SCBookGal & Friends are currently ACCEPTING review requests. All previous requests will be completed because we start reviewing again. Yes the review policy has changed. So please take a look at our review policy before you fill out a request. If you would like more information please email us at aspiringauthorsmagazinereview@gmail.com. Click HERE to get your review started.
Book Summary
Ford Mayfield, is an educator at the Truson School. He is also an orman, which is a hybrid being that is half orca and half human. The students at the Truson school were also ormans, better known as shapeshifters, that Ford Mayfield taught how to survive on their own after the effects of the Animan Three-Hundred injection; A potion that mixes dead human and animal DNA in order to create hybrids. This injection was crucial in the creation of the ormans as it was a formula created by Dr. Madison to bring victims back to life after death. All of the ormans lived on the Island of Truson. Ford Mayfield was given an assignment by Dr. Madison to watch over and train the new orman, Mandy Stevenson. Mandy was washed up on the shore of Truson and was brought back to life as a hybrid orman. However, she does not remember anything about her past life. During this period, Ford is faced with dealing with his past as well as his future. Would Mandy be the missing link?
Overall Feeling of The Novel
The author was very imaginative in creating the Truson Island as well as the hybrid characters. In the beginning of the novel, she even listed terms that she created and their meanings that the reader will see throughout the book to gain a better understanding of the story. I felt that the novel had a good plot and was easy to follow. One thing that I would have liked to read more about was how Dr. Madison was killed being that she was an integral part of the shapeshifters’ creation. In the story, one could assume that members of the transforments were the cause of Dr. Madison’s demise, however, it wasn’t clear in the novel. It also appeared at some point in the book, Stin’s character was questionable. You would have to read the novel to see what I am speaking of; no spoilers! I’m pleased with the ending of the story. I’m curious to know, how many books will be in this series?
Book Review Alert:
Overcoming the Mask: Something Had to Break
Published: February 20, 2021
Publisher: Independently Published
ISBN-13: 979-8705624614
ASIN: B08Y4T6XR2
Rating: 3.5 stars
Enter the life of Aqunitas Jones. What a life it has been for her. The book takes the reader on the journey through her life to where she is right now. The life of Jones has been that of many trials from being sexually assaulted at a young age by one of her mother’s “friends” to being abused by her husband. Overcoming is a great word for this novel. She was loved by her aunt and uncle, who to me seems to be the only “family” she had in the beginning. Survival is a trait the Aquintas adapted at a young age as the reader can see in this novel. From when she heard the arguments and cries that would happen between her mother and father. The point of the book that affected me the most as a reader was the death of Kevin. As she described the death of Kevin, my heart went out to her. You could tell that he meant something to her. Overall, I will say that I love the fact that she was so strong in her faith. She stayed committed even when it came against those that were also in the faith and were family.
I needed a better flow to this novel. Yes the flow was in the timeline of her life but it did not go smoothly as a reader. That in no way takes away from the content of the novel. I can tell that she pours out her heart in this book but I wanted to get more from her and a little less from others.
Book Review Alert: The City Heroes and other stories from the
Heart of Africa
Author: Omoruyi Weingarten
Published: February 21, 2012
Publisher: Pen Books
ISBN-13: N/A
ASIN: B007C4Cy6A
Rating: 4 stars
Literary Tic Tok of animals. I never thought of at this age
reading a book where the animal, in this case cats, takes on real human
feelings and emotions. In a way it is kind of funny. One point in reading this
book, I could see the animals talking, drinking, and taking on real human
attributes. This book is an anthology. The
stories within these pages are well rounded. You can have a solid beginning,
middle, and end in each one. Every story has some type of meaning or thought
that the author is trying to get across. The story of Forgiveness took the
spotlight for me. In this very short but to the point story gives a great
example on how forgiveness should be granted and how all in the situation can
walk away stronger and better than they came in.
