The Abyss of Stolen Souls (The Shattered Legacy) Author Interview

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FD9PK2HR

Alex and Emma have a close working relationship. How do their interactions shape the mood of the story?

Alex and Emma's dynamic is truly central to the story's mood. Their relationship starts purely as a professional one, but it naturally evolves into a deep friendship and partnership within their firm, even before the main events of my story begin. From such a bond, a love story almost always blossoms, and there's certainly nothing wrong with that.

Alex is a born leader and adventurer. When his visions first started, they were beautiful and brought him joy. He somehow built a connection to the girl he saw in these visions, and that's precisely why her suffering affected him so profoundly. Emma, on the other hand, has always been the logical element in their duo. Not only did she graduate from the police academy with honors, but she's also incredibly intelligent and courageous. Many people have asked me if she'll be a typical female character and the answer is no. Emma is a capable young woman who can handle a computer virus, a biker in a bar, and even a street shootout or a combat zone.

The combination of these two characters creates, for me as the author and I hope for all readers, a perfect synergy for every situation. Their dialogues are a living testament to their friendship, devotion, and later, love. You just need to let yourself be carried away by them to feel how their interactions constantly shape and enrich the mood of the story, from tension to heartwarming moments.

Detroit is featured prominently in the first chapter. Why did you choose this city as the starting point for Alex's investigation?

I chose Detroit because when I was little, my father brought me a hockey jersey from the USA as a souvenir, and also when I played NHL on the computer as a young boy, I was always Detroit. Plus, many of my favorite characters and films are set in Detroit. The city somehow grew on me, and I hope I'll get to visit it someday.

Editorial Review For Called, Not Qualified

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FHF2H9H2

Editorial Review For Called, Not Qualified

Anthony Carpino’s Called, Not Qualified is a book that refuses to baby its readers. The author kicks things off by tearing down the idea that anyone is good enough on their own. He explains that God does not choose people based on perfect résumés or clean records. This is the core theme and it does not get lost in flowery words or empty pep talks. Carpino uses his own life and classic Bible stories to hammer home the point. Surrender, not self-reliance, is the real story.

Carpino’s big strength is not pretending he has everything together. He brings up his own failures and shows how real faith is a daily choice, not a one-time fix. You get blunt stories about trying and failing. You also get reminders that nobody is alone in feeling broken or unqualified. The questions for reflection at the end of each chapter try to push the reader out of passive reading and into some kind of action, which is rare and probably uncomfortable for people who want a soft self-help book. The writing never strays too far from its main point: God does not wait for you to be “enough” before calling you. Carpino is also pretty clear that churches and modern Christian culture sometimes miss the point entirely, which is a nice break from books that only preach to the choir.

It stands out because it pushes against the easy feel-good messages you might see in other recent books. Instead, it leans into the tension and messiness of following God without sugarcoating anything. You might say it joins a trend of books that call out complacency, but this one seems a little more fed up with empty religion.

This is for people who are tired of pretending, or over trying to impress anyone. If you’re already convinced you’ve got nothing left to prove, you might get annoyed. But if you feel stuck on the fence or keep thinking you have to get your act together before God can use you, this book will probably hit a nerve. The style will suit anyone who prefers straight talk with some bite.

So, the verdict? Called, Not Qualified is not here to hold your hand. It is more likely to kick you out of your comfort zone than make you feel warm and fuzzy. If you want a book that pushes you toward real surrender and away from fake perfection, this one does the job. If not, maybe go pick something with more clichés and less honesty.

 

The Alpha Protocol: A Sci-Fi LitRPG Adventure: Symphony, Book 1

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FG5H9L7X/

Finding himself suddenly teleported to a new dimension, a former English teacher becomes the god of a world of his own making, in this portal fantasy.

Fresh off a break-up and now unemployed, veteran and former high school English teacher Walker Reed is ready to succumb to a grim and hopeless depression. But when an enigmatic stranger stops him in the street, he’s suddenly hurled into another dimension.

There, Walker gets to build his own world from scratch following the Alpha Protocol, which invites special individuals from across the universe to become “Creators”—generating everything from their own land masses and celestial bodies to a comprehensive, recorded religion.

With the help of his robotic assistant, Virgil—who happens to be a four-foot-tall squirrel—Walker sets about building out his geography, evolutionary systems, and creatures. But it’s not like playing in a sandbox, and he quickly realizes his creations can have world-ending consequences. Not to mention the creators are regularly pitted against one another in the Creator Wars . . .

As if all that weren’t bad enough, if Walker can’t complete the Alpha Protocol, he’ll be sent back to his previous reality, which has only gotten darker. As he unlocks new systems and paths, can he balance his desire to be a peaceful, benevolent, and ethical god? Or will everything devolve into chaos?

