Tag: Book review

Review of Poems About Ancient Egypt

This is a Leonberger blog, but I also post about other topics including book reviews of books that I love and want to promote. With this post I would like to promote a delightful poetry book called Ancient Voices: Poems About Ancient Egypt by Dawn Pisturino.

Below is an overview of the three formats of Poems About Ancient Egypt – May 1, 2025, by Dawn Pisturino

  • Hardcover –  Publisher : Horse Mesa Press (May 1, 2025), ASIN : B0F4PQ7G4F, ISBN-13 : 979-8991244770, 165 pages, Item Weight : 10.9 ounces, dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.57 x 9 inches, it cost $15.99 on US Amazon. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
  • Paperback –  Publisher : Horse Mesa Press (May 1, 2025), ASIN : B0F4859LW5, ISBN-13 : 979-8991244763, 165 pages, Item Weight : 10.9 ounces, dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.38 x 9 inches, it cost $11.99 on US Amazon. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
  • Kindle – Publisher : Horse Mesa Press (May 1, 2025), ASIN : B0F3JZHL1N, 169 pages. It is currently $5.99 on Amazon.com and free with Kindle unlimited. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
The front cover features the title and author, hieroglyphs and a decorated cat on a reddish-brown background.
Front cover of Poems About Ancient Egypt by Dawn Pisturino. Click on the image to go to the Amazon page for the hardcover version of the book.

Amazon’s Description of Poems About Ancient Egypt

The Ancient Egyptians loved life and celebrated it with joy. Their deepest desire was to live an honorable life and achieve immortality in the afterlife, where they could exist in perfect harmony with the cosmic order and never experience pain, suffering, and hardship again. These original poems by Dawn Pisturino reflect the hopes and dreams of people who were not much different from us. They worked, loved, raised families, worshipped their gods, honored the dead, enjoyed festivals and celebrations, imbibed beer and wine, danced, sang, and played, aspired to better themselves, and appreciated the beauty and wonder of nature. Take a journey back in time to explore the minds and hearts of the Ancient Egyptians.

This is my Amazon review of Poems About Ancient Egypt

Poems and Poetic Stories about ancient Egypt

This poetry book feature 82 poems and poetic-stories about ancient Egypt. The book also includes information about ancient Egypt, an explanation of the various gods and terms to know. The poems are about animals, family life, the afterlife, the Nile, the Sand, ancient Egyptian culture and beliefs, Heliopolis, temples, Djeser-djeseru, rulers, pharaohs, Cleopatra, Alexander the Great, and the various gods, Ra, Amun-Ra, Isis, Aten, Ptah, Imhoteb, Anubis, Osiris, etc. The poems often form stories that are interesting to read, and you learn something from the stories. The language is intentionally poetic and old fashioned in a way that reminded me of, for example, the Psalter and the five books of Solomon. I found the hymn to Amun-Ra to be especially impressive.

The author is obviously knowledgeable about and fascinated by the ancient Egyptian culture, history and society. As I was reading, I looked up some of the topics and gods that the poem was about, and I ended up learning a bit more that way. In summary, this is a different but interesting poetry book that was a delight to read. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes poetry or is interested in ancient Egypt.

An overview of the author and a description of the book on a reddish-brown background.
Back cover of Poems About Ancient Egypt by Dawn Pisturino. Click on the image to go to the Amazon page for the paperback version of the book.

Other Books by Dawn Pisturino

About the Author of Poems About Ancient Egypt

Dawn Pisturino’s international publishing credits include poems, short stories, and articles. Her debut poetry book, Ariel’s Song: Published Poems, 1987 – 2023, earned five-star reviews and ranked #60 on the Amazon Best Seller list for Haiku & Japanese Poetry. Her short chapbook, Lunar Gazing Haiku, became a #1 Amazon New Release in six categories.

Haiku for the Midnight Hour, her third book, achieved #1 Amazon New Release status in three categories. Her fourth book, Sun Haiku: 365 Days of Sunshine, climbed to #1 Amazon New Release in Japanese Poetry & Haiku. She is a member of several author organizations.

Click here to visit the author’s website

Review of Burning Butterflies

This is a Leonberger blog, but I also post book reviews of books that I love and want to promote but are not about Leonbergers. With this post I would like to promote a truly wonderful poetry book that also feature a lot of photos, art, information and links to videos about African wildlife. This book is a masterpiece just like this wonderful book from the same author: Lion Scream.

Below is an overview of the two formats of Burning Butterflies: Poetry About Southern African Flora and Fauna Paperback – April 22, 2025, by Robbie Cheadle
  • Paperback –  Independently published April 22, 2025, ASIN : B0F2VCXZZV, ISBN-13 : 979-8315273431, 92 pages, Item Weight : 6.7 ounces, dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.22 x 9 inches, it cost $12.50 on US Amazon. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
  • Kindle – Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 22, 2025, ASIN : B0F2SDF2GW, 94 pages. It is currently $5.99 on Amazon.com and free with Kindle unlimited. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
The front cover features the title and author, butterflies and the front of an elephant at the center as well as fire in the background.
Front cover of Burning Butterflies. Click on the image to go to the Amazon page for the paperback version of the book.

Amazon’s Description of Burning Butterflies

Butterflies are interpreted, inter alia, as symbols of transformation and change, hope and rebirth, spirituality, the soul, creativity, nature, beauty, and resurrection. Faced with the annihilation of much of the planet’s forests, wetlands, and other habitats for wildlife, all the wonderful things that butterflies symbolise are gradually being destroyed.

