Tag: review (Page 3 of 26)

WHAT THE NEIGHBORS SAW by Melissa Adelman

June 20, 2023 / Kyle Wendy Skultety / 0 Comments

Desperate Housewives meets The Couple Next Door in a chilling story of murder and intrigue set in a well-to-do DC suburb.

Sometimes the darkest acts occur in the most beautiful houses… When Alexis and her husband Sam buy a neglected Cape Cod house in an exclusive DC suburb, they are ecstatic. Sam is on the cusp of making partner at his law firm, Alexis is pregnant with their second child, and their glamorous neighbors welcome the couple with open arms. Things are looking up, and Alexis believes she can finally leave her troubled past behind. But the neighborhood’s picture-perfect image is shattered when their neighbor Teddy – a handsome, successful father of three – is found dead on the steep banks of the Potomac River. The community is shaken, and as the police struggle to identify and apprehend the killer, tension in the neighborhood mounts and long-buried secrets start to emerge. In the midst of the turmoil, Alexis takes comfort in her budding friendship with Teddy’s beautiful and charismatic widow, Blair. But as the women grow closer, the neighborhood only becomes more divided. And when the unthinkable truth behind Teddy’s murder is finally uncovered, both Blair and Alexis must reexamine their friendship and decide how far they are willing to go to preserve the lives they have so carefully constructed.

Thanks to NetGalley and St Martins Press for this review copy!

WHAT THE NEIGHBORS SAW is a domestic suspense novel that explores the complex relationships and secrets that exist within a seemingly idyllic suburban community. The book is set in a well-to-do DC suburb and tells the story of Alexis Crawford, a young woman who moves into the neighborhood with her husband Sam and their young son. Alexis is immediately drawn to her glamorous neighbor Blair, who seems to have it all. But when Teddy, Blair’s husband, is found dead, Alexis begins to suspect that there is more to Blair than meets the eye.

The novel is told from the alternating points of view of two women: Alexis, the new neighbor, and Blair, the widow of the victim. The other residents of the neighborhood are also interesting characters. There is the nosy neighbor who always seems to know everyone’s business, the couple who is always fighting, and the young family who is trying to make it in the suburbs.

The author does a decent job of creating a sense of unease and suspicion in the reader. The characters are complex and believable, and the plot is full of twists and turns.

One of the things I enjoyed most about WHAT THE NEIGHBORS SAW was the way Adelman explored the theme of secrets. Everyone in the neighborhood seems to be hiding something, and as the novel progresses, the secrets start to come out. This creates a sense of tension and suspense that keeps the reader hooked until the very end. Unfortunately, I felt the ending was a bit too predictable.

I also appreciated the way Adelman developed the characters, albeit in a stereotypical manner. Alexis is a sympathetic character, and I found myself rooting for her even when she made mistakes. Blair is a more enigmatic character, but Adelman does a good job of slowly peeling back the layers and revealing her true nature.

Overall, I thought this book was a fairly good read.

Want your own copy? You can pick it up here.

THE PONCE FACTOR by J.D. Crawford

June 6, 2023 / Kyle Wendy Skultety / 0 Comments

Eternal life – or sudden death?
Human civilization is put to the test when young chemist Caleb Lee accidentally discovers a juice formula that stops human aging. When the news leaks, the world erupts in chaos as crowds clamor for the juice. Medgar Landros, World Health Organization honcho and ex-special forces battlefield surgeon, is summoned to the White House to help respond to the juice, now named the Ponce Factor. We follow our hero Landros, Lee, and a cast of characters that includes Pastor Angela Nero, an unscrupulous minister who believes the Ponce Factor has been given to the world’s elite to ensure their exclusive place alongside God. This road leads to profound questions about our world.
As Nero’s plot approaches culmination, Landros plans desperate action of his own after he concludes that the government’s inept response is leading the world to destruction and Pastor Nero and her followers to immortal ascension.

Thanks to Reedsy Discovery and the author for providing me with this review copy!

