Friday 19 August 2016

Haiku Prompt Challenge # 110: Change & Mind

This is my first-time entering Ronovan Writes Weekly Haiku Prompt Challenge. I was inspired to be a part of the challenge whenever I read Vashti Q-Vega's prompt posts.

Ronovan Hester @ Ronovan Writes is the host of this challenge that starts every Monday and the deadline ends Sunday. He chooses two words that are to be used in the challenge and anyone can participate. You can click the above link for the contest guidelines if interested in joining the challenge.



CHANGE & MIND



adapt to meet change

seasons quickly come and go

keep an open mind


image courtesy of www.wikimediacommons.org
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Wednesday 16 March 2016

Book Review: EKTEK




Book Review:


There is a highly sophisticated activist network located beneath Bedlam Zoo known as (EKTEK (ecology and technology.) An assorted team of animals affectionately called “environmental warriors” control this network. Two of their primary aims are to ensure that all animals learn to co-exist peacefully with one another while defending their rights to live in freedom and not in captivity. Organizations such as PETA work closely with the network via the Internet, unaware that they are not corresponding with other humans.

Unfortunately, EKTEK’s strong organization begins to weaken after serious problems develop. Antenna, a numbat and one of the network’s top leaders becomes frustrated when faced with these issues. Hod, a wallaby with a rebellious streak disregards her instructions while on surveillance duty at the zoo’s Last Chance to Eat Restaurant. He creates a commotion that almost exposes them. Chimera, a flirtatious monkey enjoys batting her long eyelashes and playing innocent when accused of causing trouble. This time, she has gone too far so her mates want her banned from the monkey house.

Humans capture a crocodile named Hardtack and his wives led by devious Shining Teeth  demands EKTEC’s help to rescue him. Shining Teeth decides to take matters into her own claws when EKTEK does not respond as quickly as she wants and lures Hod into her vengeful scheme.

EKTEK is a magnificent story about animals who are far more intelligent and educated than humans believe. An engaging, emotional drama that has its fair share of sadness, amusement, and justice. Visuals of a Palm Cockatoo piloting a wing ship, a frog flying a plane and a space ship that uses beetle juice for fuel are hilarious.

This novel contains numerous intricacies in the plot, making comparisons between humans and animals since the animals emulate humans in almost every way. I am impressed with Victoria Osborne, who is a very talented, imaginative storyteller. Her unforced writing style emits the strong passion she has for nature. I highly recommend reading her entertaining book. It will also make interesting table talk.

Rating:       


Amazon                       Goodreads

About the Author:

Victoria Osborne is a performer, writer, film-maker and editor who resides in Melbourne, Austrailia.I had the pleasure of reading the author's other book and here is the link: Man of Clay.


Victoria Osborne's blogs @ our relationship with nature.com

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Friday 4 March 2016

Book Review: A Day with Moo



Book Review:

“Words are easy, like the wind; Faithful friends are hard to find.”- William Shakespeare


A Day with Moo: A Best Friends Book a cute children’s story from The Adventures of Midge and Moo Series by Kerry McQuaide, who is also the illustrator.

Midge and Moo are best friends who are inseparable. They even came home together two days after Midge was born. The friends love to play and Moo always becomes  the patient under “Doctor Midge’s” care. There are times though that Moo does things to annoy Midge. Tracking dirt onto the floor is one of them because Mommy always gets upset and make her take a bath. Naughty Moo has to take a bath as well, so Midge feels less moody knowing she is not the only one Mommy saw.

A Day with Moo: A Best Friend Book by Kerry McQuaide will delight small children age 5 and under. This short story makes an amusing read. It will appeal to young ones who usually have their special toys like Moo the cow that sometimes get them into trouble too.

Kerry McQuaide’s primary aim is to promote love and friendship through memorable stories that will bring joy to children. I like the lovely illustrations that the author created and the gift offer she included. A Day with Moo is free to download on IBooks, Kobo, and Amazon.The Adventures of Midge and Moo Series will become a favourite collection for young readers.

Here are other books from The Adventures of Midge and Moo Series

Letter to Santa * Moo Knows Numbers *  Moo is Missing *  Lost in the Garden



About the Author and Illustrator, Kerry McQuaid:

I grew up with parents and sisters who believed snuggling and laughing were a part of reading picture books. That probably explains my love and enthusiasm for writing and illustrating stories for kids.