This book celebrates Southern African flora and fauna, while acknowledging the threats it faces.

This is my Amazon review of Burning Butterflies

A Powerful and Poetic Statement on Wildlife

This is another masterpiece from author, poet, artist, wildlife photographer and naturalist Robbie Cheadle. I bought both the paper version and the kindle version. I prefer reading a real paper book, but it was easier to view all the beautiful YouTube videos using the Kindle. With only the paperback I would have to type in the url. The book features hundreds of beautiful poems, more than 90 colors photos and paintings, other kinds of art, dozens of YouTube videos and informational links. The focus is on African wildlife.

The author touches on important subjects such as the threats to wildlife and our planet from human development, climate change, and trophy hunting. The author’s love for wildlife and nature shines through in her poems, in her art, in her photos, and videos. More than anything I think this book is a beautiful tribute to the natural world. You also learn about African wildlife and various animals. I found it interesting that there are no bears in Africa. The last bear in Africa, an Atlas bear was killed in Morocco in 1870. Did you know that cheetah cubs have whitish fuzzy back that look like the back of honey badgers, a fierce animal. It is believed that it protects them.

The author is using the Butterfly as a symbol of transformation. She also expresses a special love for elephants. They are magnificent and intelligent animals. I felt that this book has so much to offer in terms of beauty, symbolism, art and wisdom. I highly recommend this book.

Photo of the author, title of the book “Burning Butterflies: Poetry About Southern African Flora and Fauna Paperback” and the Amazon overview of the book.
Back cover of Burning Butterflies. Click on the image to go to the Amazon page for the Kindle version of the book.

About the Author of Burning Butterflies

South African author, photographer, and artist, Robbie Cheadle, has written and illustrated seventeen children’s books, illustrated a further three children’s books, and written and illustrated four poetry books. Her work has also appeared in poetry and short story anthologies.

Robbie also has two novels and a collection of short stories published under the name of Roberta Eaton Cheadle and has horror, paranormal, and fantasy short stories featured in several anthologies under this name.

Robbie’s blog includes recipes, fondant and cake artwork, poetry, and book reviews.

Click here to visit is her Goodreads page

Click here to visit her TSL Publications Page

Click here to visit is her Twitter account

Click here to visit is her Facebook account

These are her published books on Amazon.

Review of Badlands

This is a Leonberger blog, but I also post book reviews of books that are not about Leonbergers, non-Leonberger books I love and want to promote. With this post I would like to promote a truly great novel featuring Neanderthals and other archaic humans. The book is called Badlands and is the second book in the savage land trilogy by Jacqui Murray.

To visit my review for the first book in the series, Endangered Species – Click here. To visit my contribution to the book blast for Endangered Species, Click here. To see the Neanderthal super fact post (facts given to me by Jacqui Murray) – Click here.

Below is an overview of the three formats of Badlands

  • Paperback –  Structured Learning LLC (April 15, 2025), ISBN-10 : 194210166X, ISBN-13 : 978-1942101666, 259 pages, Item Weight : 12.5 ounces, dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.59 x 9 inches, it cost $15.99 on US Amazon. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
  • Kindle – Structured Learning LLC (January 2, 2025), ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DFCV5YFT, ISBN-13 : 978-1942101673, 311 pages. It is currently $4.99 on Amazon.com and free with Kindle unlimited. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
  • Audiobook – Structured Learning LLC (January 4, 2025), ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0F5NGVJ3H, Virtual Voice, listening length 8 hours and 22 minutes, it is currently $4.99 on Amazon.com.  Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
The front cover features the title and author, a neanderthal woman and three canines (wolves). There is an erupting volcano in the background.
Front cover of Badlands. Click on the image to go to the Amazon page for the paperback version of the book.

Amazon Description of Badlands

Savage Land is the third trilogy about prehistoric man in the series, Man. Vs. Nature.Written in the spirit of Jean Auel, Savage Land explores how two bands of humans survived one of the worst natural disasters in Earth’s history, when volcanic eruptions darkened the sky, massive tsunamis crossed the ocean in crushing waves, and raging fires burned the land. Each of the tribes considered themselves apex predators. Neither was. That crown belonged to Nature and she was intent on washing the blight of man from her face. Join me in this three-book fictional exploration of Neanderthals. Be ready for a world nothing like what you thought it would be, filled with clever minds, brilliant acts, and innovative solutions to life-ending problems, all based on real events. At the end of this trilogy, you’ll be proud to call Neanderthals family.

In Badlands, Book Two, the tribes must split up, each independently crossing what Nature has turned into a wasteland. They struggle against starvation, thirst, and desperate enemies more feral than human. If they quit or worse, lose, they will never reunite with their groups or escape the most deadly natural disaster ever faced by our kind.

My Amazon Review of Badlands

Once Upon a Time 75,000 Years Ago

The adventures of Yu’ung continue in this book. Yu’ung is a female Neanderthal and a healer and a leader of her tribe. The world she and her tribe inhabit is threatened by massive volcanic eruptions. The Neanderthals, referred to as The People, as well as the Tall Ones (the Homo Sapiens), and other Uprights (Home Erectus, Denisovans, etc.) are forced to relocate. Yu’ung’s tribe and many other tribes are migrating towards the shoreless sea. Unfortunately, Yu’ung has to leave her tribe as she accompanies an old member of her tribe to meet up with the mountain clan. Both groups are accompanied by smart and loyal canines. There are disasters, unexpected events as well as dangerous enemies along the way.

