May 27, 2025 | Editorial reviews, International Review of Books, Memoir
A Pleasant Fiction: A Novelistic Memoir by Javier De Lucia is perfect for readers who find meaning in quiet, character-driven stories of resilience, compassion, and emotional depth—especially those who appreciate narratives that offer both perspective and hope in the face of life’s harshest trials.
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Which line stood out from all the others in the book?
“Not everyone has to become their disabled baby brother’s guardian and watch him die in between their parents’ deaths.”
General Summary for Context:
This isn’t exactly a tearjerker—but it’s not far off, either. At its heart, this is the story of one man’s quiet resilience in the face of relentless tragedy, loss, frustration, and a crisis of faith. He’s not an angry man—just someone who has grown disillusioned with God after a lifetime of hardship. Frankly, if I had gone through even half of what he endures, I’d be screaming at the heavens and everyone in earshot.
It begs the question: Does God ever ask more of us than we can bear?
The protagonist of this book is, in many ways, my personal hero. How is he still standing after enduring the unimaginable—his wife’s seven miscarriages (yes, seven!), a medically necessary abortion, a brother with severe disabilities who later loses the use of an arm, and the death of both parents? Meanwhile, I found myself upset today because my nail polish had a hint of orange in it. Perspective, much?
This book reminds you what truly matters. It’s deeply human, quietly powerful, and lingers long after the last page.
Concise Review:
This isn’t quite a tearjerker—but it brushes close, in the most human and hopeful of ways. At its heart, this is the story of one man’s journey through profound challenges: personal loss, frustration, and a crisis of faith. Yet what sets this book apart is not the weight of the sorrow, but the quiet strength and joy the protagonist continues to find amid it all.
Despite enduring his wife’s seven miscarriages, the heartbreak of a medically necessary abortion, the daily demands of caring for a severely disabled sibling who later loses use of an arm, and the death of both parents—he never hardens. He never turns bitter. Instead, he remains a gentle, altruistic soul, deeply connected to his wife, his son, and his circle of devoted friends. His career brings him moments of purpose; his family, moments of warmth. In a world that could have broken him, he chooses compassion over despair.
Reading this made me reflect on my own priorities—I mean, I caught myself feeling dramatic over nail polish with an orange tint. Perspective, right? This book doesn’t just make you feel—it makes you recalibrate. A quietly powerful read that reminds us that the capacity for joy and goodness can persist, even under the heaviest of burdens.
General Thoughts on the Novel:
This book compelled me to reflect deeply on my own values—on what truly matters beneath the surface noise of daily life. (Nail polish disasters included.) The protagonist’s journey is marked by profound adversity: not even a fleeting taste of fortune—his family’s brief, ill-fated lottery win—could shield him from life’s unrelenting trials. And yet, he endures. Not with bitterness or cynicism, but with a quiet determination to live meaningfully, to love generously, and to keep moving forward.
What moved me most was not simply his resilience, but the grace with which he faces each setback—personal and professional alike. He emerges not hardened but luminous, retaining a fundamental gentleness and a desire to contribute positively to the lives of others. That, to me, is the essence of true strength. An inspiring and humbling read.
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May 17, 2025 | Editorial reviews, Fantasy, Sci-fi, YA
Zephyr’s Flight by Ray Strong is perfect for readers who love a fantasy series that masterfully weaves together themes of sacrifice, defiance, and survival. With richly drawn characters and high-stakes conflict, it explores the harrowing choices made in the face of destiny—where even love becomes a perilous gamble. A gripping saga that promises both emotional depth and thrilling adventure.
Which line stood out from all the others in the book?
Astria realizes that Fynn cares for no one but himself, and certainly not her, when she says “ Was it too hard to visit me when you knew I was struggling to survive?”
General Summary for Context:
Embark on a journey into a magical land that is both fraught with perils at every turn, yet flourishing with status and power.
Astria longs to become a Rider, the highest order of the Council. She can then continue in the search for her father, who disappeared years ago, never to be seen again. She feels strongly (and perhaps irrationally) that he is alive and well out there, but she needs a dragon to ride on and accompany her on the search. Enter Zephyr, an adorable, loyal and devoted dragon who stays by Astria’s side through thick and thin. However, there is one major problem with the cute little dragon. He is unable to fly, and without possessing that particular skill, Astria cannot use him to become a Rider. She also requires permission from the Council, which she has not yet obtained (and may never, as they consider her to be a Rogue).