Stories are fun, but it’s more than that…each book a child reads is a
doorway into understanding more about herself/himself and more about the world
she/he lives in.

I want to create those doorways—to laughter, to learning, to imagined
worlds, and most importantly… to connecting with each other.

To connect with me, see stories and drawings in progress, plus receive free
books and activities, visit my website www.kerrymcquaide.com.


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                         Rating:                                                 

Amazon                  Goodreads

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Sunday 14 February 2016

Book Review: Impersonator




Book Review:


Peter R. Stone is the author of Impersonator from the post-apocalyptic trilogy – Forager Impersonator

The year is 2021 A.D. Chelsea and her twin brother Brandon Thomas live with their family in Newhome, a town that enforces archaic laws and severely punishes its residents for not conforming to them. The siblings dream of escaping their regimented hometown, but they know that it is impossible because the intimidating Custodians constantly monitors everyone.

When Brandon suddenly disappears, Chelsea disguises herself  to become her brother's replacement at his job site. Women are forbidden to work or dress like males, but Chelsea needs the money to support her mother and younger sister. While working with Brandon’s unscrupulous co-workers, she begins to suspect the reason for his mysterious disappearance. Chelsea’s sleuthing is hampered when local bullies rob and beat her up, believing she is Brandon, whom they have targeted for a reason.

Impersonator is from the Forager Impersonator  post-apocalyptic trilogy that I liked a lot, and was impressed with its catchy beginning. This is a thought-provoking story from Peter R. Stone who displays his creative side with a fluid writing style. I would rebel if I had to live such a restricted lifestyle like the residents of Newhome. Chelsea, who narrates the story, has a very courageous attitude and a compassionate side.  A few other characters who were also noteworthy livened the intriguing plot as well. Peter R. Stone has written a wonderful book, and I look forward to reading more from his Forager Impersonator trilogy.


Disclaimer*** I received Impersonator in exchange for a fair review. ***



Rating:                    



Amazon                       Goodreads


Please, feel free to comment.

Friday 8 January 2016

Book Review Tour: Framed and Burning




I am participating in the Framed and Burning blog tour which ends today and hope you get the chance to read the book.




Book Review:

"Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we practise to deceive!" - Sir Walter Scott

Framed and Burning from the Dreamslippers Mystery Series by Lisa Brurnette definitely has a large web filled with deception. Famous artist Mick Travers comes under suspicion when his studio is set on fire, killing his assistant, Donnie. Mick's sister, Grace and niece, Cat, reaches out to help prove his innocence by using their inherited dreamslipping skills. A dreamslipper has the ability to possess other human bodies to see what their dreams entails.

Cat becomes wary of Mick after she enters his dream, but it also opens old wounds she would rather forget. There are many rivals in the art world who want to see Mick's downfall, but what are their reasons for hating him? The case brings Mick and Grace closer as they unite to dig into the past that is somehow connected to his uncertain future. Unfortunately, dreamslipping into another's dream can bring more pain and bewilderment than clues, which are not readily forthcoming.

Framed and Burning is the sequel to Cat in the Flock from the Dreamslippers Mystery Series. I liked the story and was absorbed in its intense, steady-paced mystery. There were so many twists so it was difficult to guess who the actual culprit behind the crime was, but I tried. Mick was such a complex man who made it difficult for anyone to get close to him, but I still liked him.  

Lisa Brunette writes boldly and expresses exactly what she is thinking. 
Her extremely detailed writing format emitted clear visuals, and the characters appeared comfortable in their roles with unforced emotions and dialogue. It was interesting to see how the dreamslippers worked as each one had a different method of invading and analysing dreams. Framed and Burning is a book I recommend reading.


*** Goodreads ***             *** Amazon ***


Meet the Author:



Lisa Brurnette is the author of the Dreamslippers Mystery Series. Book One, Cat in the Flock is an Indie BRAG honoree title that has been praised by Kirkus Reviews, Mid West Book Review, Readers Lane and others. She is a career writer/editor whose work has appeared in daily newspapers and magazines, including the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Seattle Woman, and Poets and Writers. 

Lisa Brurnette has interviewed a Pulitzer Prize author, a sex expert, homeless women, and the designer of the batmobile, among others.  She is a member of Mystery Writers of America and the Pacific Northwest Writers Association, and has received many honors for her writing. These include a major grant from the Tacoma Arts Institution, the William ford Award, and the Associated Writing Programs Intro Journals Project Award.


Please, feel free to comment.