Like all Jacqui Murray’s novels this novel is very intense, captivating and realistic. Life was harsh back then and the author has a great way of depicting this vividly and realistically. You connect with the characters and their struggle for survival. There is kindness, generosity, heartbreak, cruelty, battles and betrayal. The importance of cooperation and belonging for survival becomes clear and you understand the advantage of everyone having a role and a purpose in the tribe. Jacqui imagines what pre-historic man must have felt and experienced and she does this very skillfully. She has also done her research regarding the way pre-historic man, including Neanderthals, lived and what they were capable of.

The novel features a number of pre-historic dogs or semi-domesticated wolves referred to as Canis, including Ocha, Ragged Ear, Blaze, White Streak and Ump. These Canis cooperate with the Neanderthals in various ways and together they are much stronger. Neanderthals may not have domesticated dogs, and the author admits to using a creative license or narrative license in this regard. However, the Canis adds a lot to the story. Her use of the loyal and smart Canis makes it easier to relate to the pre-historic tribes in the story and it allows her to add interesting plot twists. Somewhat ironically, the Canis adds humanity to the story.

At the end of the book is the first chapter of the next book in the trilogy, Balance of Nature, followed by information about Neanderthals. The beginning of the book features a helpful list and explanation of terms used in the book as well as an explanatory list of the characters in the book, including the Canis. It is a nice habit the author has, which makes it easier to follow along, especially if you forget a character, or you did not read the first book.

I loved this book just like I loved the other books written by Jacqui Murray. It is both captivating and interesting and it makes you think about all those millions of pre-historic humans who came before us long ago. Our modern civilization has existed for such a very short time, and it is easy to forget how privileged we are. I believe you can read this book standalone without getting confused, but it is better if you have already read the first book in the series (Endangered Species). I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in adventure.

Photo of the author, an overview of the author, and a description of the book.
Back cover of Badlands. Click on the image to go to the Amazon page for the Kindle version of the book.

About the Author of Badlands

Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular prehistoric fiction saga, Man vs. Nature which explores seminal events in man’s evolution one trilogy at a time. She is also the author of the Rowe-Delamagente thrillers and Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy. When not writing, she is grad school teacher, author of over a hundred tech ed resources including K-12 technology curricula, and an Amazon Vine Voice.

You can find her resources at her publisher, Structured Learning LLC. She lives in So. California with her husband of forty years, Labrador Casey, and lots of contact with her adult children, one a Cdr in the Navy, the other a SFC in the Army. Feel free to reach out to Jacqui at her blog, WordDreams, or her social media platforms.

Book Blast Reunion Coda

This is a Leonberger dog blog but I sometimes post about other topics and today’s topic is a book blast for a new book published by Alex Diaz-Granados. It is called Reunion: Coda: Book 2 of the Reunion Duology. It is a duology, but it can be read independently from the first book. The point of this post is to bring attention to the book. It is a poignant romantic tale delving into the complexities of love.  I bought the Kindle version, the paperback version as well as the hardcopy version of the book. Below is an overview of the three versions.

  • Hardcover –  Independently published (April 5, 2025), ASIN : B0F3VRRW3R, ISBN-13 : 979-8316859467, 471 pages, Item Weight : 2.85 pounds, Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.25 x 1.25 x 11 inches, it costs $30.00 on US Amazon. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
  • Paperback –  Independently published (April 5, 2025), ASIN : B0F3VWJGDD, ISBN-13 : 979-8316867066, 529 pages, Item Weight : 2.29 pounds, dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8 x 1.2 x 10 inches, it cost $26.00 on US Amazon. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
  • Kindle – Publisher : ADG Books via Kindle Create; 1st edition (April 4, 2025), ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0F3V5HK2R, 473 pages. It is currently $5.99 on Amazon.com and free with Kindle unlimited. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
The cover features the title and the author, and the skyline of New York City at night.
Cover for the Kindle version of Reunion: Coda: Book 2 of the Reunion Duology by Alex Diaz-Granados. Click on the image to go to the Amazon page for the Kindle version of the book.
The front cover features a photo of Manhattan, New York City taken from above at night.
Front cover of the paperback version for Reunion: Coda: Book 2 of the Reunion Duology by Alex Diaz-Granados. Click on the image to go to the Amazon page for the paperback version of the book.

Amazon’s description of Reunion: Coda

In Reunion: Coda, Jim Garraty’s journey continues as he navigates the intricate dance between past regrets and present hopes. Now a successful history professor, Jim’s life is a tapestry of unspoken love, haunting memories, and the pursuit of emotional closure.

As Jim reflects on his high school years and the profound impact of his relationships, he grapples with the lessons learned from missed opportunities and the unpredictable nature of life. Through introspective moments and heartfelt letters, Jim uncovers the strength to confront his deepest fears and embrace new beginnings.

Reunion: Coda delves into the complexities of love, loss, and the enduring power of memory. It also explores the significance of friendship and the unpredictable turns that shape our lives. This poignant novel is a heartfelt exploration of the choices that define us, the connections that sustain us, and the hope that guides us on the journey of self-discovery.

Photo of the author, an overview of the author, and a description of the book. There is a city in ruins in the background.
Back cover of the paperback version for Reunion: Coda: Book 2 of the Reunion Duology by Alex Diaz-Granados. Click on the image to go to the Amazon page for the hardcover version of the book.
Trailer for Reunion: Coda: Book 2 of the Reunion Duology by Alex Diaz-Granados.