The Ponce Factor by J.D. Crawford is a medical thriller that explores the ethical implications of immortality. The story follows Caleb Lee, a brilliant scientist who has discovered a way to extend human life indefinitely. However, he soon realizes that his discovery could have devastating consequences for the world.

Lee had been secretly working on his own juice formula to relieve the boredom at his job; a factory where health drinks are made. When he realizes it can make humans immortal, his life changes forever as he must decide whether to share his discovery with the world, thereby changing the course of history and ultimately, mankind.

As the news of this discovery spreads, it quickly becomes clear that there are those who would do anything to get their hands on it. Governments, corporations, and even religious groups all begin to vie for control of the Ponce Factor. World Health Organization Dr Medgar Landros is spirited away to the White House to work with the Vice President and Caleb Lee as they race against time to keep this discovery out of the wrong hands, and to find a way to use it for good.

Riots ensue as people who are desperate to get their hands on the juice storm pharmacies and hospitals, injuring or killing those who stand in their way. I pictured the echoes of Covid and the lines of people waiting to get their vaccines. Those Covid lines were peaceful for the most part – but THE PONCE FACTOR illustrates what would happen if the January 6^th riots were combined with greed and panic.

Evil Pastor Angela Nero is a fanatic who believes that the Ponce Factor should not be given to everyone. She preaches to her followers that giving this juice to elderly, sick, or mentally challenged people will be cruel, as they will be eternally stuck in their pain-filled life. Only those who can contribute to society should be allowed to live forever and become gods on earth. Nero is a narcissistic megalomaniac that has the gift of gab, easily persuading her followers and bringing out the worst in them. Nero is a very charismatic woman, and her diabolical mind is oddly admirable. I love strong female characters, and Nero fits the bill. Unfortunately, she is truly malevolent.

This book is a medium-paced and suspenseful thriller that raises some important questions about the nature of life and death. Crawford does an excellent job of exploring the ethical implications of immortality, and he creates a believable and engaging world in which his story unfolds. The studies that Dr Landros works on with the Vice President are realistic and eerie. As I read about the potential consequences that the juice could have on the economy, the healthcare system, and the financial industry, I took time to consider these possibilities in the real world. Crawford hit the nail on the head with these predictions. Considering what happened to the world when Covid hit, that was kids’ stuff compared to what would happen if this Ponce Factor would be discovered now, in 2023.

These characters are well-developed and relatable, and the plot is full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing. There is a scene towards the end that is full of tension – it made me feel as if I were there with the characters as all hell broke loose. When an author gets you invested in fictional people so deeply that you feel emotions as you read, that’s the sign of greatness.

If you’re a fan of medical thrillers or science fiction, then I highly recommend The Ponce Factor. It’s a thought-provoking and entertaining read that will stay with you long after you finish it.

Want your own copy? You can pick it up here.

HIDDEN BODIES by Caroline Kepnes

May 16, 2023 / Kyle Wendy Skultety / 0 Comments

In the compulsively readable sequel to her widely acclaimed debut novel, YOU, Caroline Kepnes weaves a tale that Booklist calls “the love child of Holden Caulfield and Patrick Bateman.” Joe Goldberg is no stranger to hiding bodies. In the past ten years, this thirty-something has buried four of them, collateral damage in his quest for love. Now he’s heading west to Los Angeles, the city of second chances, determined to put his past behind him. In Hollywood, Joe blends in effortlessly with the other young upstarts. He eats guac, works in a bookstore, and flirts with a journalist neighbor. But while others seem fixated on their own reflections, Joe can’t stop looking over his shoulder. The problem with hidden bodies is that they don’t always stay that way. They re-emerge, like dark thoughts, multiplying and threatening to destroy what Joe wants most: true love. And when he finds it in a darkened room in Soho House, he’s more desperate than ever to keep his secrets buried. He doesn’t want to hurt his new girlfriend—he wants to be with her forever. But if she ever finds out what he’s done, he may not have a choice…

HIDDEN BODIES is the sequel to the best-selling thriller novel YOU. It continues the story of Joe Goldberg, a charming and obsessive stalker who becomes increasingly dangerous as his obsession with the object of his affection, Love Quinn, grows.

