Epic Drama Finale for Darlene Quinn's Web Series - Webs of Perception! Out 11-13! Spotlighting the Author!

As is often the case as a book reviewer, I was able to start this wonderful series (see my reviews of the first three books), but got too busy with others to continue--a major disadvantage to opening myself to receiving requests for reviews! LOL

Webs of Power
Twisted Webs
Prequel to Webs of Power (suggested first read)

I must say that I was surprised when I had the chance to read Webs of Perception. Sure, Darlene Quinn became an award-winning author from her first book, but here I was ten years later reading the close-out novel for her series! And I was thrilled with the fantastic book she presented! It is once again well written, epic--impressively great--with a long satisfying story at 510 pages. The story in this last book hones in much more on family drama, with very little on the business end of department store management, the theme which has run throughout the series. Instead, we enter into a extraordinary suspenseful tale where the characters have been caught in a Web like no other! And we readers get to watch as, first, the web is spread wider and wider, and then torn away slowly and tortuously for those involved...

This novel clearly refers back to a tragedy from an earlier book. However, let me assure you that this last book stands free and readers can easily understand what has happened in the past...

Webs of Perception

By Darlene Quinn

...Manhattan, New York

Ashleigh Taylor gasped as an inexplicable pain sliced through her restricting her chest. Slowly taking a deep breath, she straightened her posture and glanced at Conrad, seated to her left in their box seats, hoping she hadn't disturbed him. She needn't have worried. Having spoken of nothing but Hamilton in recent weeks, he was leaning forward, totally absorbed by the riveting performance.

Ashleigh had not shared the strange sense of foreboding that had overcome her shortly before they'd entered the Richard Rodgers Theater. What is there to tell? How can I put such a hollow feeling into words? But here it was again--that nearly imperceptible knowledge that something wasn't right. Ashleigh closed her eyes, and gradually her breathing returned to normal. She did her best to brush apprehension aside, but even so, she willed the final curtain call to come soon.

In the lobby, as Conrad explained why "History Has Its Eyes on You" was his favorite song, Ashleigh nodded and powered on her iPhone. "That's strange," she said, staring down at the screen.

Conrad fell silent and raised a questioning brow.

"four calls from April since intermission," Ashleigh went on. They continued to weave seamlessly through the throng of theatergoers toward the exit.

Times Square, as always, was buzzing with activity. Conrad spotted their limo to the left of the theater's entrance, and he motioned for David to remain behind the wheel while he helped Ashleigh inside. Once they were both settled, he pulled out his BlackBerry. "Whoa, I've had a couple calls from April, too." Conrad shook his head. "What could be so urgent at this hour?"

Ashleigh looked at her iPhone display. April's first call had come in at eight-forty-two. Before calling back, she checked for voice messages. There was only one. She hit play.

"Where are you, Aunt Ashleigh?" There was a moment's pause before April continued. "Sorry, I'm a bit rattled. Please call as soon as you get this message."

A lump formed in Ashleigh's throat. She heard the anxiety in April's voice. Gripping the phone, she punched in the number.

It rang only once before april picked up. Not bothering with a greeting, she asked, "Have you heard from the girls?"

"Not since they left Southampton." Why would we? Ashleigh thought, They're somewhere in the mid-Atlantic. "What's wrong?"

As she heard her own words, a sinking sensation settled in the pit of Ashleigh's stomach. They had known Paige and Mark Toddman's daughter since she was four years old. April was a mature young woman who seldom came across as rattled.

"You haven't heard? The rogue wave." Following a quick intake of breath, April

continued. "It's all over the news..."As April began to rush through the details. Ashleigh pressed the speaker button her iPhone."Hold on," Conrad broke in. His tone was calm, his words measured. "You say a rogue wave hit the Rising Star?" Ashleigh frowned. Placing her hand on Conrad's arm, she whispered, "Rogue Wave?"

"At about six thirty o'clock our time, CNN reported a seven-story wave hit the Rising Star. There are broken windows, an inch or two of water in many cabins..."

Ashleigh's throat constricted as April detailed the damage. All she cared about was the safety of their daughters. "How about the passengers?" Ashleigh blurted out.

