BOOK REVIEW: Damned Fiction by David Kempf

For millennia, humanity has feared the Devil. But in modern times, scholars have questioned his very existence, sometimes dismissing him as a mere symptom of various mental conditions. In DAMNED FICTION, you will discover that the Devil is, in fact, very real – and he has returned to our mortal realm with a nightmare agenda.

The Devil has come to a prestigious university to find someone worthy to write his biography. For Dr. Henry David Wells, this opportunity presents the challenge and the chance of a lifetime. Together with his students Christopher and Sarah, he embarks on a bold journey into the very heart of eternal darkness.

Dr. Wells soon comes to learn that his cherished project could take the entire world down an unspeakable path. From Day One, Satan has been a competitive creature, and he will stop at nothing to make sure that his life story becomes the No. 1 bestseller on Amazon. Can Dr. Wells allow his book to open the gates of Hell, unleashing the boundless forces of evil upon the world?

     AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON AND BARNES &NOBLE

REVIEW

We are warned in the beginning and are rightfully so as we are taken on a sinful delight of a read. Apparently, the Devil and the Jinn are the ruling evil forces over mankind. Except one man happens to trick the Jinn sparing his mentor's life as a ghoul wishing the Jinn into non-existence. The devil rules now and is seeking to tell his life story from his point of view. Therefore, he seeks two damned writers to compete in a short story writing contest to see who gets to pen his memoirs. It is there we jump to the stories these two sinful writers. We get treated or cursed with some twisted horrific sinful tales to suite Lucifer’s appetite just right.

Kempf writing is sinfully luscious at points, then shocking the next. In a deeper undertone. damned Fiction touches on society and human natures decline so brutal and honest you want to look away ashamed. Kempf writing is so seductive though it's hard to look away and your embrace its juiciness.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

David Kempf has written over fifty short stories, many with themes of horror fiction. He has won several writing awards, including first place in Millersville University's Lemuria magazine's short story competition. Two of his short stories were selected for the 2007 publication of The Grackle. He is a frequent contributor to the British website www.mastersofhorror.co.uk.

In 2014 he wrote The Horror of It All, featuring interviews with prominent figures in the horror community. All the proceeds from that book went to help those suffering from ALS. He is currently the author of three novels: Dark Fiction, The Petsorcist, and Travel Bug.

BOOK REVIEW: Beautiful Minds: True Tales of Monumental Careers by Jackie Goldman

Beautiful Minds" is a compilation of six ghostwritten narratives featuring New Yorkers who make a positive contribution to our bustling city. The book is the first in a series, intended to serve as a bridge-building endeavor, which encourages people to look beyond the sea of anonymous faces, they pass every day, and realize that everyone has a special story to tell; some insight and wisdom to offer.

Each chapter reads like a short story, told in the subject's voice, about their life and experiences, and where they are now. Through reading them, we come to appreciate the formative experiences in each person's life, which led them on the path they are on now.

                          AVAILABLE ON AMAZON and BARNES & NOBLE

REVIEW

Beautiful Minds is a welcoming read. In looking for something inspiring to read I stumbled across a copy. It is a nicely written piece, as Goldman warmly sets you up to meet six New Yorkers who are pursuing their passions. Each one sharing their inspiring tale of how they found their passion. Took the risk on that passion to pursue it which leads them all to the fabulous New York City.

 I found the book sweet and lovely. I loved each tale. I could completely relate to each person knowing their passion, their drive all too well. If you are looking for something simple and inspiring (I actually wish Goldman had made the book longer.) I recommend Beautiful Minds.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jackie Goldman is a writer and ghostwriter living in Brooklyn, New York. Her previous works include "Flat Earth Theory," and "El Pombero." You can visit her online at JackieGoldmanWrites4U.com

Also find her @ Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn

BOOK REVIEW: D3Tro1T 3X0rcist (Detroit Exorcist) By Travis Thompson/Hafiz Aprilo

As an exorcist in one of the most dangerous cities in the world, Byron Smoke has faced down all manner of evil spirits and demonic entities. When he breaks his cardinal rule, to never let a client into his world, he is drawn into his wildest mission yet. One that will bring him to the gates of Hell… and beyond.