The novel is narrated in the first person by Joe himself, which gives readers a unique perspective into the mind of a stalker and sociopath. Kepnes does an excellent job of making Joe a sympathetic character, despite his disturbing actions, by delving into his past and showing the traumatic experiences that have shaped him.

The plot takes Joe on a wild and twisted journey from New York to Los Angeles as he tries to escape his past and start a new life with Love. Along the way, he encounters a variety of characters, from Hollywood elites to struggling writers, all of whom become tangled up in his web of lies and manipulation.

These characters are also well-developed and complex. Joe’s love interest, Love Quinn, is a particularly interesting character who is much more than she appears to be at first. The interactions between the various characters are realistic and believable, adding to the sense of realism in the story.

Kepnes’ writing style is fast-paced and addictive, with plenty of suspenseful twists and turns to keep readers engaged. Her descriptions of Los Angeles are particularly vivid, bringing the city to life as a character in its own right.

While HIDDEN BODIES is a dark and unsettling read, it’s also a captivating exploration of obsession and the human psyche. Kepnes is a skilled storyteller who has a talent for creating deeply flawed characters who are still able to evoke empathy from the reader. This novel is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. Fans of the first book will not be disappointed, and those new to the series will quickly find themselves hooked.

Want your own copy? You can pick it up here.

THE TITANIC DISASTER by James W Bancroft

May 2, 2023 / Kyle Wendy Skultety / 0 Comments

It was on Wednesday, 10 April 1912, that the imposing bulk of the RMS Titanic slipped her berth, and, to great fanfare, headed out into the Solent at the start of her maiden voyage. By all accounts, the liner was at the time the largest man-made object ever to move on water. The space her decks created allowed her designers to introduce previously unseen levels of luxury. In first class, for example, there were many new features such as squash courts, a Turkish bath, a gymnasium, a barber shop and even the first swimming pool built on board a ship. There was also the bold claim by its builders that Titanic was ‘practically unsinkable’. Sadly, just four days later, this assertion was found wanting. At 23.40 hours on the evening of 14 April, Titanic struck an iceberg. In less than three hours she had slipped beneath the waves. While the liner’s loss has been the subject of numerous films, documentaries and publications in the years that followed, in this book the author James W. Bancroft asks if the RMS Titanic had been doomed to a watery grave even before it sailed? Certainly, many people experienced feelings of foreboding about the ship, and there were many strange omens and unexplained events surrounding its construction and maiden voyage. A novel written many years before Titanic was built mirrored almost exactly the details of the disaster, and the well-known spiritualist, W.T. Stead, wrote a story of a similar nature. As a passenger on the ship, he seemed to have accepted his fate and did not try to save himself. Even animals seem to have sensed danger, such as the dog which tried to stop its owner from travelling to board the vessel, and Titanic’s cat had kittens and was seen taking them all off the liner before it sailed. The voyage was fatefully delayed for three weeks, and at least fifty travelers had forebodings about the ‘Ghost Ship’, some of whom missed the sailing or refused to board. Following years of research, James has uncovered some 100 fascinating stories concerning omens and premonitions of people who sailed – or in fact decided not to – on the ill-fated liner. This is the first time that all of these incidents have been brought together. Together they provide an unusual insight into the Titanic disaster.

Thanks to NetGalley and Pen & Sword publishers for this review copy!

The author has a great mind for detail and is widely respected for his prolific library on many historical events.

The focus of this particular book is the myths, legends, and especially omens surrounding the maiden voyage of the leviathan cruise ship Titanic. The author has done extensive research on people’s premonitions, dreams, psychic fortune-telling, and curses that have become known.