"Thank God, there have been no deaths reported. Some passengers have minor injuries. Mostly from falls, or being hit by flying furniture and glass. The ship wasn't disabled. They think it will arrive a day late, but at least it's sailing under its own power...

Conrad smiled and kissed Ashleigh on the forehead. "Be strong, love. You know our girls. They're survivors, like their mother. They're sure to make the best of the situation and come away with a boatload of stories to tell--no pun intended. Marnie is most likely taking notes for her next short story as we speak."

Ashleigh leaned over the kissed his smiling lips. Tension eased from her shoulders. If anything had happened to any of my girls, I would know. But the newscaster's next words sent her reeling...

!!!

The Taylor twins had signed up for onsite classes on the Rising Star. Marnie was studying to become a writer, while Callie was improving her skills for a dance career. When Ashleigh and Conrad got calls about what had happened, they had been at the Richard Rogers Theater for "Hamilton." It was then that Ashleigh realized why she'd had that strange sense of foreboding.

They soon learned that a large rogue wave had overcome the ship on which their daughters had been traveling. The Rising Star had maintained control, but there had been much damage. One of their daughters had been flown by medevac to a hospital due to a head injury sustained...

She had lost her memory and the doctor's could not give any guidance on how long it would last--or whether it would be permanent...

Only one daughter, Marnie, had been in their cabin. It had been reported on the news that it appeared two individuals were missing, possibly washed overboard. But Ashleigh refused to consider the possibility that she had lost a daughter--she knew she would know it! 

It is quite easy for readers to learn what happened in the first few chapters, feel sympathy for the family, and especially the twin who had lost her memory. Not only because of the devastation of not being able to remember her life. But, also, because she was totally unable to help in telling the story of where her sister was. Ashleigh decided that she had never come back from their last stop, but there was nobody able to assure her. She asked that their friend and investigator begin a search to...find her...

I imagine that it must seem like life has stopped. One daughter didn't know her parents--did not know how to relate to them. Even her name had no meaning for her and learning she was heading for further education for her writing career felt alien. She had no idea how to even consider writing a story... 

Conrad was in the midst of a major change to their company--100 stores were to unfortunately close and he had planned to work with each as final arrangements were made. A short overview of what he planned was included in the story; however, Quinn included a final Author's Note about her research on the continued viability of department stores. I especially found this interesting since my own memory holds the delightful visits to those large elegant stores in which I felt like I was visiting another world--a world of beautiful surroundings as well as beautiful clothes and more... Quinn discusses the growth of online sales and its effect; however, I had to agree that most of us want to actually see the clothes, shoes, etc., that we consider buying and because of that both will be important for the future!

The story splits as life continues at home, while the investigation into, hopefully, finding Callie begins... I think it is important that nothing else is shared; the enjoyment of reading the book is that readers know more about what is going on than the family. We sink into what is happening and hope things turn out, but, gradually, we also begin to question--Why? What? How?

There is a tense, waiting, atmosphere running throughout the book. Even when we know part of the story, the complexity, the emotional impact of each situation is sometimes disturbing, yet exciting to watch as the plot blossoms into the reality of what has happened. 

Quinn writes with a steady fluidity that slowly reveals and pulls each item together; nothing is left hanging, although I would have liked to know a little more about life after the book closes... In fact, I realized that, though this series may be closing, I now believe that Quinn has a suspense thriller within her ability and hope that one series ending is not the end of her fantastic writing! Drama to Thriller - the challenge is given! LOL

Webs of Perception is Intriguing. It plays with our opinions of what perception is and how it plays out in our lives. The book is also fascinating, extraordinary in its simplicity. The concept may be simple, but the devastation, as well as family joy, runs the full gamut of what emotions erupt as day by day passes in this thing called Life...  

Again, this last novel is free-standing but makes a wonderful finale for the series if you've been following Darlene Quinn. Kudos to her for sharing a unique part of all of our lives, Department Stores of the past, now and the future... Highly recommended.

GABixlerReviews

Many toss the title “renaissance man or woman” around haphazardly today. However, when it comes to Darlene Quinn, it is an appropriate title. Her experiences, when interwoven, form a tapestry that emits nuggets of wisdom, caring and accomplishment that is the message that has helped others reinvent themselves for a greater lifestyle.