About the Author of Reunion: Coda

Alex Diaz-Granados (1963- ) began writing movie reviews as a staff writer and Entertainment Editor for his high school newspaper in the early 1980s and was the Diversions editor for Catalyst, Miami-Dade Community College, South Campus’ student newspaper for one semester. Using his experiences in those publications, Alex has been raving and ranting about the movies online since 2003 at various web sites, including Amazon, Ciao and Epinions.

In addition to writing reviews, Alex has written or co-written three films (“A Simple Ad,” “Clown 345,” and “Ronnie and the Pursuit of the Elusive Bliss”) for actor-director Juan Carlos Hernandez. You can find his reviews and essays on his blog, A Certain Point of View.

Click here visit Alex Diaz-Granados blog

Click here to visit my interview with Alex Diaz-Granados

Whimsical Adventures in the Afterlife

In this my Leonberger blog I sometimes post about topics other than Leonbergers, including non-Leonberger books that I like and want to promote, and this is one of those. With this post I would like to promote a very entertaining and thrilling book called Detour on the Eternal Road by John W Howell. He recently visited my blog on his book tour but I want to post about his book one more time. This time the focus is my review of the book. Below I am giving some information about the paperback and Kindle version of the book. I bought the paperback version of the book.

  • Paperback –  Independently published (January 2, 2025), ISBN-10 : 1733573143, ISBN-13 : 978-1733573146, 297 pages, Item Weight : 1 pounds, dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.67 x 8.5 inches, it cost $14.95 on US Amazon. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
  • Kindle – Keewaydin Lane Books; 1st edition (February 7, 2025), ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DT4Q1FBR, 267 pages. It is currently $2.99 on Amazon.com. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
The front cover features the title and the author, and a road curving through a dark landscape. On the road is an Oldsmobile 1956.
Front cover of Detour on the Eternal Road. Click on the image to go to the Amazon page for the paperback version of the book.

Amazon Description of Detour on the Eternal Road

The third book in the Eternal Road series. Sam and James are dragged into another strange assignment when a couple of souls on The Eternal Road drop off the radar. Archangel Michael gives them specific orders to resolve the issue and get Billy Ray Chitwood, the national race car champion, and Dale Earnhardt, his guide, back on the task of finding Billy’s Eternal Home.

Finally, meeting up with Billy Ray and Dale, the foursome finds themselves in the future where World War III has devastated the country. The team discovers the cause of the start of the war and vows to mitigate that circumstance and save the world from devastation. They encounter their old nemesis, Lucifer, who has in mind trading preventing the war in exchange for Sam accepting his offer to be his queen.

Since Lucifer’s offer is a non-starter, Sam and James must overcome Lucifer’s interference and work to change the course of history, or humankind is doomed.

This is my Amazon review of Detour on the Eternal Road

A Whimsical Adventure in the Mysterious Beyond

When you die there are guides helping you to find your way. When racecar driver Billy Ray Chitwood dies, he gets lost in time and space and his guide, the famous but dead racecar driver Dale Earnhardt, is missing. Upon the orders of Archangel Michael, Sam and James, the expert guides of this series, step in to save the situation. But what is causing this unusual situation? Well, Lucifer is. Lucifer has some nefarious plans that could mean the end for the whole world, a World War III. Can the team, Sam and James, Ray Chitwood, Dale Earnhardt, and the archangel Michael figure out what is going on and prevent doomsday?

This is a whimsical and amusing detective and mystery story. Lucifer appear as a cigar chomping man that reminded me of Loki in Avengers. He is an arrogant, reckless and a rude trickster but also entertaining and he has some charm. The angels appear human, and the team is traveling around the world and back and forth in time in an Oldsmobile 1956. Don’t worry about the time travel, they can’t change the past, just the future. As you can guess the setting isn’t particularly realistic but that is intentional. The important features are the humor, the clever plots, the fast-paced action, the surprising plot twists at the end, and above all the intelligent and entertaining dialogue featuring some interesting philosophical thoughts.

I have not read the first two books in the series yet, but I think this book stands on its own. It did not feel like I missed something important. I was intrigued and thrilled by the various mysteries that cropped up along the way. I wanted to find out who was responsible for the various mishaps and strange things that happened. Was it Lucifer or a greedy and power-hungry human, or both? And who is Lucifer really? I found the dialogue to be amusing and very entertaining. The character development was strong, with likeable main characters, though Lucifer was unkind and untrustworthy, as expected. I highly recommend this entertaining and unique thriller.

Photo of the author, an overview of the author, and a description of the book. There is a city in ruins in the background.
Back cover of Detour on the Eternal Road. Click on the image to go to the Amazon page for the Kindle version of the book.

About the Author of Detour on the Eternal Road

John is an award-winning author who after an extensive business career began writing full time in 2012. His specialty is thriller fiction novels, but John also writes poetry and short stories. He has written Seven other books that are on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions.

John lives in Lakeway, Texas with his wife and their spoiled rescue pets.

Links For John W Howell

Blog Fiction Favorites
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads
Amazon Author’s page
BookBub
BlueSky
Universal paper
Universal ebook

Detour on the Eternal Road

I’m very pleased to have John W. Howell here today to celebrate his latest release, “Detour on the Eternal Road.” I bought the paperback version from Amazon. It is 297 pages and cost $14.95. I loved reading this very entertaining book. If you want to read my Amazon review for the book, click here.

The front cover features the title and the author, and a road curving through a dark landscape. On the road is an Oldsmobile 1956.
Front cover of the Detour on the Eternal Road. Click on the image to go to the Amazon page for the paperback version of the book.

I am now handing over the word to John.