While extremely interesting (and full of doom and gloom), I feel that a lot of these accounts may or may not be verifiable. Just as ephemeral as Titanic’s voyage, these stories may be taken with a grain of salt. I’m not saying that this is completely fiction, as quite a few of the stories can be proven, as there are survivor’s tales of their experience in the frigid water; plus, the author gives a biography of many people mentioned in the book. Some went down with the ship, while others respected their unease and did not board the great ship. What I found most eerie were the number of stories written about a giant ocean liner and her tragic ending BEFORE Titanic sailed. Some of the ship’s names in these fictitious tales were unsettlingly similar to the doomed ship, such as the book entitled FUTILITY (authored by Morgan Andrew Robertson in 1898) about a fictitious ship named Titan. Incredibly enough, in this story, Titan hits an iceberg and doesn’t have sufficient lifeboats for the passengers. The shipwreck occurs in April and the Titan sinks 400 nautical miles from Newfoundland – both details mirroring Titanic’s imperiled voyage.

One of the more unsettling superstitions concerns the mummy case of the Egyptian High Priestess Amen-Ra. It was said that anyone who gazed into her face (which was painted onto a wooden “mummy-board” or inner coffin lid) would suffer agonizing consequences. Supposedly it was on board as Titanic set off on her voyage and was responsible for her accident and sinking.

This book is naturally heavy with facts and figures, along with conjectures and hearsay. I did learn a lot more about Titanic and her passengers, and of course, the omens were amazing and creepy. I am not a believer in psychic energy, but the author does a wonderful job of bringing everything together as the book progresses. Each chapter discusses these myths and truths from multiple angles, adding more layers to a tale that most of us are familiar with. Titanic was a legendary ocean liner, and she deserves all the attention she has been getting. This book will be a terrific addition to the library of the Titanic – obsessed readers. Whether or not you believe in all the myths put forth here doesn’t matter. You will be entertained, shocked, and fascinated as you read on. May all the poor souls who perished rest in peace.

Want your own copy? You can pick it up here.

YOU by Caroline Kepnes

April 18, 2023 / Kyle Wendy Skultety / 0 Comments

When a beautiful aspiring writer strides into the East Village bookstore where Joe Goldberg works, he does what anyone would do: he Googles the name on her credit card. There is only one Guinevere Beck in New York City. She has a public Facebook account and Tweets incessantly, telling Joe everything he needs to know: she is simply Beck to her friends, she went to Brown University, she lives on Bank Street, and she’ll be at a bar in Brooklyn tonight—the perfect place for a “chance” meeting. As Joe invisibly and obsessively takes control of Beck’s life, he orchestrates a series of events to ensure Beck finds herself in his waiting arms. Moving from stalker to boyfriend, Joe transforms himself into Beck’s perfect man, all while quietly removing the obstacles that stand in their way—even if it means murder. A terrifying exploration of how vulnerable we all are to stalking and manipulation, debut author Caroline Kepnes delivers a razor-sharp novel for our hyper-connected digital age.

YOU by Caroline Kepnes is a gripping psychological thriller that explores the dark side of human nature. The book tells the story of Joe Goldberg, a seemingly ordinary bookstore manager in New York City, who becomes obsessed with a customer named Guinevere Beck.

At first, Joe appears to be charming and intelligent, but as the story progresses, it becomes clear that he is a deeply disturbed individual. He starts to stalk Beck, using social media to gather information about her and manipulating her friends and acquaintances to get closer to her. As his obsession with Beck grows, Joe becomes increasingly violent and manipulative, ultimately leading to a shocking and disturbing conclusion.

What sets this book apart from other thrillers is its unique narrative style. The story is told from Joe’s perspective, giving readers a glimpse into the mind of a sociopath. Kepnes’s writing is masterful in this regard, as she captures Joe’s voice and inner monologue in a way that is both unsettling and compelling.

Despite his disturbing behavior, there are moments where Joe’s humanity shines through, causing the reader to feel conflicted about their feelings towards him.