The Social Conscience Mentor and Coach 

A former public school teacher who also volunteered to work with at risk children in the minority community, modeling and charm coach, and Coordinator of the Long Beach Miss Universe Pageant would seem like quite an eclectic mix to begin with. This foundation helped Darlene learn to read people well, inspire them to do greater things and guide them with the love and patience necessary to build self-esteem and confidence. Darlene excelled at this and it was what caught the attention of the ivory tower at Bullock’s Department Stores, which would become her next career and a defining period of her life. Never one to settle for mediocrity, Darlene was bold! As she teaches others by saying, “When you’re looking for a job, start at the top!” she took her own advice. 

Searching for the CEO of Bullock’s and Bullocks Wilshire (their prestigious specialty store operation), Darlene sent her résumé straight to the top. Before long, she was being interviewed because of her personal development coaching, but was hired because of her teaching and management skills as the Corporate Training Director.

Bullocks Wilshire Executive Personnel Director 

Molding the management of the enterprise created a remarkable reputation for Darlene, and it wasn’t long before the competition took notice and came knocking on her door. Broadways offered her a higher position, more money and a larger operation! Being the results-oriented leader and coach she was, Bullock’s was not ready to lose their star; hence a series of events were put in motion that shuffled management in order to ensure that Darlene would stay whatever choice position she wanted. She chose Executive Director of Personnel/Organization Development for their most prestigious operation, Bullocks Wilshire! 

Setting out to fine tune the operations of Bullocks Wilshire, by starting at the top and letting it trickle down to entry level, Darlene’s astute negotiating, communications and people skills earned her the affectionate title of The Psychiatrist, for the many fires that were extinguished with positive results that improved the operation — from the President on down. Her ability to diffuse an issue with the carefulness and precision of a heart surgeon, the communication and listening skills of a wise philosopher, and the bedside manner of a pediatric oncologist made her the go to person to get anything done. As Darlene would say, “Other’s see obstacles; I see opportunities.”

The Reinvention of Darlene 

After many years, making her mark on an industry famous for high life and cut throat, leaving it better than when she arrived, it was time to move on. Deciding to help her deaf daughter through her senior year at high school and traveling with her late husband, it was time to do something else. Darlene reinvented herself into an award-winning author, writing coach, speaker and board member of several organizations in the literary arena. A consummate storyteller, she decided to write articles for Savvy Magazine about what she had learned at Bullocks Wilshire: that there are three kinds of shoppers, and in this economy, if you understand them you will prosper and not falter. This would launch a writing career that started with a poem (which Darlene thought was not very good, but which a proud father submitted to a contest that she would win) and culminated with the award-winning Webs Series: Webs of Power, Twisted Webs, Webs of Fate, and Unpredictable Webs. Conflicting Webs, the newest novel in the series was released in early 2015. Others followed. Darlene is now presenting the finale of the Webs series with Webs of Perception.

In 2011, this led The Braille Institute to not only invite Darlene as their keynote speaker, but to choose to turn Webs of Power into an audio and Braille book. They are considering converting the entire series for the vision impaired! Giving Back to the Community Again 

Today, Darlene speaks on the power of reinventing yourself, how to do it and the skills necessary to accomplish it. Also, she speaks on the three kinds of shoppers, how they affect your business and how to cater to each for maximum sales. Her ability to meet your audience where they are and help them arrive at where they want to go, makes her a sought after speaker, coach, columnist and guest blogger.

When it’s all said and done, we believe Darlene will have left her mark on society as a friend, author and mentor to many writers, professionals and those looking to enhance their lifestyle with a warm smile and gentle advice, while sharing her experience and wisdom. Her legacy will be the people she has and continues to touch, the organizations she helped improve that serve many and through her books, as well as those of many authors she mentors. www.darlenequinn.net

A. J. Tata Rips From the News What Could Happen Soon! Dark Winter Now Out!

It was December, 2008, when I announced a new book and author, A. J. Tata with the Threat Series...  It was April, 2015, when Jake Mahegan was introduced in Foreign and Domestic! Now ten years later, he is one of the top thriller writers in America... There's a reason! And all you have to do is read one of his books to understand why...