In plain English, she is a problem to them, and they don’t want to afford her any privileges or advantages that may make her more valuable and important to others. But she is persistent, strong, and clever, and she works on a concoction to give her dragon that will enable him to grow strong and fly. She embarks on her voyage to protect her land from their enemies, and ends up falling in love with Lance, a gentleman of the highest order. He reciprocates her feelings but tells her he has to join the battle to do his duty, and she, although fearful for his safety, understands his responsibility to serve.
Concise Review:
It’s a real page turner. What’s enticing is, weaved into the fantasy of dragons and villains and supernatural powers, the sweet and enduring romance that blossoms between Astria and Lance. Like a love from a gothic novel, he protects her from the clutches of someone evil, and she falls hard for him (as he does for her). So you have, in the midst of all the gore and fighting and unendurable actions within the environment, a love that is pure and true. The lovers’ fate as well as the bond between dragon and Rider shapes this novel well.
General Thoughts on the Novel:
Combining both fantasyland, evil, and romance, the novel takes off and never stops. You will chuckle at Zephyr’s antics but also be astounded at his strength and bravery as he protects his mistress. You will feel anger and frustration at the unfairness with which Astria is judged, and sigh when she meets her true love. It’s a compelling story that merges all the above elements into one comprehensive novel, and if you are one who enjoys plots that go off in a myriad of different directions that add greatly to the original storyline, then this is a book you will not want to miss out on.
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May 8, 2025 | Editorial reviews
Shake the Jar by Kevin Barry O’Connor challenges the idea of fate versus free will and nudges individuals to take responsibility for the legacies that they inherit from their ancestors. Perfect for action and adventure enthusiasts, fans of historical thrillers and speculative fiction, and readers interested in military history and espionage.
Which line stood out from all the others in the book?
The black ants and red ants start fighting.
They get confused. Both think the other is out to attack them.
They don’t ask the real Question. Who shook the jar.
General Summary for Context:
The story is a fast-paced thriller and it is a part of the Ancestral Memory series. In this third installment, the protagonist continues to harness his rare genetic gift of ancestral memory. This allows him to access the lived experiences of his ancestors to solve present-day threats and problems. He is drawn into a new global conspiracy where past secrets and modern dangers collide, forcing him to confront both his lineage and his own destiny.
Concise Review:
The story follows the key protagonists – an anthropologist and her husband who are determined to uncover their own destiny and other past secrets. The anthropologist experiences vivid ancestral memories, including a harrowing nineteenth century battlefield scene where her ancestor, a Spanish-Moorish soldier, kills a man during Chile’s War of Independence. She is now determined to uncover her family’s origins to know her past. She and her husband, who also shares the Ancestral Memory Gene, embark on a perilous journey tracking clues from Jamaica to Chile and into Southeast Asia’s Golden Triangle involving drugs and human trafficking. Their quest leads them into a dangerous conspiracy involving global geopolitical issues, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and China’s ambitions toward Taiwan.
As they pursue their instincts and intuition and uncover further layers of the conspiracy, they confront a covert operation entrenched in the heart of the Golden Triangle, forcing the husband to make a critical decision that could impact millions of people and thwart a potential major disaster. The book is recommended for all action and adventure fans who are interested in reading historical thrillers, speculative fiction, and thought-provoking suspense.
General Thoughts on the Novel:
The story is tense, thought-provoking, and action-oriented. There is a sense of urgency throughout the story, which is enhanced by the global conspiracies and the deep and personal stakes of the characters in the story. The writing style is fast, crisp, and engaging, thereby immersing the reader in the different foreign landscapes and emotional states of the characters. At the same time it also balances the plot with moments of reflection and personal discovery that deepen the emotional impact of the story. The story highlights the importance of confronting our past, and the connections between personal history and global events.
The plot weaves together multiple timelines—ancient memories and modern-day events—revealing how the past shapes the present and the future. The title of the book beautifully encapsulates the essence of the novel—an exploration of the past’s influence on the present and the chaos that ensues when buried secrets come to light.