The novel also explores themes of social media and how it can be used to manipulate and control others. Beck’s online presence is a key part of Joe’s obsession, and Kepnes does an excellent job of showing how the curated image people present on social media can be far from the truth.

Even thought the book is full of disturbing subject matter, YOU is a difficult book to put down. Kepnes keeps readers on the edge of their seats with unexpected plot twists and turns, and the tension builds to a fever pitch as Joe’s obsession with Beck spirals out of control. The characters are well-developed, and the dialogue is sharp and realistic, making for a truly immersive reading experience.

Overall, YOU is a dark and thought-provoking thriller that will leave readers questioning their own perceptions of reality and the people around them. It’s a disturbing yet fascinating look at the mind of a sociopath, and a must-read for fans of the genre.

Want your own copy? You can pick it up here.

RASPUTIN AND HIS RUSSIAN QUEEN by Mickey Mayhew

April 4, 2023 / Kyle Wendy Skultety / 0 Comments

Rasputin’s relationship with Russia’s last Tsarina, Alexandra, notorious from the famous Boney M song, has never been adequately addressed; biographies are always for one or the other, or simply Alexandra and her husband Nicholas. In this new work, Mickey Mayhew reimagines Alexandra for the #MeToo generation: ‘neurotic’; ‘hysterical’; ‘credulous’ and ‘fanatical’ are shunted aside in favor of a sympathetic reimagining of a reserved and pious woman tossed into the heart of Russian aristocracy, with the sole purpose of providing their patriarchal monarchy with an heir. When the son she prayed for turns out to be a hemophiliac, she forms a friendship with the one man capable of curing the child’s agonizing attacks. Some say that between them, Grigori and Alexandra brought down 300 years of Romanov rule and ushered in the Russian Revolution, but theirs was simply the story of a mother fighting for the health of her son against a backdrop of bigotry, sexism and increasing secularism. Bubbling with his trademark bon mots, Mickey Mayhew’s new book breathes fresh life into two of history’s most fascinating – and polarizing – figures. She liked to pray, and he liked to party, but when they found themselves steering Russia into the First World War, her gender and his class meant that society simply had to crush them. This is the real story of Rasputin and his Russian queen, Alexandra.

Thanks to NetGalley and Pen & Sword for this review copy!

RASPUTIN AND HIS RUSSIAN QUEEN is a captivating historical novel that delves into the mysterious life of the infamous Russian mystic, Grigori Rasputin, and his relationship with the last Tsarina of Russia, Alexandra Feodorovna.

Mayhew’s portrayal of Rasputin is a unique and nuanced one, steering away from the usual depictions of him as a villain or a saint. Instead, Mayhew presents a complex and human character, exploring the mystic’s inner turmoil and his beliefs in faith healing and spiritualism. The author’s attention to historical detail is commendable, and he does an excellent job of capturing the spirit of pre-revolutionary Russia.

The relationship between Rasputin and Alexandra Feodorovna is at the heart of the novel, and Mayhew portrays it with great sensitivity and depth. He shows how Rasputin’s influence over the Tsarina was both beneficial and destructive, and how his power over her ultimately contributed to the downfall of the Romanov dynasty. Mayhew’s writing is vivid and engaging, and he does an excellent job of bringing these historical figures to life.

One of the strengths of this book is the author’s ability to create a rich and immersive atmosphere. The novel is full of sensory details that transport the reader to early 20th-century Russia, and the author’s descriptions of the opulence of the Tsar’s court and the poverty of the peasants create a vivid and nuanced portrait of the time. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the clothing and architecture of the times.

RASPUTIN AND HIS RUSSIAN QUEEN is a compelling historical novel that brings to life one of the most intriguing figures in Russian history. Mickey Mayhew’s writing is excellent, and he has done a good job of creating a believable and nuanced portrait of Rasputin and his relationship with Alexandra Feodorovna. I recommend this novel to anyone interested in Russian history or historical fiction in general.