I am a big fan of short stories. These short stories are good
quality stories with an antidote. This is the first time that I have ever
encountered this. The illustrations in the book are very good also. There is a great
companionship shown between the stories and illustrations. They are vibrant and
full of color. With the story that I chose as my favorite, Forgiveness, I could
see the entire story in the illustration. Great job Omoruyi
(Reviewed
by Patrice)
For more information on Omoruyi Weingarten's book or works, follow
Author: John Amarachukwu Ezeakanihu
Published: N?A
Publisher: N/A
ISBN-13: N/A
ASIN: N/A
Rating: 5 stars
The book begins with the wonderful characterization of Amanda herself. We learn about her likes and dislikes her, the people she knows and loves and the way that the mother watches over her daily with unconditional love. We are brought into the presence of the family as they sit down to eat and prepare for the attending of school the next day. She begins school and is a fantastic student. She enjoys her teacher and adores her classmates. An incident occurred that shows that Amanda’s character is outstanding. As a young girl, it was a very nice thing to do. Eventually Amanda has to go to another class. She is older and is reading and growing fast. She is a favorite in her calls and graduates with accolades. Amanda is a great gift to the people she knows, exhibiting kindness and consideration to those she comes in contact with. She is always helpful and giving. She loves to see others smile and tries to make sure that there is a reason for someone to do so in her presence. When she is not around, she is missed. Her parents are very proud of her and the things that she does both at home and at school. I gave it such a high rating because it is the example of how we should train our children to be and how they should conduct themselves in the home, in school, and in the community at large. We are to be productive citizens in our sphere and Amanda was the epitome of a good girl. Her parents raised her up well and her upbringing shows how she is brought up at home. I am proud of Amanda and how she goes forth in life, beginning early to impact lives of the people around her. I was glad to be a reader of this book and hated that it was over, wanting to see where Amanda went in life.
(Reviewed by Stephanie)
Author: Michael Maliele
Published: December 25, 2016
Publisher: Kindle Edition
ISBN-13: 978-1539765011
ASIN: B01NCPZJ9Y
Rating: 3 stars
Never let the situation that you are in determine the future you will have is a great summary for this novel. Michael Maliele talks about his life. Throughout the novel he speaks about the ups and downs of his life. Yes he has had many trials and tribulations but in every situation he seems to find the silver lining in the cloud or situation. Even being diagnosed with epilepsy halt the plans he had for his life. Overcomer who became an achiever.
I would have to say this book was a little difficult to read. I find myself on some occasions wondering where the novel was going because of the incomplete thoughts. On the other hand, it was great to read about places in South Africa and find that place on the internet. It was always such a beautiful and breathtaking picture. I would like the author to know that the language barrier was not an issue. There were numerous editorial mistakes that contributed to the rating of this book.
(Reviewed by Patrice)
For more information on this author, follow him on social media...
facebook:Maliele Mike Michael twitter:@DMalielemichael Linkedin: AuthorMalieleMichael Inst@michaelmaliele93
Author: Robert L. Horton
Published: June 26, 2020
Publisher: Truth Book Publishers
ISBN-13: 978-1937089603
Rating: 4 stars
FAME is a collection of various poems by Author Robert L. Horton. Poems in this book cover many subjects. I have to say that if the author was going for a well-rounded book; he did achieve that with this novel. Each poem has either a quote or a scripture reference at the end of it. This seems to drive the poem or subject of this poem a little further for the reader or in some terms giving clarification. If I had to pick at least two poems in this book that stood out to me they would be Burdens In Life and How To Make It Through Each Day.
Burdens In Life is a poem that is relevant for this time that we are living in. It is a poem that speaks of death. With so much death around us in large numbers, the poem will be will received. While reading this poem, I could see the RIP t-shirts, bookmarks, and social media posts.
Secondly I chose How To Make It Through Each Day. All I can say is simple and to the point. Who would have thought that a six lines with 2 words a piece would make a huge statement. They would make great affirmations to speak every morning.
(Reviewed by Patrice)
Book Purchase Link- https://www.amazon.com/Hiding-Place-Mary-Skinner-Crane/dp/1937089606/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=fame+by+robert+Horton&qid=1612455608&s=books&sr=1-1
Author: Shante Reed
Published: September 26, 2020
Publisher: Independently
ISBN-13:979-8685755377
Rating: 5 stars
Poetry, Christ, and self empowerment is found in between the pages of I Am What You See. Shante Reed writes poetry on how her self confidence grew to make her the woman that she is today. She shows how the love that Christ has given to her brought her from a place no one should be.