Jake Mahegan is a formidable character that is exciting, comfortable in command and brilliant in strategy... But, in this latest novel, we see another side of him. He has fallen in love... And love can make a difference during combat and urgent action... No problem for the world, but definitely a problem for our hero! And I loved every incident where he was forced to deal with both love demands as well as military urgent action... So, I thought, if you are interested, I would include this video about how Jack Mahegan was born...

Dark Winter:

A Jake Mahegan Thriller

By Anthony J. Tata

...Gorham didn’t want to focus solely on dominance of the social and commercial world; he wanted political power. He had read Von Clausewitz’ On War and knew that military action was simply politics by another means. 

Given the state of the world today, Gorham knew that the deep political divisions in the United States and around the globe made the world ripe for a hostile takeover. 

“Boss I’m talking to you,” Shayne said. 

“Yes?” 

“You’re sure you want to launch the nuke? It’s your one freebie,” Shayne said. 

“Yes. North Korea strikes Japan with a nuke. World’s third largest economy. An extension of the United States for all practical purposes. 

The digital trails we’ve left for Assange and his lackeys to sniff around show Russia and Iran in full support of the North Korean weapons program and the launch. And you’ve got the follow up congrats e-mails ready for AUTO SEND from Iran and Russia to the acting North Korean president, correct?” 

“Yes,” Shayne muttered. 

“Okay, then. For the third time, execute,” Gorham said in an even tone. 

Shayne eyed him a second and then said, “You’re the boss.” His fingers rattled across the keyboard sounding like a thousand beetles on concrete and he hit ENTER. He panned the ManaSat camera over the Sangnam-Ri underground missile base, the location of many ICBM test flights. Two silos opened. They were maybe one-half mile apart. The openings looked like black dots on the satellite feed...

“THAAD defenses?” 

“Should be mitigated. 

ManaWorm showing activated and effective against American THAAD.” Shayne had developed the remote access Trojan, ManaWorm, so that they could plant the virus on unsuspecting defense contractor weapons and equipment a year or two earlier, when Gorham had hatched his plan. “Shadow missile effective?”

“So far. Looks like one launch. If we’re lucky, the Americans will think it’s just another ICBM tested and not even try to deploy THAAD.”