It is so nice to be here with you today, Thomas. Your blog has had some amazing entries. I have enjoyed your warm memories of your Leonberger Bronco and Daisy your dear pug. I also enjoy the times when you discuss various kinds of beer. I am an IPA fan and do identify with those times. I want to thank you for offering to host me on this stop on the tour. My latest book Detour on the Eternal Road is book threein the Eternal Road Series. Here is the blurb.

Blurb

Sam and James are dragged into another strange assignment when a couple of souls on The Eternal Road drop off the radar. Archangel Michael gives them specific orders to resolve the issue and get Billy Ray Chitwood, the national race car champion, and Dale Earnhardt, his guide, back on the task of finding Billy’s Eternal Home.

Finally, meeting up with Billy Ray and Dale, the foursome finds themselves in the future where World War III has devastated the country. The team discovers the cause of the start of the war and vows to mitigate that circumstance and save the world from devastation. They encounter their old nemesis, Lucifer, who has in mind trading preventing the war in exchange for Sam accepting his offer to be his queen.

Since Lucifer’s offer is a non-starter, Sam and James must overcome Lucifer’s interference and work to change the course of history, or humankind is doomed.

Excerpt

James and Sam give each other a nervous glance. Sam offers a subtle signal to James and says, “Okay. You remember we convinced you we were from a different time. Well, Billy Ray is from a different time too. We want to help him remember where he’s from and get him back on a road he needs to travel.”

Wyatt frowns. “Back on a road? What does that mean?”

Sam looks up to the sky in frustration when she realizes Wyatt won’t let it go until he gets the whole story. James shrugs, so Sam sighs and says, “James and I are like angels. Our job is to escort people’s souls along the Eternal Road until they find the place they want to spend eternity.”

“Dead people?”

“That’s right.”

With his thumb, Wyatt pushes back his hat. “Why’re you interested in Billy Ray? He’s very much alive.”

Billy Ray leans forward in the seat. “Yeah, I may be old, but I’m still kickin’.”

Sam glances at James, shakes her head, and looks back at Wyatt. Carefully, she drops her voice, “I don’t want to upset Billy Ray, but he is not who he thinks he is.”

Wyatt places his hands on his hips. “Okay, I’ll bite. Who is he?”

“He’s a young man who got in a serious accident and didn’t survive.”

“What’s he doing here?”

Sam brushes a strand of hair out of her eyes. “Someone we don’t want to name interrupted his trip. Billy Ray’s guide came up missing, too.”

“You don’t want to name? What kind of hocus pocus are you talking about?”

James steps forward. “Every time we name this person, they appear. I’ll tell you right out you don’t want that person here.”

Sam frowns. “Wyatt, you believed us when we showed you how we came from another time, right?”

“Sure, and I still believe you.”

“Well, forces of evil have taken our friend Billy Ray and placed him in the same time as you.”

Author Bio

John is an award-winning author who after an extensive business career began writing full time in 2012. His specialty is thriller fiction novels, but John also writes poetry and short stories. He has written Seven other books that are on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions.

John lives in Lakeway, Texas with his wife and their spoiled rescue pets.

Trailer Link https://animoto.com/play/0Z6vyFwQqrAZjjVAlciipw

Author Links

Blog Fiction Favorites, http://johnwhowell.com/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/john.howell.98229241

Twitter –https://www.twitter.com/HowellWave

Goodreads –https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7751796.John_W_Howell

Amazon Author’s page –https://www.amazon.com/author/johnwhowell

BookBub – https://www.bookbub.com/profile/john-w-howell

BlueSky – @johnhowellauthor.bsky.social

Buy Links

Universal paper https://mybook.to/Detour-Paper

Universal ebook https://mybook.to/Detour-Eebook

The Magical World of the Seasons Weaver

In this my Leonberger blog I sometimes post about topics other than Leonbergers, including non-Leonberger books that I like and want to promote, and this is one of those. With this post I would like to promote a wonderful fantasy novel, called Tale of the Seasons’ Weaver by D. Wallace Peach. Below I am giving some information about the paperback and Kindle version of the book.

  • Paperback –  Independently published (January 2, 2025), ASIN : B0DNXKS4D4, ISBN-13 : 979-8300966072, 308 pages, Item Weight : 1.17 pounds, dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.7 x 9 inches, it cost $12.00 on US Amazon. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
  • Kindle – Independently published (January 2, 2025), ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DMKLLW9C, 310 pages. It is currently $3.99 on Amazon.com and free with Kindle unlimited. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
The front cover features the title and the author, and trees and plants with the different colors of the seasons. A woman, the Seasons Weaver can be seen amongst foliage.
Front cover of the Tale of the Seasons’ Weaver. Click on the image to go to the Amazon page for the paperback version of the book.

Amazon Description of Tale of the Seasons’ Weaver

“Already the animals starve. Soon the bonemen will follow, the Moss Folk and woodlings, the watermaids and humans. Then the charmed will fade. And all who will roam a dead world are dead things. Until they too vanish for lack of remembering. Still, Weaver, it is not too late.”

In the frost-kissed cottage where the changing seasons are spun, Erith wears the Weaver’s mantle, a title that tests her mortal, halfling magic. As the equinox looms, her first tapestry nears completion—a breathtaking ode to spring. She journeys to the charmed isle of Innishold to release the beauty of nature’s awakening across the land.

But human hunters have defiled the enchanted forest and slaughtered winter’s white wolves. Enraged by the trespass, the Winter King seizes Erith’s tapestry and locks her within his ice-bound palace. Here, where comfort and warmth are mere glamours, she may weave only winter until every mortal village succumbs to starvation, ice, and the gray wraiths haunting the snow.

