Review of The PAPER MAGICIAN

The PAPER MAGICIAN

CHARLIE N. HOLMBERG

Review by Author Roy Murry

Not Alice in Wonderland, however, the main character Ceony, a Paper Magician's apprentice, falls into the heart of the magician. And the life and death games begin.

Depending on Ceony's performance in a world unknown to her, Magician Thane's life is figuratively in her hands. But his heart is in another place literally.

Paper Magician is a horror story involving a man's life. Ceony sees it from within his heart's function. How it ends depends on her feelings for him as a man, not as her mentor in paper magic.

The ending will surprise the reader. It's is magic after all, even if the form is paper. Paper overrules scissors.

Ms. Holmberg's writing flows fast but confusing at times. One has to be on their toes and quick to understand many caveats of Ceony's endeavors and the Paper Magician's heart’s events.

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Review of SAFARI

SAFARI

Tony Park

Review by Author Roy Murry

SAFARI is the first novel that I have read with the background of Southern Africa (Zimbabwe and the The Democratic Republic of Congo.) Mr. Park's descriptions of lands, animals, and human traits bring you into the hunt.

The prey in the hunts will lead the reader into an alarming shock. However, the novel is a little bit wordy with an interwoven love story that changes with the new knowledge of the woman involved in the triangle.

Pouching and killing of rare African animals are the central themes of SAFARI and a county's dividing line as to who can hunt and what will die in those endeavors. The killing zone is theirs, and if you cross the line, the government or representatives will get revenge.

I wouldn't say SAFARI is a page-turner, but the author keeps the reader interested with sub-stories of two women. One of them becomes an unknowing hero when the plot thickens at the end of a hunt—her love for a particular animal.

I purchased another of Mr. Park's books and am looking forward to reading it. You should add one to your library also for the thrill of learning a little about Africa.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3eaanLZ

Review of HOW THE HELL DID THIS HAPPEN?

HOW THE HELL DID THIS HAPPEN

The Election of 2016

P.J. O'Rourke

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

"We're so stoned that we have no idea what we're talking about, but if you get as high as we are, it will all make sense," babblings of Yuppies. This quote is in Mr. O'Rourke's Book Epilogue, and I believe it is appropriate to say that he babbles much in this fun read.

P.J. O'Rourke, National Lampoon's ex-editor-in-chief among numerous other Journalism endeavors since the 70s, writes enthusiastically and excessively about the candidates who attempted to become President of the USA in 2016. I laughed so hard my stitches almost busted.

He equates all the contenders as to clowns stuck in a Volvo Bug car trying to get out. When that long event is over, Hillary and Trump are what is left.

This pundit does not have kind words for either. He uses sarcasm, hyperbolic descriptions, and antidotes to bring his point home - we are left with President Trump, who embodies American's current taste vs. elitism.

P.J. muses, "If America didn't want a poor choice of leaders, America wouldn't have a poor choice of leaders." I believe he is saying Mr. Trump is a weak leader, and the USA has had many of them.

In delving into previous Presidents, he qualifies many of them and the wannabes like Joe Biden. Therefore, if you time to spare, want to laugh, or think about your preferred politician, this book is for you.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/2YKrwHI

Review iof Ancient Lies

ANCIENT LIES

E. Nicolson

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

I will leave it to you. What recent lies equate to Ancient Lies, the book? You will have to read the novel to find out.

Hardcore Science Fiction and fans of Star Wars will enjoy this adventure. I, not a follower, read the whole book with only one problem.

Even though name recognition separated the episodes, I would have liked to place and timeline division. However, the writing is well thought out. 

Lovers of Sci-Fi will like all the gadgets and the different spaceships - new and ancient. But people are the same in the future.

Ms. Nicolson gives us her philosophy on racism, here and now, conspiracy theories, good vs. evil, and what our future entails.

These all come together at the end of the book when Professor Andy, a Shakespearian teacher, sums up present-day events.

Really. Do Aliens live among us? Andy's friends are traveling into Outer space.

You need to read this novel to find out the Who, What, When, and How this all comes together with excellent detail. 

Purchase: https://amzn.to/2SFQVOV

Review of Caliphate Ave.

Caliphate Ave.

Leilani Graceffa

Review by Author Roy Murry

I have no idea why this story is titled Caliphate Ave. I have read it twice, and the story is compelling but has nothing relating to the Muslim caliphate.

I like reading well written short stories every once in a while. This gripping description of debauchery leads the reader into a discussion about someone we know, maybe a pedophile. When something affects one’s family, we take action.

Bradley's young sister finds a USB, and she thinks it's a bug; the story begins. What is on the unit is shocking; he does not identify any faces until it's too late and does not convey his findings to anyone.

His sister is ecstatic; she is going to meet her idle. Bradley has agreed to take her to the event before seeing the complete video events of disgusting endeavors with a face he recognizes.

The idles face is in the USB's videos. He takes her to the event. What happens next will surprise the reader.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/2W7fZiV

Review of YOUTUBE SECRETS

YOUTUBE SECRETS

Sean Cannell & Benji Travis

To get around YouTube.com, this guide into that world is full of tidbits that will help a newbie YouTubers start in the right direction. I am a newbie, at 72 years old today, and learned a great deal.

The directions I received help me find ideas I will use in the future. I did not need their pep talk because I was already motivated and produced forty-three videos as of this review. Also, I love the concept of those videos - helping people decide on purchasing a book by giving them a proper book review.

This book includes biographic material that explains their reasoning one should use a concept. These concepts should help reach one's goals as a Youtuber if they use them.

Many of the concepts in this book will help a newbie. However, I recommend watching Sean and Benji's videos to expand on them.

Not a complete understanding of YouTube success, the ideas within are the basis to start vlogging. And one must start somewhere.

The writing is easy to read and follow, but not for seasoned YouTubers. The authors' ideas are not difficult to understand, but just the beginning.

#purchase: https://amzn.to/2VSSQRc

Review of BURDEN OF TRUTH

A Cass Leary Legal Thriller

ROBIN JAMES

Review by Author Roy Murry

Not Perry Mason, but Cass Leary has her act together. She is a litigator who gets the job done.

Cass returns to her home town, taking on a murder case of a sports icon. The criminal is a nineteen-year petite young lady who is half the size of the murder victim, who is a six-three-foot, high school basketball coach.

Slut is just one of the names of the teen who is going through an emotional rollercoaster ride.  She believes another did the deed; she is a victim of sexual assault; she confesses to the murder.

Cass Leary must overcome these factors and her emotional baggage, family troubles, and historical background in the big city she practiced law to defend a young girl she believes is innocent.

With the whole town against her and the client, the dramatic trial begins with no hope in sight - the slut is guilty. The verdict goes to the jury, and then a wrench is put in the case's process, which erupts into chaos.

The story layout is well-defined with highs and lows, twists and turns, and an ending that will leave the reader wanting more. The author reveals Cass's next case at the end of this one, and it looks like another page-turner.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/2yuRYu4