...“And,” Gorham said with dramatic flair, “we have the third nuclear weapon ever dropped in wartime and it is once again on Japanese soil. How ironic.”

~~~

The book description and additional publicity on Dark Winter left me with feelings of trepidation... Knowing the experience and expertise of A. J. Tata, I knew that this book was going to be as realistic as it could be, essentially responding to the question, "What If?"

Considering the state of the world today, with the division within the United States, one man could conduct a world-wide hostile takeover...and Gorham had been preparing for it for years... The first attack had been the assassination of the ruler of North Korea...

Of course, the hostility had been sparked quickly when the United States had withdrawn from the Iran Deal. It was also placing pressure on North Korea to completely eliminate their nuclear arsenal...and, with up-and-down pressure on Russia, who was already using cyberwar to work against the United States,  the time to act was now! Gorham and his staff had been working deep in the Dark Web to contact countries with whom he was negotiating... Responding to each of their known hatred and desires, the three countries with whom the U.S. had played with, had formed together into RINK... The target was to totally destroy America...

Each of the countries would be targeting nearby areas and moving into offensive position to overcome and destroy... Russia was also aiming for the total destruction of the United States, with their large arsenal of nuclear armaments.

It was to be a war of cyber action in the beginning. Through various contracts with the government across the world, weapons had been "changed" slightly from specifications, so that when put into action they would not make contact with proposed targets! It had begun with the bomb strike on Japan by the North Koreans and then ground military action by all three countries all at once. The ComWar had control of all types of equipment that was computer controlled and had weighted the three countries, Russia, Iran, and North Korea so that their military equipment were all efficiently working!

World War III was in its early stages...

If only Jake Mahegan was Real! But, of course, he is, in many ways. Tata writes based upon having seen the bravery, the expertise, and the patriotism of many American soldiers and he has forged their skills in our hero Jake...

But, something has changed in Jake's life...Cassie, a member of his team, who has the credentials, experience and expertise to have earned the Captain rank and who works at the side of Jake, had found her way into Jake's heart and, after never being in love before, has fallen deeply. It is somewhat of a burden, because he can no longer see her as a teammate...rather Jake needs to protect her...

Cassie is perfect for Jake! She's not willing to have Jake move her out of her team position, does not want to be protected, rather to allow her to act as normal in doing what she needs to do. But, the link between the two adds an extra dimension to the thriller that represents the love each soldier has for their loved ones and for their country. They love both, but will do anything to protect and serve those loved ones.

The lack of attention to cyber security for the last few years, as elections and social networks have been hacked with false information or used to hack election machines, while little has been done to lead and prepare for the use of computer manipulation, has been, illustratively, shown just how vulnerable the United States has become related to security...security of the infrastructure, not just on bigger and better ground and air equipment. Having worked with computer systems throughout my professional career, I am constantly alert to just how bad things can get if computer systems are affected in even small ways. The technological aspects of this book are beyond my expertise to actually do, but certainly the book is brilliantly done to show exactly how bad it can get! And a bit of coordinated criminal intent cannot easily be thwarted.

Tata presents us with an awesome, and, yes, terrifying, option of what can occur when criminal intent is allowed to take control. This is well beyond twists and turns...it is upfront action-packed, minute-by-minute intense waiting and moving. Picking up detail after detail to determine what may occur next. The characters are unbelievably able to get under our skin. I envisioned the villain as a evil genius whose ego has surmounted his ability to apply any level of common sense... While Jake Mahegan, our hero, seems to magically know who to trust, and not trust, and still make things happen to slow down and/or stop what is happening. It's a deadly time frame, and readers feel the tension, the sweat, the fear, as characters make things happen "just in time." Edgy, nail-biting, and hope and prayers are part of the move toward the climatic ending...

When I read this latest book of General Tata, and knowing he is already involved to some extent in government issues, I can't help but hope that he will enter the political realm and use his expertise to actually stop that potential WWIII that he has written about in Dark Winter. We have to deal with the violent terrorism that is rampant, as another mass shooting took place this very morning... Readers, if you don't understand about computer usage in relation to military safety and security, you must read this book! Learn what you need to know about cyber acts that can take us into a war like no other.

Sure it's exciting and those who like military thrillers are bound to enjoy the book. I loved it for putting the newspaper headlines directly into a book like no other could to describe the turmoil and world-wide concerns we already know exists today... Has RINK already been formed???

GABixlerReviews

BRIGADIER GENERAL (U.S. ARMY, RETIRED)

ANTHONY J. TATA

General Anthony J. Tata has more than three decades of public service as a military officer and in leadership roles at the county and state level. His last combat tour was as the Deputy Commanding General of the 10th Mountain Division and the Joint Task Force in Afghanistan, commanding nearly 25,000 troops. He is also an acclaimed novelist with nine fiction novels, including national bestsellers Foreign and Domestic, Three Minutes to Midnight, and Besieged. Kensington Books will release Direct Fire December 2017.

General Tata is president of defense, transportation and energy services company, KaylaTek, LLC. He also frequently speaks on matters of foreign policy to companies such as Google, Hewlett Packard, General Electric, MetLife, Bank of America, Glaxo Smith Kline and other major corporations. Previously, General Tata served as the North Carolina Secretary of Transportation, leading the state’s 12,000 NCDOT employees and serving as a member of the Governor’s cabinet. Immediately prior to that, he served as the Superintendent of the Wake County Public School System, leading the state’s largest school district of 18,000 employees and 150,000 students to record academic heights. 

General Tata served two tours of duty in the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg. He also served as a brigade commander in the 101st Airborne Division and as the Deputy Commanding General of the 10th Mountain Division. Among his military decorations, he has been awarded the Combat Action Badge and Bronze Star, served as a Master Parachutist and graduated from the U.S. Army’s Ranger School. He is listed as a distinguished member of the 502nd, 504th and 505th Parachute Infantry Regiments.

Tony received a Bachelor of Science at the United States Military Academy at West Point, a Master of Arts in International Relations at the Catholic University of America, a Master of Military Art and Science in Strategic Planning at the U.S. Army’s School of Advanced Military Studies, and was a National Security Senior Fellow at the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government.

Tony is the National Security Expert for One America News Network and reliably comments on foreign policy matters on dozens of programs and networks, including Fox News (Hannity, Bill O’Reilly Show, Megyn Kelly, Fox and Friends Weekday and Weekend, Geraldo Rivera Show, Fox Weekend News, America’s Newsroom with Bill Hemmer, and others), CNN New Day and with Brooke Baldwin, CBS News with Harry Smith, The Glenn Beck Show on The Blaze, and The Daily Buzz.

General Tata has two children, Brooke and Zachary....and more

Happy Halloween! It's time to Travel Back to Creepy Hollow! Surprise After Surprise Awaits!

Nikki, Jack, Catman and The Sapphire Wand

Once Upon a Time in Creepy Hollow

Evila

Evila had maintained her beauty and looks 

by taking from those that were captured by

faithful followers--the two most employed

were Mutanto and Howler. There were others

she had as slaves, who she had changed into 

wolves...and then complained about their smell.

Nobody, really could please this evil woman.

But she had realized that those who fed her

were growing weak... She had her eye on a 

small child who was known to be blessed

with a gift of immense value and had sent  
for the child to be kidnapped-- the child of 
Ghoulina and Wishbone!

As in the first book, the
characters drive the

story because of their 
particular magic skills.

As Halloween draws near, 
Nikki has another
birthday! 
She is now 13 and she has
changed! When she once again meets Ghoulina,

 they will  stand side by
 side using their magic skills.

Once Upon a time in Creepy Hollow, all was beautiful, bright and full of nature's blessings.but a power-hungry evil woman had destroyed everything, taking for her own use any and all magic that had once lived and nourished Creepy Hollow.  Her name was Queen Evila....

She was so evil that she went after every bit of magic that she could find, including going through the Gate to find those she could use for her own evil desires... From the beginning of the book until the end, she worked to destroy and, like a vampire, feed on the magic of her world's occupants... Nobody was safe...

Mutanto and Howler

The huge monster who looked like Frankenstein stepped forward. “Don’t hurt them,” he told the Wolfmen in a gruff and sinister-sounding voice. “Queen Evila doesn’t want them harmed. Take them through the Gate.”
~~~

