BOOK REVIEW: Legend of The Lagunas By Stephen Paolini

Just in time for Halloween! Here is our review of the supernatural short story LEGEND OF THE LAGUNAS!

　

SYNOPSIS:
A couple head to Mount Laguna for a quiet weekend away from the city, not knowing that they will soon be caught up in the horror of a supernatural local legend.











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REVIEW

From the creator of Blood and Fire: The Draconos Saga Volume 1, Stephen Paolini takes a break to bring us the trepidating LEGEND OF THE LAGUNAS. Paolini leads you page by page with foreboding sense in the air, yet you do not know from where. For a short story, you are instantly merged with the main characters seeing and feeling strongly through them as they discover that legends always hold some truths.

Overall LEGEND OF THE LAGUNAS is the most spectacular short story I have read in a long time. The ending will leave you in a gut-wrenching disbelieving state. No that can not be the end. There has to be more! Curse the author!!! I highly recommend reading this story on a chilly fall night in front of a bonfire.

***** (5 stars)






ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Stephen R. Paolini was born in San Diego, California to parents Beatricci Paolini and Marco Paolini. He spent his childhood playing with Star Wars toys, watching Twilight Zone, and reading a variety of novels and short stories in the genres of fantasy, science fiction, and (later) horror. Blood and Fire: The Draconos Saga Volume 1 marks Stephen's first self published e novel. He drew his inspiration for the Dragon Riders from the works of Anne Mc Caffrey. Her Dragon Riders of Pern series is one of his favorites from his Junior High through High School years.

Also a fan of everything vampire, Stephen loved watching films such as Bram Stoker's Dracula, the Blade trilogy and even Underworld. Van Helsing with Hugh Jackman also tops the list.

Stephen loved the idea of a war between vampire and another supernatural race of creatures, though he felt that the whole vampire versus werewolf thing had been played out. Remembering how much he enjoyed The Dragon Riders of Pern, Stephen started to create in his mind the world of planet Draconos.

This would become the setting for his exciting new dark fantasy series. Hopefully, readers will find the premise new and unique. 

BOOK REVIEW: The Feathered Crown: A Windflower Saga Novella (Book 5 in the Windflower Saga) By Aleksandra Layland

SYNOPSIS:

We meet Kahutane, High Chief of the Kimbrii, in "Ansgar: The Struggle of a People. The Triumph of the Heart." (Part I of the Windflower Saga) where he is Keholani and Kori's beloved uncle, Tiare's good-natured elder brother, and the wise and insightful leader of the Kimbrii people. But we know nothing of his early life. Was he ever married? Did he have children of his own? And how did he, who was not expected at birth to ever do so, come to wear the feathered crown?




         
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REVIEW

FEATHERED CROWN is a side story to the first book of the Windflower Saga Ansgar: Struggle of a People. The Triumph of the Heart as we focus more on one of the beloved characters of Ansgsar  Chief Kahutane of the Kimbrii people. Coming to the end of his existence he looks back on his life writing his memoirs to leave behind revealing the triumphs and tragedies that lead him to become the High Chief of the Kimbrii people.

After starting to read this series I have to say FEATHERED CROWN is the most heart tugging book of the series so far. I’m not completely done with the series, but this one brought tears to my eyes. Layland captured Chief Kahutane’s voice with such emotions as he laid bare the happiness, pain, grief of his life. Little did he know he also revealed his strength and amazing faith leaving no question as to why he was considered the most beloved High Chief of the Kimbrii people. You might need tissues with this one.


 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Aleksandra Layland is a retired civil engineer and a federal civil servant who worked primarily for the United States Air Force as a senior installation engineering manager responsible for buildings, airfields, infrastructure, fire protection, and emergency preparedness. She also served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Western Caroline Islands where she helped build school classrooms and cafeterias, low-income housing, and simple village water distribution systems. Her other interests include arts and crafts, family genealogy, religion, and spirituality, fostering peace in the world, and enjoying retirement with family and friends.

BOOK REVIEW: Ansgar: The Struggle of a People. The Triumph of the Heart by Aleksandra Layland

SYNOPSIS:

Part I of The Windflower Saga trilogy, a multi-genre action/romance/fantasy novel. Ansgar, youngest son of King Bogumil of Kimbria, has never visited the southernmost lands of his dukedom. No one lives in the vast Wastelands except a few fishermen, nuns, monks, and the remnants of the Kimbrii people. These original inhabitants of Kimbria were once famous as horsemen and mounted archers but are now on the brink of extinction. Returning to his homeland after several years away, Ansgar journeys directly to the south to search for the Kimbrii but his ship and crew are lost in a storm at sea. Near death, he slowly heals at a remote monastery, presumed dead by his family, and still determined to search for the Kimbrii.