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON 

NOW!

REVIEW

In seeing that this book was a comic book and being a former comic book collector in the past my inner geek girl took over and happily snatched this book up to read. Now was the former serious comic book collection disappointed? NO WAY! Detroit Exorcist was a fun read and has all the elements you love in a comic book. Great storytelling that leaves you sad and wanting more and nice artwork.  It was too quick of a read and I so wanted more.

 The plot is we meet Byron Smoke and he is Detroit’s number one who you are going to call Exorcist. He’s got some supernatural powers too that I hope they go more into detail on how he got. Anyway, he happens to see his boss’s daughter and kid are possessed and helps them out, which leaves the boss curious in what he does side and when he gets a call at work from his other job she wants to tag along which ends up with Byron making a deal you have to read to see. Thompson and Aprilio are a magic combination.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Author Travis J. Thompson:

Born in Oakland County, Michigan Travis's father owned a small comic book and card shop when he was younger, which got him into writing and creating his own comics. Travis Went to college and studied to become a Physical Therapist Aide, a Computer Animator, and Business Manager, but found his true passion at 23, writing and creating books/graphic novels. Lastly, he's a Michigan man, he supports Michigan business and all of the sports teams. Though he's traveled around the United States he claims there's no place like home.

Illustrator Hafiz Aprilio: 

Born in Jakarta, Indonesia Hafiz he began drawing as a child and now drawing is a part of his life. He says, "In Indonesia, many people decide to ignore their true passions and choose to work in industries. Not because it's what they want to do, but because they're forced to work themselves hard and give up on what they love. I've tried working in industries but it was like being someone else. So now I've decided to follow my heart. Hopefully, we succeed so I can inspire others and tell them you can survive if you are following your dreams and your heart."  He is currently married with a wife and daughter.

For more information on Thompson and Aprilio visit https://www.totwweb.com/

Book Review: Brand Psycho: The Hidden Psychology of Brands by Max Jakob Lusensky

Jungian psychoanalyst and former brand director, Max Jakob Lusensky articulates Carl Gustav Jung’s view, that the more we project our desires externally, the greater the impoverishment of our inner selves. He makes us aware of the subconscious ‘dreams’ that are lived out through brands today. A process where we ‘outsource’ emotional needs to the brands of the marketplace.

The danger can be prevented through a process he terms de:branding: the becoming conscious of the unconscious desires we project onto brands. The book is an invitation to disenchant the magical brands of the marketplace that the Madmen of Madison Avenue and the Magicians of Silicon Valley have worked so diligently to spin for us.

              AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON!   

     

REVIEW

Mind-blowing. This book is psychotic! I mean that in a good way. Lusensky blows open your mind to how brands have penetrated into our minds seducing us to them. Lusensky writes a mind-numbing piece using Carl Jung’s psychology to help express the mind seducing action many brands have used to sway us to buy their product. Fortunately, he also includes how to de: brand ourselves to see the true messages behind these sly brands.

Lusensky take a topic most would find boring, but manages to do in a wickedly engaging way. His writing is a bit all over the place, but when I say that it's in a GOOD WAY. I mean, how else are you going to get the mind-numbing masses today to even think outside of the box that they are in. Lusensky educates you in such a psychedelic way you don't even know you are learning! Or knew our brains were being planned by these brand names. I do recommend you take a journey down Lusensky's Brand Psycho rabbit hole.

*****(5 stars)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A former brand director/ DJ turned psychoanalyst Lusensky has always been interested in the human psychology and the underlying powers which stir our emotions.

In his first book Sounds like Branding explored the phenomenon of music as a part of the modern-day brand building. Lusensky currently has a psychoanalyst private practice in Berlin and still sometimes DJ’s