The Power of the Sapphire Wand  

By Erica M. Szabo

and Joe Bonadonna

All Artwork by Erika
The following magnificent painting is my favorite!

Wishbone, Ghoulina and Baby Ava!

Watching Tattler turn a corner and disappear from sight, Wishbone shook his head. He didn’t like nor trust him because he was not only a troublemaker but a known thief, as well. 

Wishbone went back to work but a short while later he heard his daughter, Ava, crying, and before he could put his rake down, the baby’s cry turned into a loud scream. The house began to shake, the windows rattled, and even the flowers trembled. The neighbors’ dogs began to howl, cats screeched, and flocks of startled birds flew from the trees. '
Dropping his rake to the ground, Wishbone ran for the back door and into the house. Inside the cottage, pictures and paintings swung back and forth, bouncing off the walls. Dishes clattered in the china cabinet and crashed to the floor. The walls trembled and floorboards vibrated under his feet. As Wishbone raced towards the nursery, suddenly the baby’s screams stopped and the house stopped shaking. Wishbone stepped into the nursery, which was painted pink and black, and saw Ghoulina sitting in the rocking chair and cuddling their beautiful baby in her arms. 
“Hannah, what happened this time?” Wishbone asked, wiping sweat from his brow. 
Ghoulina, dressed in a black and purple gown, and wearing blue lipstick, smiled at her husband. “Ava saw a snake on the window sill and it frightened her,” she explained.
“What? A snake? Where is it now?” Wishbone asked with great concern.
“Oh, I grabbed it and threw it out the window as far away as I could,” Ghoulina replied. 
Wishbone sighed and leaned back against a wall. “Wow, Ava’s magic is already powerful.” 
“She’s coming into her magic far too early and she’s too young to understand or control it, Bob,” said Ghoulina. The young parents realized that their daughter had a rare magical gift called Vocalocity, the ability to use her voice as a sonic weapon, even when the baby was only a few days old. Whenever baby Ava cried because she was hungry or needed her diaper changed, her voice sent out a gentle ripple of vibrations. 
But when she was angry or frightened, her voice became very loud and powerful. Wishbone and Ghoulina were the only ones who could quiet her, which made finding a babysitter nearly impossible. And only Wishbone and Ghoulina were immune from the power of Ava’s Vocalocity...