If I had to pick my two favorite poems in this novel it would be I Am Because Of You and Push. I is a poem praising Christ for what he has done for her. How he has brought her from a mighty long way, as the old mother's of a Pentecostal church would say.
The second poem Push is a female's anthem. It should be made into a song. Something that sets a tune for a change that will happen in someone’s heart if they truly comment on a change or want a change in their life.
(Reviewed by Patrice )
Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/i-am-What-You-see/dp/B08JR9MMCD
Author: KR Bankston
Published: April 5, 2020
Publisher: Kirabaco Publishing
ISBN-13: B086PRJQV2
Rating: 5 stars
What do you get when you have a serial killer with a conscience? Well you have the latest novel by KR Bankston entitled The Destroyer. A community is devastated by a serial killer that is out to make those that are entangled in a web of lies and deceit. He/She is determined to bring their transgressions to light. Exodus is a God-fearing man that learned at a young age that it is not a good idea to disobey God. He takes his conviction very seriously and makes sure he lives by. That is hard to do since he is in love with Petra and wants to make love to her. Shall he wait or will he give in? Walter and Lorene have been married for sometime but what happens to this couple when one is no longer in love with the other. Tim and Henrietta have been married for years and both attend the same church where Tim is on the usher board. Something mysterious happens to Tim. Where is he and what has happened to him? Moses and Brody are detectives on the case of the serial killer but things come a little too close to home for one of them. Who and why? Ronald and Faith have a secret that they are hiding from Miranda. Will this secret destroy their family and what does it have to do with everyone else in this small but very sinful circle? George, Josefina, Jeremiah, Charles, Salena, Stacey, Carmela, and Daruis all play a huge role in this book but if I continue to tell you I would be giving the book away. Let's put it like this: reading this book placed the fear of God in me. I BECAUSE I NEVER WANT TO MEET THE DESTROYER!!!
KR Bankston you are a bad mutha- shut my mouth. This book was C-R-A-Z-Y!!!! Like OMG the twist, turns, lies, plot changes, the what the hell moments are all throughout this book. The character development was that of a season author. It was smooth to read. Many spots had me saying ok I feel that I need to remember this and then you read a little further and realize ok that is why I needed to remember that. Now I am a girl that loves a good sex scene but I am so thankful that there were some but not much which was good for this novel. The little community setting of the novel was one that I could really sit back and imagine as I read the book. I could see the coffee shop that was around the corner from the church but right down the street from the houses that the characters live in. A girl of mystery that I am not but this book is the book that changed my thought pattern. Thank you KR Bankston for this soon to be bestseller that needs to be turned into a BET/ Lifetime/ Aspire indie movie.
(Reviewed by Patrice)
Tracinda Simmons, better known as Traci, is a twenty-five year old young woman who lives alone. Growing up, she lived an unstable life. She had been passed from foster to foster home until she aged out of the system. Living alone as an adult has not been stable either as evidenced by living a in a fixer upper home that she can’t afford to fix up to city code, obtaining dead-end jobs through a temp-service and trying to cope day to day with anxiety issues. With the assistance from the temp-service she works for, a job that she normally would not have entertained, became available to her at at time when she had no choice but to accept. She became a bike courier. Overtime, she learned to appreciate the job and became a valued employee. In her neighborhood, she meets Rowena Garrett and her workers in a huge field where they are working. While Rowena seems to be a little rough around the edges, she provides hospitality by feeding and providing shelter to the workers who otherwise, would have no place to go. After the mysterious death of Rowena Garrett, Traci focuses on what really happened to Rowena. This comes about after her conversation with Milo, a young boy who depended on Rowena before her untimely death. He expresses to Traci that Rowena may have been murdered. The officer investigating the crime, Officer Wells, listens to Traci’s theory, but warned her to stay out of the way of police business. However, her also takes a liking to Traci. The curiosity behind Rowena’s death overwhelms Traci. Will she leave well enough alone or will she find herself in a web that she is unable to untangle?