The first volume of the hit LitRPG adventure series—with more than a million views on Royal Road—now available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook!

Editorial Review For The Commissioner’s Playbook

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FHF9SMTN/

Editorial Review For The Commissioner’s Playbook

The Commissioner’s Playbook is a detailed guide about running a fantasy football league. It focuses on the role of the commissioner and how to make the league more than just a game. The book covers building a league’s culture, choosing formats, planning draft day, and keeping managers engaged throughout the season. The goal is to create a league that lasts, with traditions and memories that stick.

The book’s strength lies in its clear focus on leadership and community. It shows how much impact a dedicated commissioner can have, beyond setting rules and schedules. It offers practical advice, from picking league members to handling disputes and making draft day a memorable event. The chapters break down complex topics into manageable parts, making it easier to apply the ideas in real leagues.

This book fits squarely in the fantasy football and sports management genre. It responds to a trend where fantasy leagues are not just about competition but also about connection and culture. It taps into the growing interest in how to keep leagues fun, fair, and meaningful in a crowded fantasy sports landscape.

If you run a league or want to start one with a strong community vibe, this book is for you. It suits both new commissioners who need a roadmap and veterans looking to improve their league’s experience. Even casual players interested in the behind-the-scenes role of the commissioner may find it eye-opening.

Overall, The Commissioner’s Playbook gets a thumbs up. It avoids fluff and offers solid, actionable advice. If you care about fantasy football but want your league to be more than just stats and scores, this book is worth your time. Just be ready to put in the work—because a good commissioner does not happen by accident.

The Moon Goddess's Smile

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F2NTB3J7/

"Secrets, scars, and stories — a fascinating historical novel of cultural & personal significance."

A biomedical researcher returns to China to transfer her late grandmother's apartment to her male cousin so he can marry. However, a simple legal task to save her dwindling clan becomes a bureaucratic nightmare, and her interracial marriage in Boston begins to unravel. While she struggles to regain equilibrium between two clashing cultures, her homebound journey evolves into a midlife self-discovery.

The story portrays a resilient Chinese family that has survived a tumultuous century. Ultimately, it celebrates the human potential of reaching enlightenment during a crisis.

https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/catherine-c-wu/the-moon-goddesss-smile/

https://independentbookreview.com/2025/04/01/starred-book-review-the-moon-goddesss-smile/

https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/the-moon-goddesss-smile

Editorial Review For Welcome to Roarwood: The Adventures of Koobi, Episode 1

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FGDG667G/

Editorial Review For Welcome to Roarwood: The Adventures of Koobi, Episode 1

This book tells the story of Koobi, a young jungle prince who pushes his best friend Milo into a risky stunt on the vines. Things go wrong fast. They break the new welcome sign, and now Koobi must deal with the king’s anger and the mess they made. Along the way, a new koala named Quinny arrives. She has a plan and is not impressed with their quick-fix banana repairs. The story moves through jungle games, flying monkeys, and ends with a lesson about telling the truth.

The author gets right to the point with clear action and a simple message. The story flows with fun moments that keep kids interested without slowing down. The characters feel real enough for young readers to care about. The mix of humor and learning works well here, especially for kids learning about honesty and responsibility. The dialogue sounds natural, and the pacing keeps things moving.

This book fits with other children’s stories that mix adventure and life lessons. It joins the ranks of books that teach values through playful, easy-to-follow tales. At the same time, it avoids being overly serious or preachy, which is a smart move for this age group. The inclusion of a new character shaking things up adds a little twist that keeps the series fresh.

Kids around 4 to 8 years old who like playful stories with animals and some mild mischief will find this book fun. Parents or teachers looking for a way to talk about truth and teamwork will also find it useful. It works well for reading out loud and for kids starting to read on their own.

Overall, Welcome to Roarwood is a solid start to a series that balances fun and lessons without trying too hard. It may not change the picture book game, but it should keep young readers entertained and maybe even teach them something along the way.

When Daddies Go to Heaven

https://www.amazon.com/When-Daddies-Heaven-Erma-Hamilton/dp/1504365054/ref=sr_1_2?crid=28V9FRMIPD

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/when-daddies-go-to-heaven-erma-hamilton/1124656203?ean=9781504365055

A little girl struggles with letting go of her daddy as he moves on to heaven after a long illness.

HI, I AM YOUR AUTISTIC MANAGER

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FBDLRJ5M

This book is not for autistic people. It’s for everyone.

This book is not about autistic people. It’s about me.

One high-functioning, well-masked personality.

Someone who survived corporate chaos — and became a leader.

But the cost of that success was high.