Only Queen Evila and her most faithful servants knew that the gossip of Springdale, Tattler, was a shapeshifter. Turning himself into a serpent was his only power, his only magical talent. But unlike the Wolfmen, who were also shapeshifters and chose to stay in wolf form, Tattler had no desire to remain a serpent permanently. He had bigger dreams than that.
“What you have heard is true, Your Majesty,” Tattler said. “The baby possesses magic that has not been seen in Creepy Hollow for more than a hundred years. She is strong and powerful, and she could be very useful to you.” 
“Excellent!” said Evila. “How shall it be done? What do you suggest?”

~~~

It was time! No longer could evil prevail in Creepy Hollow! And with that declaration, Queen Leandra. the real queen, came back to lead the fight! 

From every place, they all came to fight--from those towns which were the new targets of Queen Evila... From those places that had once been destroyed and were now being renewed through magic provided by Queen Leandra, the Princess, her daughter, and all that we now call friends! Of course, Catman was there to help. But most exciting, were the wild horses who came! They took the first advance in the great battle that was to be fought...

But their story deserves a spotlight, because the two leaders, a mare and stallion, had just had a colt... And Jack, who was brave and strong, but had no magic, all of the sudden, was discovered to be able to talk to animals! Very Cool! So, on the way to where they would fight, Jack held Champ, who he had been permitted to name, and taught him words, since he was not yet talking... Another new character deserves a mention-- He is a little dragon, whose parents were killed by Grim Witch, which is really "Queen Evila's name." Soon Jack thought of a perfect name for him--Sparky--and you'll love reading how his name was earned...

I have to admit, I fell in love with every word and character that is in this second book! The story is really amazing and the way everything was weaved together, sharing surprise after surprise is quite extraordinary. Sure, get it as a gift for your children and young adults...but do plan on reading this exceptional book yourself! 

A special thanks to Erika Szabo for sharing much of her artwork of the characters, to be used on my blog...but there are still others, like Moira, who were treated cruelly by Evila, and who helped--this time in a big way--to finally rid their home of evil...

In this time of chaos in America, I couldn't help but wish that Queen Leandra and her family and friends were heading our way to drive away hate, separation, destruction, and sorrow from our land. I do know, that reading this story has been a wonderful experience--full of tragedy, yet climaxing in victory through all different types of living beings coming together in love and support.

Kudos to Erika and Joe for creating an imaginative and inspiring story suitable for all ages, starting with the middle grades and above, being able to read on their own. I told Joe Bonadonna that I noticed that there are other towns and locations on the map of Creepy Hollow... so I'm hoping for more books...We need children's books that are exciting, at the same time they have a moral to the story, don't you think? These are centered on Halloween, but not scary in anyway...and fun reading for anytime.  My mind keeps telling me that this is a must-read for many reasons...so that's my recommendation for this one!


GABixlerReviews

Erika lives in New York and when her daughter moved out of the family nest, she started writing. Erika writes magical realism, fantasy novels as well as fun, educational and bilingual books for children 2-14 about acceptance, friendship, family, and moral values such as accepting people with disabilities, dealing with bullies, and not judging others before getting to know them.

I write Heroic Fantasy, Space Opera, Sword & Planet Sci-Fi, Sword and Sorcery Fantasy, Horror, and Children's Books. Here's a little bit more about me.

MAD SHADOWS: THE WEIRD TALES OF DORGO THE DOWSER, is my first novel, published by iUniverse. It's epic Heroic Fantasy with a film noir edge. It can be purchased from Amazon.com in both paperback, hardcover and Kindle editions. (Winner of the 2017 Golden Books Reader's Choice Award for Best Fantasy.)

THREE AGAINST THE STARS is my second novel, an old-fashioned space opera published by Airship 27 Productions. It's available now from Amazon.com, in both paperback and Kindle editions.