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REVIEW

A beautiful tale of a family set in historical fantasy is the best way to describe ANSGAR: THE STRUGGLE OF A PEOPLE. THE TRIUMPH OF THE HEART. Layland smuggles in a bit of real history along with her tapestry of romance, fantasy, and adventure as she sets up the foundation for the Windflower Saga in ANSGAR: THE STRUGGLE OF A PEOPLE.  THETRIUMPH OF THE HEART(Book 1 of the Windflower Saga). I loved it!

When Ansgar meets the Kimbrii people and you hear their tale pay close attention. What historic part in our history do they remind you of?

At the heart of ANSGAR though is the Ansgar ducal family as we follow them through generations of their happiness, hardships, marriages, births, and deaths. I think this is the capturing appeal of ANSGAR.

Overall I enjoyed ANSGAR: THE STRUGGLE OF A PEOPLE.THE TRIUMPH OF THE HEART. Layland is a warm inviting storyteller charming you chapter after chapter.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Aleksandra Layland is a retired civil engineer and a federal civil servant who worked primarily for the United States Air Force as a senior installation engineering manager responsible for buildings, airfields, infrastructure, fire protection, and emergency preparedness. She also served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Western Caroline Islands where she helped build school classrooms and cafeterias, low-income housing, and simple village water distribution systems. Her other interests include arts and crafts, family genealogy, religion, and spirituality, fostering peace in the world, and enjoying retirement with family and friends.
  

BOOK REVIEW: Carlot's Jungle Friends By Donald A Yates

SYNOPSIS:

Deep in the lush jungle of the Argentine lives eleven-year-old Carlota, her father Daniel, and a host of animals that are very friendly to the little girl. There are the parrots, the deer and, best of all, the strange little Patagonian hares. Although those little animals don’t really look like a rabbit or any other animal on earth, the peculiar little creatures become dear friends to the isolated Carlota.

The jungle is loved by the little girl as it is “a park, playground, and zoo all wrapped up in one.”

Join in the exciting adventure of Carlota and her father as they face one of the great dangers of the wild Misiones, Argentina jungle---the menacing tigre (jaguar). Although awesome to behold in its natural environment, tigre is the most fearsome big cat of South America. Read how Carlota’s father travels to town to purchase a birthday gift for his daughter and upon returning falls into extreme danger. The gorgeous colorful pages reveal how Carlota, with the help of her Patagonian hares, saves the girl’s father.

This is a story for precocious young readers, along with upper elementary students. It is sure to also be enjoyed by adults. It will become a favorite to be read over and over again with great delight.


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REVIEW

Carlota’s Jungle Friends is such a sweet adorable story. Yates uses his life’s experiences of years he spent in Argentina to create this beautiful children’s tale. In the book you will go on an exciting adventure in the wild jungles of Argentine where Carlota lives with her father and her friends, who are the jungle animals. It is here Yates weaves in educational experiences as we get to meet some of the many animals that actually do reside in the Misiones, Argentina jungles---animals such as the adorable Patagonian hares. Kids will fall in love with these little critters instantly. Parents, be ready to hear your children ask if they can have one of these unique pets like Carlota did. If you look deeper in the tale, you will find that Carlota’s Jungle Friends also shares a more valuable message---that lesson is that one should never underestimate anyone or anything because of appearances. Carlota’s father had a low opinion of the Patagonian hares, but in the end, the little creatures helped. Teacher’s and parents will love the book’s sweet story and message. And, children will love the bold illustrations along with the character of Carlota and her amazing jungle animal friends.

I thought the story was sweet. It educated and entertained me at the same time. I enjoy books that do that. Carlota’s Jungle Friends allows parents and teachers to explore beyond the pages with their children as the young readers become interested in learning more about the animals of the South American jungles. For example, my kids and I loved the little Patagonian hares. We got to spend more quality time together ‘Googling’ the Patagonian hares. We discovered they are just as cute as they are shown to be in the illustrations of the story. Carlota’s Jungle Friends is definitely a book that will want to be read over and over again.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Donald A. Yates is a professor of Romance Languages and translator of many Argentine writers. He was a frequent resident of Buenos Aires during the 1960's where he taught American Literature at several Argentine universities under the auspices of the Fulbright educational exchange program. He is now retired as a Professor Emeritus of Spanish American Literature from Michigan State University and lives in California's Napa Valley.

BOOK REVIEW: Lifesaver in a Bikini: Sassy, Sexy, Fearless By Angelin Sydney

SWEET AND THRILLING!