With humanity’s fate on a perilous edge, Erith must break free of the king’s grasp and unravel a legacy of secrets. In a charmed court where illusions hold sway, allies matter, foremost among them, the Autumn Prince. Immortal and beguiling, he offers a tantalizing future she has only imagined, one she will never possess—unless she claims her extraordinary power to weave life from the brink of death.

In the lyrical fantasy tradition of Margaret Rogerson and Holly Black, D. Wallace Peach spins a spellbinding tale of magic, resilience, and the transformative potency of tales—a tapestry woven with peril and hope set against the frigid backdrop of an eternal winter.

My Amazon Review of Tale of the Seasons’ Weaver

Weaving Fantastic Tales of Magic Creatures

I don’t read a lot of books in the fantasy genre but when I was a teenager, I read C.S. Lewis Chronicles of Narnia and J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy novels (Hobbit, Lord of the Ring, etc.) I’ve never lost my fascination for fantasy, and I still frequently read science fiction novels. I am so happy I came across this delightful read. It is a great novel for older children, young adults and adults alike.

In Erith’s world there are humans and animals as well as magical beings said to be charmed. For the most part they stay on the Isle of Innishold in the lake of Dryftweel. There is an enchanted forest and four kingdoms, winter, spring, summer, and autumn. The charmed often have magical powers, and some of them look scary and some of them are dangerous. Erith, who is part human and part charmed, a halfling, has a unique skill and a unique job, and that is to weave the seasons. She is a Seasons Weaver. The entire world depends on her.

One winter day human hunters defile the land of the charmed and kills the Winter King’s white wolves. The enraged Winter King decides to take revenge on all humans. He sets out to cancel spring by preventing Erith from weaving. His objective is to let winter remain until all humans are dead. This also means the death of nature and all mortal creatures. What the Winter King does not seem to understand is that it could mean the end of the charmed beings as well. Can Erith prevail against the powerful Winter King? Luckily the brave and handsome Autumn King steps up and helps her.

This is an intense and fast paced adventure filled with intrigues, magic, fierce battles, and I think several dozen different kinds of magical beings. There are amusing creatures and funny creatures such as Nobbin, huge and powerful creatures, shape shifting creatures, witches, dangerous and scary creatures, evil frog like evil creatures, and kings, and queens. In addition, there are some obvious themes. Erith must learn to trust her abilities, to be confident and find her strength, and use her wonderful imagination. She is much more powerful than she thinks she is. Her story is an inspiration for all of us.

I loved the author’s imagination and the fantastic world she is skillfully forming in the reader’s mind. I loved the captivating storytelling and the lyrical and magical prose. The author is certainly a weaver herself, a weaver of tales and imagined worlds. In the book the charmed creatures come to realize that they were dependent on human minds and belief for their existence. Is it also the other way around? A manifestation of the mental nature of reality if you will. In any case, I highly recommend this fascinating book.

Photo of the author, an overview of the author, and a description of the book
Back cover of the Seasons’ Weaver. Click on the image to go to the Amazon page for the Kindle version of the book.

About the Author of Tale of the Seasons’ Weaver

A long-time reader, best-selling author D. Wallace Peach started writing later in life when years of working in business surrendered to a full-time indulgence in the imaginative world of books. She was instantly hooked.

In addition to fantasy books, Peach’s publishing career includes participation in various anthologies featuring short stories, flash fiction, and poetry.

She’s an avid supporter of the arts in her local community, organizing and publishing annual anthologies of Oregon prose, poetry, and photography. Peach lives in a log cabin amongst the tall evergreens and emerald moss of Oregon’s rainforest with her husband, two owls, a horde of bats, and the occasional family of coyotes.

For book descriptions, excerpts, maps, and behind the scenes info, please visit D. Wallace Peach Books

For her blog on all things writing, please visit here

For her Amazon author’s page, please visit here

Review of Endangered Species

This is a Leonberger blog, but I post about books that are not about Leonbergers but other types of books I love and want to promote. With this post I would like to promote a truly great novel featuring Neanderthals. The book is called Endangered Species by Jacqui Murray. I recently participated in a so-called virtual book blast for this book. It is a special promotion. This post is just about my review for this book. The virtual book blast is the important post and if you did not see it yet please click here. Below is a list of some additional book blast posts for this book. If you know of additional ones, please tell me in the comments.

  • Virtual Book Blast for Endangered Species – Darlene Foster – Click here
  • Virtual Book Blast for Endangered Species – Liz Gauffreau – Click here
  • Virtual Book Blast for Endangered Species – Carol Cooks – Click here
  • Virtual Book Blast for Endangered Species – John Howell – Click here
  • Virtual Book Blast for Endangered Species – Booomcha, Kymber Hawke – Click here
  • Virtual Book Blast for Endangered Species – Miriam Hurdle – click here.

To see the Neanderthal super fact post (given to me by Jacqui Murray) – Click here

Below is an overview of the three formats of Endangered Species

  • Paperback –  Structured Learning LLC (January 2, 2025), ISBN-10 : 1942101643, ISBN-13 : 978-1942101642, 301 pages, Item Weight : 1.15 pounds, dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.68 x 9 inches, it cost $15.99 on US Amazon. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
  • Kindle – Structured Learning LLC (January 2, 2025), ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DJ9Y7PQ8, 323 pages. It is currently $4.99 on Amazon.com and free with Kindle unlimited. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
  • Audiobook – Structured Learning LLC (January 4, 2025), ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CY6YQL83, It is currently $1.99 on Amazon.com.  Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
The front cover features the title and author, a neanderthal woman and her canine/wolf and there is an erupting volcano in the background.
Front cover of Endangered Species. Click on the image to go to the Amazon page for the paperback version of the book.