This book was a great read and it earned an overall rating of eight. I felt this book deserved a rating of eight because I liked the advocacy of the main character, Traci. I liked how she found for others in her community. She saw the importance in something much bigger than herself regarding her community. I loved how the author incorporated anxiety issues with the main character in this story and showed that she was able to utilize coping strategies during her time of need. This proves the stigma of mental illness to be false. Individuals with anxiety issues can live independently with proper supports and resources. I particularly loved how the character came into her own and was able to make positive decisions for her life.
Author: Aquinas Jones
Published: April 20, 2020
Publisher: Amazon.com Services LLC
ISBN-13: B086ZN9RKL
Rating: 5 stars
Self-help, Self-love, and
self-motivation is this novel plus so much more. Every chapter starts off with
a scripture and ends with an affirmation. In the middle of these two are
explanations of why you place this scripture in your life and why it is placed
in this chapter. Short, sweet, and to the point this book is a great read for
any female that is at a point in her life where she needs to feel guidance from
the word of God.
As a reader, this book was my
eye-opener. This book had me evaluating myself. A feeling of pride and
acceptance came over me when finishing each chapter. I find myself rereading
chapters to take notes to keep with me when those hard and tough days come along.
The author really felt the soul of the woman and made a book that is one for
all that wants to be picked up and lifted up.
(Reviewed
by Patrice)
For more information on Aquintas Jones’s book, check out her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/aquintas.jones
Book Review Alert: The Power of The Bayou
Author: Dana Littlejohn
Published Date: January 28, 2020
Publisher: Dana Littlejohn
ASIN: B084BZY6YK
Rating: 4 starts
Wow this is a fast-moving plot! The
author did not hang around with pace. I liked that, I enjoyed this little
novella story. What pulled me in was the book’s blurb, genre, and the location
it’s set in. We follow the hero’s story—Reynaud after he is cast out by ‘his
people’, who are magical beings that have been alive for centuries, living
undetected in this realm. His punishment handed to him is because, he is
accused of a crime. As the story develops we learn he was set up, while he
spends time in this realm as part of the punishment. He then falls for the
heroine— Kameryn which sets him the path he needs to be. There are some twists
here, no spoilers from me!
I was gripped from the first few
pages, the opening scene with Reyanud’s situation had me reading quickly. I
found the characters Kameryn and Reynaud both to be likeable. Kameryn has
a backstory of her own, which weaves nicely into how her path crosses with
Reynaud’s, it was easy to see why the two would find love given Reyanud’s
‘situation’ and punishment. The ‘bad guys’ and other secondary characters
to me I enjoyed reading. Reyanud’s enemy was not likeable and he was not meant
to be! Kudos to the author here. Like I said, I found as a reader that
the plot moved quickly, which was good for me. That said I felt that some areas
could have been developed more as I read. Such as Kameryn and Reyanud’s first
year together. Literally as one chapter ended, the next started stating they
had been together a year. As a reader rather than being told this, it would
have been lovely if the author showed it— show don’t tell. This would have been
a good reading experience for me, and filled in gaps regarding questions I had.
Such as how did their love, relationship, life, and business partnership etc.
develop over that year? At this point it would have been nice to see and
experience this. As well as them actually falling for one another and love
bloom, rather than being told or it just happened as a new chapter started.
Now I read very closely especially in
genres where the world is ‘made up’ like paranormal stories, the timestamps
within the plot caused a bit of confusion. Right at the end at a critical
moment, in the last few pages one of the elders stated fifteen years had passed
since the hero had been away, but, a moment ago it was just one year that he
and Kameryn had been together. I got a little confused. Given the genre,
this could be natural that time passes faster in the ‘other realm’ than the
human realm. If so, I would have loved it if the author made this clearer. But
it was no massive issue for me, nor did it take away reading enjoyment. It just
raised a question, like ‘gosh how wonderful would it have been to see what had
happened in this timeframe, rather than being told again.’ It just boils down
to a bit more plot development, which could have brought this to a full five
star read for me—readers (especially me) love it! Give us more! Overall as a
reader from my reading experience this was a lovely introduction to the
author’s work, I would recommend it to those who love paranormal romance,
especially with African- American characters as leads. I would also read more
from this author without a doubt, it was enjoyable. Even if I would have loved
some parts more developed, rather than skimmed. Four enjoyable stars from me, I
am pleased I read it! It was my cup of tea at the end of the day.