When beautiful, sassy Queen finds herself thrust into the middle of a murder mystery, the media hails her ‘the lifesaver in the bikini’. Her hunky husband, SWAT Officer Giorgio Gomez, told her to stay in the crime lab and let the detectives handle it. She didn’t listen. Now fearless Queenie is in a world of trouble and G is going to have to put his life on the line to save the woman he loves more than Lego. The mystery started with Belle, a forensic accountant who got in the way of a sociopath’s global criminal enterprise. Enter handsome Australian SAS Captain Bryce Mabo Cameron, who summed it up: “I know why you’re in hot water. You ask too many questions.” As the personal tragedies mount, it’s up to Queen and the gang to solve the mystery and catch the madman before the game gets too rough to play.


REVIEW

Lifesaver in a Bikini is definitely a top 10 summer beach read, and not just because it has the word "Bikini" is in the title. Bikini is a great getaway book for the mind, as Sydney takes you on a roller coaster ride of a read. Not with loops and twist, but with a sudden drop. Bikini is a fun read with a heap of danger, mystery, intrigue and romance on top.

You will find Sydney’s writing refreshing as she writes like she is your jovial best friend telling you a gossipy story. Even when you reach the dark jaw-dropping climax of the book it seems Sydney still has a jovial essence in her writing voice. It’s kind of creepy, but you like it. It works wonderfully. Especially when the lead villain is a demented sociopath.
　
If you are looking to getaway with a “getaway book” Lifesaver in a Bikini: Sexy Sassy Fearless is a great book to escape the world from. After reading one of her books you always come out smiling.

RATING *****(5 stars)


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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

As a writer, Angelin Sydney interweaves romantic stories with thrilling plots that twist and turn in many ways.

Since moving to Australia twenty-five years ago, she has had numerous incarnations. She was a banker, an insurance seller, housing loan broker, and home-stay mother to literally hundreds of international students. Over the years, she has also become a small business owner, casual kitchen hand and currently, a live-in nanny. So, one can say, she has been around.

Her most consistent role, however, is being a mother to her four wonderful children, one of whom has gone ahead leaving her devastated and heartbroken. It was his untimely departure that motivated her to write stories to help others to heal, laugh, hope and dare to dream.

She is a believer in the kindness of people, so by extension, this has been the usual theme of her stories. She believes in redemption, love and purpose. So, every story she writes reflect these values.

For her, writing is as essential as breathing. The only reason she’d stop doing it is if she were incapacitated or dead. Working for a living gets in the way of her writing which she finds very sad. In the ideal world, all she’d be doing is entertaining her readers. This is her utmost wish.

One more thing: The only thing active about her is her imagination. It’s as fertile as the rice fields of the Philippines where she was born.
 






 

BOOK REVIEW: Bind Not The Heart: A Windflower Saga Novella (The Windflower Saga Book 7) by Aleksandra Layland

SYNOPSIS:

We met Sister Ermentrude in "Of Wisdom and Valor: The Art of War. The Path of Peace." (Part II of The Windflower Saga) and learned about her twin brother's death at the hands of pirates. But what forces and circumstances brought their family and the Ansgar family together? What led both Ermen and Ermentrude to follow a path of service? Who were these educators who raised Keridwen and Leofric from childhood with all the love of a mother and father? And where did Ermentrude's path take her in later years? In a heartwarming tale which weaves the early lives of several characters together, including Keridwen's parents Lady Anwen and Duke Bogumil, and introduces new characters who influenced the lives of these twin siblings, we learn more about this woman who was just as comfortable as a provincial governor in southern Kimbria as she was being the teacher in a small, rural school in a remote kingdom far from her homeland.


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REVIEW

Bind Not The Heart is a little side story in the epic Windflower Saga as we further delve into one of the integral characters from book 2 of the saga, Of Wisdom and Valor: The Art of War. The Path to Peace,(Read review on OWV HERE) Sister Ermentrude. We learn who begot who. Who married who and how it all connects, weaves together in the fantasy world that Layland built.

Layland’s knack and love for genealogy shows in this book as we learn Sister Ermentrude’s back story tracing Sister Ermentrude’s family line learning  why she chose the path of Sisterhood, and how she became the Ansgar family preserver, and so much more.

While Bind Not the Heart can stand on its own without reading any of the other books I personally do not think you will  get the emotional fulfillment out of the book unless you have read Of Wisdom and Valor: The Art of War. Path of Peace first.


RATING **** (5 stars)


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Aleksandra Layland is a retired civil engineer and a federal civil servant who worked primarily for the United States Air Force as a senior installation engineering manager responsible for buildings, airfields, infrastructure, fire protection, and emergency preparedness. She also served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Western Caroline Islands where she helped build school classrooms and cafeterias, low-income housing, and simple village water distribution systems. Her other interests include arts and crafts, family genealogy, religion, and spirituality, fostering peace in the world, and enjoying retirement with family and friends.