You’re invited into an honest reflection.

Not for regret. Not for advice.

Just a mirror.

A story.

And pain.

Editorial Review For The Roof of Africa

https://us.amazon.com/dp/B0FFNTCWVQ/

Editorial Review For The Roof of Africa

The Roof of Africa is Graham Merz’s account of climbing Kilimanjaro, told in a straightforward style. Merz chronicles his six-day adventure up the Machame route, capturing both the mental hurdles and physical demands of reaching Africa’s highest peak.

Merz’s strength is clarity. He doesn't sugarcoat the realities of mountain climbing—the exhaustion, altitude sickness, and the unsettling sound of fellow climbers getting sick at 10,000 feet. He’s candid about his anxiety, especially during sleepless nights and nerve-racking ascents like the Barranco Wall. The guide also earns points for practical details—how many liters of water to carry, the necessity of layers, and the wisdom of bringing snacks for waning appetites at altitude.

The book is firmly set within the travel-adventure genre. Readers familiar with narratives of personal triumph over challenging terrain will find this a familiar trek. Merz makes no claims of being a mountaineering expert, which adds authenticity. There's a refreshing lack of pretension—though at times, it might feel as if he's trying a little too hard to convince readers he's not over-prepared or glamping, despite having a team of eleven guides and porters.

If you're a reader planning your own climb or simply curious about what it genuinely takes to reach the top of Kilimanjaro, you'll find value here. Merz’s down-to-earth tone is perfect for people seeking straightforward advice mixed with a realistic preview of the climb's challenges.

Overall, The Roof of Africa offers a relatable look at a difficult climb without dramatic exaggeration. Recommended if you appreciate honesty over heroics.

Editorial Review For Manuela

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FG1HLK48/

Editorial Review For Manuela

Manuela wraps up Curt A. Canfield’s Will Barnes trilogy, beginning with The Errors of Mankind and continuing in Better is the End. This novel catches Will Barnes confronting late-stage prostate cancer, forcing him to reckon with life's unfinished business. He juggles making amends, navigating complex family dynamics, and bonding with his newfound granddaughter, Manuela, who emerges as a central figure representing a hopeful future amid personal loss.

Canfield successfully tackles intricate themes such as mortality, reconciliation, and personal growth. Barnes remains believably flawed and compellingly earnest, especially in his interactions with Manuela. Their relationship is portrayed vividly, highlighting moments of warmth, humor, and emotional vulnerability that enrich the story. Manuela's maturity and ambition, notably her goal to become a lawyer and advocate for the underprivileged, provide a meaningful contrast to Barnes’s reflections on life’s missed opportunities.

Dialogue between characters is authentic and sharp, notably the biting exchanges with Friedrich, a disgruntled relative you’d gladly avoid at a family reunion. Yet, it’s the heartfelt conversations between Barnes and Manuela that linger most profoundly, offering readers poignant insights into the power of familial connections, reconciliation, and legacy.

By connecting Barnes’s personal journey to broader historical themes—such as war trauma, justice, and the American moral landscape—the novel appeals to readers seeking both historical depth and personal introspection.

If you enjoy stories that blend personal reflection with historical context, Manuela will hold your attention. Barnes’s blunt realism, combined with his stubborn attempts at redemption and his evolving relationship with his granddaughter, resonates deeply, particularly with readers facing their own life's loose ends. While those looking for a quick, upbeat read might look elsewhere, readers willing to explore deeper emotional layers will find a rewarding narrative.

Ultimately, Manuela offers a meaningful and thought-provoking conclusion to the trilogy, providing a fitting tribute to the resilience of human relationships across generations. Just don’t expect Friedrich to leave a glowing review anytime soon.

Bella and Mandy and the Case of the Vanishing Snacks: A Funny Rhyming Dog Mystery Read-Aloud for Kids Ages 3-7 About Friendship, Sharing and Adventure