(Reviewed by Kim)
Book Review Alert: The Muted Cage
Author: Milagros “Lotus~BeYouTy” Romero
Publisher: Self-published
Published: 2018
ISBN: 978-0-359-03447-5
Rating: 4 stars
For me this book represents those
women who suffered at the hands of their abuser Because a lot of women are in a place where they cannot tell
their stories but want to. It's a powerful moving book of poems that connects
us all to the victims and makes you really evaluate and think about your own
life
(Reviewed by Julie)
For more information on Milagros “Lotus~BeYouTy” Romero, check out
his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/milagros.romero.568089.
Book Review Alert: Zortega's Qualum and the Shadow Walker
Author: Lagina Weaver & Darryl
Johnson
Kindle Edition
Published: February 29, 2020
Publisher: Luniverse Inc.
ASIN: B085L73PRD
Rating: 4 stars
Zortega and the other council members
are in danger. Deveraux feels that he has to do something about it. Deveraux,
Anthony, and Harley have to get on it. While on the earth Dev and all others
are attacked. Damage has been done and now the war is on the horizon. Dev use.
Magical powers fight until the job is down. But will the job get done?
To not be an individual who reads
fantasy,I must say this was a very smooth read. A book that anyone in the
family can read and enjoy. The storyline is moving and understandable. Dev’s
development as a character complements the storyline of the book. It is like
the character was created and then the story.
(Reviewed by Patrice)
Book Review Alert: Stop!
Author: Colleen Williams
Publishing Date: March 2020
Publisher: Shar-Shey Publishing
Company
ASIN: B086CVP6NN
Rating: 5 stars
Stop tells the raw truth of Colleen William’s
life story. She has endured sexual abuse and domestic violence by the people
she once loved and trusted. After years of being knocked down, she finally made
a decision to stop and do something. She put pen to paper, using her power and
perseverance to pour it out. Stop will take you on an emotional rollercoaster
where you can feel her pain, and some may even be able to put themselves in her
place. Come take a ride with her and see how this young woman turned her
pain into power. You have to make peace with your past to have a successful
future. We all have stories to tell and this is mines.
This is a touching, emotional, and in every sense very raw memoir. It is a detailed account of the author’s experience and survival of abuse from a number of abusers, from pre-teen to adulthood. While this may seem like hard reading, I personally found it very insightful, and took away valuable lessons about self-worth and ‘red flags’, when it comes to relationships that could potentially become abusive. Even as a reader that has never walked in the same shoes the author has, I saw the message, understood it, and then quickly started to admire the author’s bravery. Firstly, for turning her life around, secondly, for being brave enough to write the memoir. There are some very shocking events the author shares surrounding past relationships, which highlighted the length abusers will go to when it comes to control. It pulled on my heart strings yes, but I was turning the pages very quickly!
The writing style was easy to follow, personal and natural.
I really felt as though the author was conversing directly with me, I liked
this. Within the personal accounts and story-telling of the author’s personal
journey, are a number of beautiful and frank poems. I loved them and found them
touching.
Overall, enjoyed the emotional
journey as a reader, I recommend this book to every woman who has or is
currently in an abusive relationship to help with healing and moving forward. I
also recommend it for anyone who has not experienced this, but has an interest
in subject matter. Five stars from me, a touching memoir that is well worth a
read.
(Reviewed by Kim)
Book Review Alert: Lifestyles & Situations: From the Streets to a Single Father
Author: Corey Palmer
Publisher: Independent
Kindle Edition
ASIN: B08634C7KB
Rating 4
There's a
few things I like about the book. For starters, it was simple and heartwarming.
Secondly by the writing you can tell that the poet was in his feelings. That
was portrayed throughout the novel. This makes this book related to many
fathers. Would make a great book for first time dads or even single dads.
(Reviewed by Julie)
For more information on Corey Palmer’s book, check out his
Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/corey.palmer.967