Amazon Description of Endangered Species

Savage Land is the third trilogy about prehistoric man in the series, Man. Vs. Nature.Written in the spirit of Jean Auel, Savage Land explores how two bands of humans survived one of the worst natural disasters in Earth’s history, when volcanic eruptions darkened the sky, massive tsunamis crossed the ocean in crushing waves, and raging fires burned the land. Each of the tribes considered themselves apex predators. Neither was. That crown belonged to Nature and she was intent on washing the blight of man from her face.

Endangered Species is Book One of the trilogy. Yu’ung and her Neanderthal tribe must align with Fierce and his Tall Ones—an advanced tribe of humans. Even then, survival is not ensured. The story starts in the Altai Mountains of Siberia as they prepare for a cross-continent journey to a new home away from the volcano’s devastation.

Join me in this three-book fictional exploration of Neanderthals. Be ready for a world nothing like what you thought it would be, filled with clever minds, brilliant acts, and innovative solutions to life-ending problems, all based on real events. At the end of this trilogy, you’ll be proud to call Neanderthals family.

My Amazon Review of Endangered Species

Something Big Happened 75,000 Years Ago. We The People Are Still Here.

When I was a teenager, I read a few of Jean M. Auels novels about pre-historic humans. I loved them and I saw the movie. Now I am reading Jacqui Murray’s novels about pre-historic humans. Jacqui Murray’s books are even more fascinating and very realistic and well researched. Her books also cover a larger time interval starting 1.8 million years ago. The story in this fairly new book takes place 75,000 years ago when our planet was home to several human species including Homo neanderthalensis or Neanderthals and Homo Sapiens. The focus of the story is on a tribe of Neanderthals calling themselves “the people”. Homo Sapiens (people like us) are referred to as “tall ones”. There were also other humanoid species alive at the time such as Homo erectus and Denisovans and they are referred to as “uprights” in this book. Well, all homo species are referred to as uprights in this book.

Something very bad is about to happen. Something that threatens the survival of all homo species. You can guess what from the front cover. There is a vision, or a spirit, of a Homo erectus woman called Xhosa who provide help and wisdom from the spiritual realm. Some central characters are Yu’ung, a female Neanderthal who is a healer and the leader of her tribe, Fierce the leader of a Homo sapiens tribe, Jun or Shanadar a young Neanderthal man and his canines Ump, White Streak (and a few more), who are sent by Xhosa on a special mission. I loved the canines (related to wolves). As a side note I can add that Neanderthals and Homo sapiens could interbreed despite being considered different species because the concept of species is complex.

The many adventures recounted in this book are fascinating, intense and captivating and there is something interesting and fun happening on every page. The character development is detailed and well done. Despite being so ancient and so different from us modern people, the humanoids in the book come alive in your imagination and you are transported into a different world from long ago. I found myself cheering for and caring for a Neanderthal woman and loving a wild dog. One passage that I found to be so intense that I was breathless was when Jun/Shanadar saved the life of a drowning canine pup called Blaze. What a job he had, saving a pup and saving the world. Did all this happen for real? I don’t know, but it could have. I loved this book. It is a page turner, and I highly recommend this book as well as her previous books.

Photo of the author, an overview of the author, and a description of the book
Back cover of Endangered Species. Click on the image to go to the Amazon page for the Kindle version of the book.

About the Author of Endangered Species

Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular prehistoric fiction saga, Man vs. Nature which explores seminal events in man’s evolution one trilogy at a time. She is also the author of the Rowe-Delamagente thrillers and Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy.

When not writing, she is grad school teacher, author of over a hundred tech ed resources including K-12 technology curricula, and an Amazon Vine Voice. You can find her resources at her publisher, Structured Learning LLC. She lives in So. California with her husband of forty years, Labrador Casey, and lots of contact with her adult children, one a Cdr in the Navy, the other a SFC in the Army. Feel free to reach out to Jacqui at her blog, WordDreams, or her social media platforms.

A Female Psychopathic Killer

This is a Leonberger blog but sometimes I post about books that are not about Leonbergers but that are other types of books I love and want to promote. This book is an intriguing thriller about a beautiful female psychopathic killer by the name Marie, and it is told from her perspective. It is both creepy and amusing at the same time as well as unique and definitely a page turner. I guess you can say it is lighthearted horror but above all a good story. The author, Sara Flower Kjeldsen, has expertise in psychology, which makes the story more realistic.

  • Paperback –  Independently published (April 29, 2020), ASIN ‏ : ‎ B087SD51PT, ISBN-13 : 979-8621061050, 96 pages, Item Weight : 5.4 ounces, dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.24 x 9 inches, it cost $15.99 on US Amazon. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
  • Kindle – January 30, 2020, ASIN ‏ : ‎ B084D88547, 98 pages. It is currently $3.99 on Amazon.com and free with Kindle unlimited. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
On the left, a partial picture of a young beautiful woman in a red dress holding a large knife. On the right the title, author name, the text “She is not supposed to feel guilt” and a police car.
Front cover of  Marie. Click on the picture to buy the paperback version (Amazon US) of the book.