Want your own copy? You can pick it up here.

WOMB by Leah Hazard

March 7, 2023 / Kyle Wendy Skultety / 0 Comments

A groundbreaking, triumphant investigation of the uterus—from birth to death, in sickness and in health, throughout history and into our possible future—from midwife and acclaimed writer Leah Hazard

The size of a clenched fist and the shape of a light bulb—with no less power and potential. Every person on Earth began inside a uterus, but how much do we really understand about the womb? Bringing together medical history, scientific discoveries, and journalistic exploration, Leah Hazard embarks on a journey in search of answers about the body’s most miraculous and contentious organ. We meet the people who have shaped our relationship with the uterus: doctors and doulas, yoni steamers and fibroid-tea hawkers, legislators who would regulate the organ’s very existence, and boundary-breaking researchers on the frontiers of the field. With a midwife’s warmth and humor, Hazard tackles pressing questions: Is the womb connected to the brain? Can cervical crypts store sperm? Do hysterectomies affect sexual pleasure? How can smart tampons help health care? Why does endometriosis take so long to be diagnosed? Will external gestation be possible in our lifetime? A clear-eyed examination of the cultural prejudices and assumptions that have made the uterus so poorly understood for centuries, Womb takes a fresh look at an organ that brings us pain and pleasure—a small part of our bodies that has a larger impact than we ever thought possible.

Thanks to NetGalley and Ecco for this review copy!

Every woman has one, but do they understand what the womb really does? Once you read this informative book you will be so happy the author wrote it.

When I saw that a midwife authored this book, I knew that it would be relevant, detailed, and female friendly. The womb is regulated by the government, dismissed by some physicians, and disparaged by men. It is also a misunderstood organ, considered to be simply the place where the fetus lives. That could not be farther from the truth! The uterus has far -reaching effects upon a woman, more than just the cause of mood swings each month during menstruation.

Each chapter discusses a different subject, such as endometriosis, hysterectomies, transplants (yes, you can put a uterus into a woman just like a heart transplant) hormones, and the various stages of the womb from first menses to menopause. The final chapters are reminiscent of BRAVE NEW WORLD, as the author discusses the possibility of an external uterus (called a biobag) and ways that a woman could be pregnant even without a womb.

There are stories in each chapter that make you realize just how much this organ is ignored and how men have used and abused it, from Josef Mengele’s experiments to the eugenics movement in the United States. Some of the details are cringeworthy, such as the woman who tried to remove her own uterus, or the story of the doctor at the Irwin County Detention Center whom they called the “uterus collector”.

Since Roe v. Wade has been overturned, women’s reproductive rights have been at the forefront of a great deal of news cycles. It seems unreal how the government, especially male politicians, have the final say on whether a woman can end her pregnancy or not. Regardless of your convictions (pro-choice or pro-life), it is unfathomable that a woman has no control over her own organs.

This book should be required reading for anyone that has a uterus. There are so many amazing facts and thought-provoking ideas – it’s almost guaranteed that you will learn something as you read WOMB. The author’s writing style is easy to understand, as she explains the science and history of this wonderful organ in a way that will make you want to keep reading.

Want your own copy? You can pick it up here.

THE CABINET OF DR LENG by Preston and Child

February 14, 2023 / Kyle Wendy Skultety / 1 Comment

Preston & Child continue their #1 bestselling series featuring FBI Special Agent Pendergast and Constance Greene, as they cross paths with New York’s deadliest serial killer: Pendergast’s own ancestor…and now his greatest foe. AN INCREDIBLE JOURNEY: Astoundingly, Constance has found a way back to the place of her origins, New York City in the late 1800s, leaping at the chance, although it means leaving the present forever. A DESPERATE OPPORTUNITY: Constance sets off on a quest to prevent the events that lead to the deaths of her sister and brother. But along the road to redemption, Manhattan’s most infamous serial killer, Dr. Enoch Leng, lies in wait, ready to strike at the slightest provocation. UNIMAGINABLE ODDS: Meanwhile, in contemporary New York, Pendergast feverishly searches for a way to reunite with Constance—but will he discover a way back to her before it’s too late?

Thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this review copy!

DR LENG is number 21 in the Aloysius Pendergast series and one of the best ones, in my opinion. Constance has managed to get herself back to New York City in the 1800’s so she can change history. Pendergast is distraught and seems to be giving up on his life. Agent Coldmoon is away from Pendergast (to his relief) and is investigating a murder on the Rez in South Dakota. Commander D’agosta is looking into a mysterious death at the Museum of Natural History. Are all these murders connected? As the characters cross paths, the suspense ratchets up and the book is truly unputdownable.

The biggest source of enjoyment for me was the description of 1800’s NYC. Every sight, smell, and sound were described in such a way that I felt as if I were there alongside Constance. Along with the gruesome Dr Leng, there are other baddies that grab your attention and encourage you to “love to hate” them.

Constance is a divisive character in the Pendergast series; either you love her or find her terribly annoying. She is the main character in DR LENG, so if you are not a fan, you may want to pass this by. However, I will say that the other characters are involved enough to ensure that Constance’s presence isn’t too annoying. That being said, I feel that Constance elevated herself to a new level as an intelligent, driven, strong female character.

I’m a fan of all the characters and I was very happy to see everyone involved in this story. Pendergast seems a lot more human as he struggles his way through each day without his beloved ward. It seemed to me that everyone was quite emotional (except for Proctor, of course!) and it endeared them to me even more.

DR LENG flows smoothly, seamlessly moving from one character/plotline to another. Classic Preston & Child. However: the ending. No spoilers here, only that I did not see it coming. Other reviews are mixed; either the ending is genius or total bull****. My reaction was “WHAT?!? Seriously?!. Needless to say, I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.

Thoughts? Want your own copy? You can pick it up here.

BEYOND HONEY by Tierney Monahan

January 10, 2023 / Kyle Wendy Skultety / 0 Comments

According to the United Nations, nearly 90% of the world’s wild flowering plant species and 75% of the world’s food crops depend on animal pollination. Without bees, planet Earth would be a more barren, withering landscape. Beyond Honey is a book about honeybees and their importance, including stories about bees’ economic, entrepreneurial, and environmental impact on our society. These stories showcase how these tiny creatures influence our lives for the good. Tierney Monahan also shares about the benefits and challenges of our interconnected world, specifically the relationship between humans and the environment. Whether you’ve been a long-time honeybee ally or a curious admirer, this book will engage you with stories such as: why bees are essential to our world; how can these tiny creatures have such a monumental impact; and who are the diverse beekeepers across the globe . This book is guaranteed to sweeten your life!

Thanks to the author for this signed review copy! BEYOND HONEY is a wonderful little read full of heartwarming stories mingled with honeybee trivia (such as a queen bee can lay 1000-2000 eggs per day in the spring when the bees emerge from the hive).

As a beekeeper, Monahan is intimately involved with the husbandry of her hive. She takes pride in her work, achieving a Zenlike peace as she listens to the gentle buzzing of her bees at work. She notes “working with the bees encourages people to stay present in the moment. It can often be relaxing to sit and watch the bees fly in and out of the hive”. This tranquility is the reason that beekeeping is offered to veterans with PTSD, former miners, and first responders. In fact, beekeeping has been suggested as a vocation for veterans since the end of World War I. Honeybees are a communal insect, and everything they do is for the benefit of the hive. They have a work ethic and a sense of greater good – something that may be lacking in the workforce today.

Monahan writes about beekeeping in other countries, how caring for these tiny creatures can help decrease recidivism rates for incarcerated people and describes how a small business called Detroit Hives has helped immensely in revitalizing the beleaguered Michigan city (in 2013 the City filed for bankruptcy, exiting December 10, 2014).