THE MECHMEN OF CANIS-9 is my seventh novel. This is the long-awaited sequel to my "Three Against The Stars." It's an action-packed interplanetary adventure that pays tribute to every sea- and space-faring story that inspired it. 

WATERS OF DARKNESS, co-authored with David C. Smith, (Dark Muse, Call of Shadows, Fall of the First World Trilogy), is a swashbuckling pirate adventure of swords, sorcery, and Lovecraftian horror. It's now available in both paperback and Kindle editions thru Amazon.com 

MAD SHADOWS II: DORGO THE DOWSER AND THE ORDER OF THE SERPENT, my fourth novel, has just been published. It's another Heroic Fantasy with a film noir twist, with more magic, murder, mystery and mayhem all brought to you courtesy of Dorgo the Dowser. This volume includes a greatly revised and expanded version of "The Book of Echoes," which first appeared in the Kindle anthology, "Azieran Presents Artifacts and Relics: Extreme Sword and Sorcery," published by Heathen Oracle. 

THREE GHOSTS IN A BLACK PUMPKIN is my first collaboration with acclaimed author and illustrator, Erika M Szabo. This is also my first children's book, appropriate for ages 6 - 14, and adults may enjoy it, too. This is fantasy about two cousins, Nikki and Jack, who find a talking wind chime in the shape of a silver skeleton named Wishbone Jones, and a black pumpkin in which the ghosts of the three good Wishmothers have been imprisoned. To free them, Nikki Jack travel to the magical world of Creepy Hollow, where they face all sorts of dangers and tests, and along the way, learn a few lessons about life and growing up. (Winner of the 2017 Golden Books Judge's Choice Award for Best Children's Fantasy.)

THE POWER OF THE SAPPHIRE WAND is the sequel to Erika M. Szabo's and my children's fantasy, the award-winning "Three Ghosts in a Black Pumpkin." Return with to Creepy Hollow with Nikki and Jack. Join with them and their old friends, Wishbone, Ghoulina and Catman as the race against time to save the ecology and environment of Creepy Hollow from Evila the Grim Witch and her minions, the giant Mutanto and his werewolf henchman, Howler. Find out the truth behind what really happened to Nikki's parents 12 years ago. 

THE BLOOD OF THE LION, my first sword and soul heroic fantasy tale, appears in the Sword and Soul Fantasy anthology GRIOTS 2: SISTERS OF THE SPEAR, edited by Charles Saunders and Milton Davis. Available thru Amazon.com in both paperback and Kindle editions.

For Janet Morris' long-running "Heroes in Hell series, my stories WE THE FURIOUS, and UNDERTAKER'S HOLIDAY (this one in collaboration with Shebat Legion) both appear in POETS IN HELL volume 18. My story, Hell On A Technicality, appears in Doctors in Hell, volume 19, and my story Pirates of Penance appears in Pirates in Hell, volume 20. All are available in paperback and Kindle editions. 

My story, Sinbad and the Golden Fleece, appears in the shared-world anthology, Sinbad: The New Voyages, Vol 4, published by Airship 27 Productions. Available in paperback and Kindle editions from Amazon.com.

My story, The Dragon's Horde appears in Heroika: Dragon Eaters. This is a brand-new series of all-original Heroic Fantasy tales created and edited by author Janet Morris and published by Perseid Press. Available in paperback and Kindle editions.

My collaboration with Shebat Legion, "Samuel Meant Well versus the Little Black Cloud of the Apocalypse," appears in the shared-world anthology, SHA'DAA TOYS. 

My story, Queen of Toads, along with 12 other spooky tales, appears in the Kindle Bundle Rabbit bundle-pack, HERE BE GHOSTS. 

My short story, "Queen of Toads," appears in Here Be Ghosts, a Kindle anthology of horror stories of all kinds. 

AS EDITOR: 
"Hello, My Name is Max, and I Have Autism: An Insight into the Autistic Mind," written and with drawings by Max Miller. Foreword and Afterword by his Mom, Rebecca Miller. Available from Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions.

"Being Max's Mom," by Rebecca Miller. This is Rebecca's very personal story of bringing her son, Max, into the world, of his being diagnosed with autism at the age of 4, and how she fought to do the best and find the best for her son. Available from Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions.

"Libertine: Awakenings," a wonderful psychosexual drama written by Cat Ravenelle. 

"The Kitchen Imps," and "Tales of Erana: The Warrior's Curse," by A.L. Butcher. 

"Vampire Therapy: The Chronicles of the Cat's Ass Boutique ~ Seasons and Reasons ~" by Shebat Legion, as well as her children's book, "The Fork Tree." 

"Metoo, The Annoying Little Sister," by Erika M. Szabo.