https://a.co/d/06ouCqg

🐾 Bella and Mandy and the Case of the Vanishing Snacks

A giggle-filled rhyming mystery starring two lovable pup detectives on a snack-time case! When Bella wakes up to find her treat bowl mysteriously empty, there’s only one thing to do—grab her detective hat, call her best friend Mandy, and start sniffing for clues! With cookie crumbs, a trail of green slime, and a few silly suspects (we're looking at you, raccoon), this delightful picture book follows two furry sleuths as they solve the tastiest mystery in the backyard. Young readers will laugh, guess, and cheer as Bella and Mandy gather clues and prove that teamwork, curiosity, and kindness are the secret ingredients to solving any case. Whether you're looking for a kids dog book, a rhyming picture book that’s perfect for storytime, or a fun detective book for kids ages 3–8, this read-aloud adventure is sure to become a family favorite. 🐶 Why Parents, Teachers, and Kids Love It: * 🧠 Encourages thinking, guessing, and teamwork — early problem-solving for little minds * 🎶 Fun-to-read rhymes that support early literacy and vocabulary growth * 🎨 Vibrant, full-color illustrations that delight children with every turn of the page * 🎁 A beautifully illustrated, read-aloud rhyming mystery—for under $12! * 📚 Tailored for kids ages 3–8 — great for bedtime snuggles, classrooms, and rainy-day mysteries Whether your child loves dogs, snacks, silly surprises, or solving mysteries, Bella and Mandy are the perfect companions for their next adventure. 🐾 Order your copy today and join the Paw & Order Club—because no snack goes missing on Bella and Mandy’s watch! 🐾

ESSENTIA : The Ultimate Key to God (Author Interview)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDCRS6WP/

What inspired you to write Essentia and explore the idea of a personal path to God?

Religion is supposed to bring unity and love, but it commonly brings division and hatred. It’s supposed to “melt” the primitive tribalism we all have, but curiously, it only strengthens it. We usually fight for the minimum we disagree with instead of uniting for the majority that we agree upon. We are far from stopping being a belligerent species, but I think we can stop killing in the name of God. Writing this book to me represents an attempt to achieve unity and tolerance without necessarily changing any of our beliefs. It's something I call "social consensualism" and "meta-constructivism"; we have to live together in the best possible constructive way.  Much like my previous work, "The Sovereign Perspective: Unity Solutions in Times of Unprecedented Division," I am driven by a fervent desire to confront and overcome the forces of division, tribalism, ignorance, and what German Theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer called “stupidity”.

You mention that faith should come after reason and questioning. Can you explain why?

I noticed that people processed religion cognitively differently than any other subject. People subvert entirely the order of things. Faith is supposed to be the last step after all the scientific and logical means are exhausted. But people do the opposite; people believe first and then try to justify everything to prove their faith, even terrible things like genocide.

How does Essentia challenge traditional religious dogma or certainty?

Essentia provides practical tools to help you apply to your faith. There is no right or wrong as long as you draw conclusions using the method provided. You don't need to change any of your beliefs; simply test them through the five steps. It's ironic that religion is one of the least provable aspects of life, yet it often requires the least amount of evidence. Religion plays a significant role in our daily lives and even in politics. I strongly believe that if there is a God, He or She has endowed us with rational minds for our benefit. While faith is essential because we cannot explain everything through science and logic, it should be the final step in our understanding.

Editorial Review For A Narcissist’s Guide to Philanthropy

https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FC273KHD

Editorial Review For A Narcissist’s Guide to Philanthropy

This book opens with Mark, a lawyer who seems allergic to humility, performing what he’s certain are acts of public good—though you might suspect he wants an audience more than gratitude. The story bounces between Mark and Jane, his fiancée, who manages her own cocktail of ambition and self-reflection. The plot follows their daily routines, commutes, run-ins with old friends, and social performances. The theme isn’t subtle. Social media, status games, and a desperate need for recognition lurk in every conversation, every LinkedIn check, every towel purchase for the beach.

The book shines in its depiction of how people can convince themselves they’re selfless when the mirror says otherwise. You get endless inner monologues about “rules” for posting on social media, what makes a good towel, and why being recognized online matters more than admitting it. There’s enough self-satire here to make you wonder if Talay wrote half this book while side-eyeing his own LinkedIn profile. Another strength of A Narcissist’s Guide to Philanthropy is how it skewers these modern-day habits with a straight face. Every tiny interaction turns into a low-stakes battle for social clout.

The book sits comfortably in contemporary literary fiction, with sharp dialogue and a healthy dose of cynicism about urban life, millennial hustle culture, and modern relationships. It taps into trends where novels try to dissect the “bubble” of city professionals. Readers who like Sally Rooney’s characters but wish they’d just admit how much they care about Instagram will probably find a lot to laugh at here.

This book is for anyone who has ever spent more than ten seconds wondering how many likes their last post got. If you know someone who pretends not to care about social media, but checks it ten times an hour, this is their field guide. It’s also for readers who enjoy novels that call out self-importance, especially when it comes with a suit, a set of gym routines, and an overworked sense of irony.

If you are hoping for a heartwarming story about true giving, look somewhere else. A Narcissist’s Guide to Philanthropy is here to remind you that even the most “thoughtful” acts might come with an internal PR campaign. It’s equal parts satire, cringe, and uncomfortable honesty. Read it to see just how ridiculous self-importance can get, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll feel a little bit better about your own worst habits. Or not. That’s your call.