The author’s love for bees shines through in her writing style, which is easy to read and generates a calm feeling as you glide through the book. Each chapter covers the unusual ways honeybees are essential to our existence. All the parts of a honeybee colony are explained, as well as hive products (honey, propolis, etc.) and bee diseases. I learned so much from this information packed, yet short (153 pages) book!

I will admit that I have a fear of bees, as I’ve been stung a few times. Honeybees are peaceful creatures and are not interested in stinging, which makes me want to visit a hive to see these amazing creatures at work. We can learn a lot about ourselves if we study these busy bees and understand that they are essential to our survival. As they fly around, visiting various flowers and trees to forage for nutrients, they are also pollinating and fertilizing each plant they land on.

BEYOND HONEY is the perfect name for this wonderful read, as it truly goes beyond the sweet treat that we all use in our tea or to combat allergies. Be prepared to learn and be fascinated with all the trivia.

Want your own copy? You can pick it up here.

SURVIVAL by John Achile Yusuf

December 27, 2022 / Kyle Wendy Skultety / 1 Comment

When the plane carrying a group of Nigerian students to South Africa for the annual African Colleges Competition, crashes into a Congolese jungle instead, there’s a lot at stake. These students were chosen to represent the nation, because of their academic brilliance and sportsmanship; their ability to beat competitors is the reason they are their country’s hope.

Thanks to The Fearless Storyteller House Emporium Ltd and the author for this review copy! It is always nice to read a YA novel occasionally, for the different perspectives and subject matter.

What caught my eye about this novella is the location and characters. The plot is simple: a plane crash in the jungle leaves eleven students surviving; but they need to navigate dangerous situations such as wild animal attacks, hostile pygmies, and ferocious weather changes. The students handle these challenges as best as possible – but can they all survive?

At the back of the book is a brief glossary of African words and phrases that will help the reader understand what is being said at times. My recommendation would be to put this at the beginning of the book, so the reader can see it and learn before they start reading. It is not a lot to remember and will eliminate having to flip to the back of the e-book every time there is a non-English phrase or word.

SURVIVAL is action packed and quite violent. I was expecting a LORD OF THE FLIES – type plot, but it is the complete opposite. The surviving students work together to support each other as the days pass. The novella begins with character development, as we see the students at school studying, forming cliques, with a bit of bullying and some hints of romance thrown into the mix.

I enjoyed Rose’s character the most, as she was portrayed as a smart woman whom the group turned to for information as they encountered problems. Linda was also written well; during a conversation with Tony, (the unofficial leader of the pack) she mentions that women have brains and goals, not just “boys and babies”. Tony is shocked to hear that not only did Linda get a scholarship to a UK school, but her passion in life is also to be an astronaut. I wish that there had been more character development with the other students, as it would have helped me become more invested in them as they struggled to stay alive.

The plot is filled with promise, but the writer’s style is choppy, probably because English is not his first language. Here is something I learned about languages in Nigeria:

In Nigeria, a lot of people’s first language isn’t English. And even with the ones whose are, the way they speak or write English is largely dictated by who taught them. That in itself is dependent on where they live. Nigeria is not a homogeneous place, so certain things are not the same all over. Yusuf was raised closer to the Northern part of Nigeria, which is like a different country compared with the South. The mentality, the lifestyles, etc. They rarely, if ever, learn English first. So, by the time English is learned as a second or even third language, they’re not actually learning it from scratch. It’s translation or transliteration going on.

SURVIVAL is also his first book, so Yusuf’s technique may not be honed yet. That being said, I would give this book a strong three stars. The action kept me interested and I looked forward to what would happen next to the beleaguered students. The fact that the jungle was essentially another character was a plus, as the setting and how well it is incorporated into a book can also make or break a story.

I would be interested to read a prequel, with these students interacting both in and out of school. That would help with character development for this book and would give the reader another taste of African YA literature.

SURVIVAL is a quick and easy to read YA novel that will hold your attention as you root for the students to overcome adversity. Want your own copy? You can pick it up here.