it has a lot of potential with a younger audience.
 
About the Book:
"The end of an Empire. The rise of a Queen."
 
Emory Fae enjoys leading a quiet, normal life that is until two mysterious, and dare I say handsome soldiers show up at her apartment doorstep and the life she knew is instantly whisked away. Coming from the magical and ravaged world of Kiero, Emory is brought back not realizing that both men are darkly woven in her past. Discovering she is the long lost heir to the Royal Line Emory is thrown into Black Dawn Rebellion with a dynamic role to ignite the rebels and reclaim her throne. With both lives clashing Emory uncovers hidden secrets from her past, a power held long dormant, and will soon realize there are worse things than supernatural humans, love, loss, betrayal, and a Mad King.
 
Some things are better left in the shadows.
 
About the Author:
Mallory McCartney currently lives in London, Ontario with her husband and thier two dachshunds Link and Lola. Black Dawn is her debut novel, and first in the series. When she isn't working on her next novel or reading she can be found dog grooming, hiking, shopping for more books to add to her perpetually overflowing bookshelf, and on the hunt for her next favorite coffee and dessert shop.
 
DISCLAIMER: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for writing a review. I was not obligated to give a positive review, and all thoughts are my own.
 
Amazon
Goodreads
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The Best We Could Do: An Illustrated Novel by Thi Bui
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
Reviewed by Ariel Barreras
 
ABOUT THE BOOK
This beautifully illustrated and emotional story is an evocative memoir about the search for a better future and a longing for the past. Exploring the anguish of immigration and the lasting effects that displacement has on a child and her family, Bui documents the story of her family’s daring escape after the fall of South Vietnam in the 1970s, and the difficulties they faced building new lives for themselves.
 
At the heart of Bui’s story is a universal struggle: While adjusting to life as a first-time mother, she ultimately discovers what it means to be a parent—the endless sacrifices, the unnoticed gestures, and the depths of unspoken love. Despite how impossible it seems to take on the simultaneous roles of both parent and child, Bui pushes through. With haunting, poetic writing and breathtaking art, she examines the strength of family, the importance of identity, and the meaning of home.
 
In what Pulitzer Prize–winning novelist Viet Thanh Nguyen calls “a book to break your heart and heal it,” The Best We Could Do brings to life Thi Bui’s journey of understanding, and provides inspiration to all of those who search for a better future while longing for a simpler past.
​
MY REVIEW
Rating: 5/5
Bui’s debut graphic novel is a beautiful and important one.  I stumbled across this book at my local library and I was instantly intrigued.  I read this 330-page novel in two hours!  This book tells the story of Bui’s family and their journey as refugees.  Bui wants to learn more about her parents: what their childhoods were like, how they met, and their perspective on leaving Vietnam and entering the United States as refugees.  In turn, not only does the reader learn about the struggles of being a refugee, but also the struggles of a family that has lost touch with one another.  For me, this book was an eye-opening experience.  I laughed, I cried, and my heart broke.  Bui’s writing and illustrations combined gives the reader everything that needs to be understood.  Nothing is left to the imagination and it is a difficult read.  This is a heartbreaking novel, but inspiring one.  I believe that this is an important read because of the state of the world now.  People need to have a better grasp of what hardships refugees go through and how we can make it better.  I recommend this book to literally everyone and anyone! 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Thi Bui was born in Vietnam and immigrated to the United States as a child. She studied art and law and thought about becoming a civil rights lawyer, but became a public school teacher instead. Bui lives in Berkeley, California, with her son, her husband, and her mother. The Best We Could Do is her debut graphic novel.

https://www.amazon.com/Best-We-Could-Do-Illustrated/dp/1419718770/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499782279&sr=8-1&keywords=the+best+we+could+do