Amazon Description of Marie

Marie has always been a violent girl. She has no remorse for those she kills. Once she takes out her husband, she will have everything she has ever wanted. That is until the pool boy gets in her way. After she kills him, something strange happens. Psychopaths aren’t supposed to feel guilt. She doesn’t care about anyone. So why is her latest victim haunting her dreams? Marie is the story of a stunning young woman who is forced to face her own heartlessness.

My Amazon Review of Marie

Is she going to kill him? That depends. Did he see her face?

Marie is a psychopath. Her range of emotions is limited. She feels no compassion, no love, she has no conscience, she is fearless, selfish and greedy, and she feels superior to people with normal feelings, which she considers to be stupid, weak and irritating. In addition, she has a sadistic streak. She is a proud beautiful trophy wife with a boring normal but rich husband. He is in love, but she is using him, the great manipulator that she is. She hides her inner craziness very skillfully and fools everyone. One day Brad, the pool boy catches her drowning a bunny rabbit in the pool for her own amusement after finding a paper with her plot to murder her husband. He realizes she is mentally sick and offers to find her a psychiatrist at the college where he studies. Well, what do you think will happen to Brad?

The author has expertise in psychology, so this is a realistic depiction of a female psychopath, but what makes it even more interesting is that the story is told from the perspective of Marie. Usually, you don’t get to be inside the head of the psychopath, the focus is on the victims, for example, as in the movie No Country for Old Men (Anton Chigurh). The story is both creepy and amusing at the same time. Marie is undoubtedly evil, but she is funny and clever. Can a psychopath be cured? Perhaps not in a conventional sense but strange things can happen. I loved this story. It was very engaging, fast-paced, entertaining and full of surprises. I highly recommend this page turner.

Photo of the author and a description of the book
Back cover of  Marie. Click on the picture to buy the paperback version (Amazon US) of the book.

About the author Sara Kjeldsen

Sara is a Canadian multi-genre author who loves tea and adventures. This is a list of her published books. This is her blog.

Blog Post 300 and Sun Haiku

This is my 300th blog post for this blog and today I am reviewing and promoting a very good book on poetry, Sun Haiku: 365 Days of Sunshine by Dawn Pisturino. I bought the paperback version from US Amazon. I should mention that the focus of my blog is Leonberger dogs, but I also blog about other things.

  • Paperback –  Publisher Horse Mesa Press (November 30, 2024), ASIN : B0DPDL87CJ, ISBN-13 : 979-8991244749, 74 pages, Item Weight : 5.8 ounces, Dimensions : 6 x 0.17 x 9 inches, it cost  $6.99 on US Amazon. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
  • Kindle –  Publisher Horse Mesa Press (November 29, 2024), ASIN : B0DPCV65KT, 65 pages, it costs $3.99 on US Amazon but is free with Kindle Unlimited. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
The front cover is blue with a big bright illustration of the sun plus author and title.
Front cover of Sun Haiku: 365 Days of Sunshine by Dawn Pisturino. Click on the image to go to the Amazon page for the paperback version book.

Amazon’s Description of Sun Haiku

This collection of traditional and non-traditional haiku is dedicated to the sun and its effects on people, animals, and the environment. Many ancient cultures worshipped the sun as the giver and sustainer of life. As the center of our solar system, life on Earth depends on the sun to grow and thrive. Of course, like anything else, too much of a good thing can have negative consequences: skin cancer, drought, cataracts, shriveled up crops, and more. That’s why we do what we can to protect ourselves while taking advantage of the sun’s positive energy. Come join me in honoring the most important body in our solar system!

To see my Review of Sun Haiku on Amazon Click Here

The Sun Gives Us Life and Death. Poems for the Mind and Spirit

Sun Haiku is a delightful poetry book featuring 365 Haiku poems about the sun, followed by a few leap year poems, two short stories, and two longer bonus poems. The poems cover a lot of sun related topics. The poems tell us that the sun gives us warmth, light, colors, beauty, sustenance, birds and flowers, uplifting freedom, it heals the mind and spirit, but it can also burn us, give us cancer, and cause draught. Be careful. The poems elaborate on the midnight sun, the solar system, and the death of the sun and the white dwarf star that it will become.

The poems are imaginative, original, clever, captivating, and a lot of fun to read. The stories were also imaginative, original and intriguing. I think my favorite poem was the bonus poem at the end called summer heat. I think it was the longest poem in the book stretching one and half pages. The words and the verses were full of life and evoked beautiful, dreamy visions of nature and sunshine. The author dedicated her book to her brother, a man who loved the outdoors but died from skin cancer. This background added an emotive aspect to her sun poems. I highly recommend this beautiful book of poems.

Other Books by Dawn Pisturino

I’ve posted about a few of Dawn Pisturino’s books.

The back cover is black and feature an overview of the book and a photo of the author.
Back cover of Sun Haiku: 365 Days of Sunshine by Dawn Pisturino. Click on the image to go to the Amazon page for the Kindle version book.

About Dawn Pisturino

Photo of Dawn Pisturino author of Sun Haiku: 365 Days of Sunshine

Dawn Pisturino’s international publishing credits include poems, short stories, and articles. Her debut poetry book, Ariel’s Song: Published Poems, 1987 – 2023, earned five-star reviews and ranked #60 on the Amazon Best Seller list for Haiku & Japanese Poetry. Her short chapbook, Lunar Gazing Haiku, became a #1 Amazon New Release in six categories.

Haiku for the Midnight Hour, her third book, achieved #1 Amazon New Release status in three categories. Her fourth book, Sun Haiku: 365 Days of Sunshine, climbed to #1 Amazon New Release in Japanese Poetry & Haiku. She is a member of several author organizations.