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May 7, 2025 | Interviews, Editorial reviews
An interview with Book Trib
1. Where did the idea for The Mystical Guatemalan Robes come from?
My life as an international airline pilot was like living between Indiana Jones and Anthony Bourdain. My curious, adventurous nature led me to the indigenous people of many exotic locations where their stories and struggles became the fuel for my imagination. The indigenous people of the world, through conveyances of folklore created many of the characters in my first book.
My 92-year-old English teacher in the eleventh grade looked at me and said, “Someday you’re going to write a book.” She winked, which gave the moment a sincerity that I have carried on my shoulders for over 60 years. Sharing the exhilaration of my travels and adventures closes the loop on a goal I have had since the eleventh grade.
2. The concept of immortality often explores both its allure and its curse. How does the monk’s immortality shape his moral and psychological journey throughout the centuries?
A victim of sexual abuse as a youth, the monk seeks refuge in religion only to find that his isolation intensifies his anger and amplifies his thirst for revenge. He knows that his crimes could jeopardize his ascent into eternal life and is constantly seeking affirmation of his dark beliefs. He is an easy target for a secretive sect offering immortality in return for the services only he can provide. His life becomes a confused confidence and produces a new religion which embodies the very things that would have kept him from entering heaven. Are his benefactors aligned with God or are they gods themselves. His new armor in place the monk engages in brutal acts against those who wronged him. The religious zealot believes that immortality is not enough time to complete his work. Then one day, a mortal derails the priest by asking a simple question.
3. The dynamic between the monk and the airline pilot suggests a deeply intertwined fate. How did you develop this connection, and what does their shared past reveal about the nature of their conflict?
The victim of sexual abuse himself, the pilot’s obsession in bringing the pedophile priest to justice is the result of post traumatic stress syndrome. Having spent a lifetime trying to define his religious beliefs, it is unlikely that he believes a supernatural force is directing both his and the priest’s fate. The priest, having been immersed in religion for most of his adult life, believes that a supernatural force controls his fate and as such feels comfortable in satisfying his salacious beliefs. The story is not as much about an intertwined fate as it is about accepting the role of fate in your life. Initially, the pilot wants hard justice for the priest, but when he learns the priest was a victim of sexual abuse as a child, his hate for the cleric softens to a blurry emotion he can’t define.
4. Guatemala’s rich cultural and spiritual history plays a central role in your novel. How did you research the robed sect and the highland setting, and how does this specific locale influence the mystical elements of the story?
Research for The Mystical Guatemalan Robes was accomplished through boots on the ground. On layovers in Guatemala City, I would frequently venture up into the central and southwestern highlands in search of unique food and contact with the indigenous people. Seeing the area where the ancient Mayans lived, then suddenly disappeared, ripened my appetite for the local folklore that was in generous supply. The priest’s benefactors certainly had an interest in our planet’s volcanic activity and their demand for secrecy would make the highlands a perfect spot for a research facility. At night the streets of Antigua muffle the sounds of robed beings and fallen conquistadors alike.
Literary Titan Gold Book Award
“The Mystical Guatemalan Robes: Polansky weaves a story that’s both imaginative and disturbing, making it impossible to put down once you start.” 5 Stars
–Thomas Anderson, Editor in Chief, Literary Titan
“I picked it up and couldn’t put it down.”
–Dr. Charles L Rosenfeld, Oregon State University, Major General, U. S. Army
The International Review of Books Badge of Achievement Award
“For fans of science fiction and fantasy, this novel is must-read. It’s a journey that not only entertains but also inspires reflection on life’s choices, missed opportunities, and the profound forces that shape our destinies.”
–Tanja Slijepcevic, The International Review of Books
“The Mystical Guatemalan Robes is a thrilling exploration of history and mystery that will captivate readers from beginning to end. A must-read for those who enjoy a blend of science fiction, suspense, and richly developed characters.
–Book Review Directory
“This exploration of personal histories and the impact of past traumas resonated deeply, making me ponder the long-term effects of one’s experiences outside the story’s own context, with some important lessons and themes that stick with you long after you close the book.”
–K. C. Finn for Reader’s Favorite – 5 Stars
“The Mystical Guatemalan Robes was a fantastic read, and I hope for a sequel to John’s story soon.”
–Maalin Ogaja for Reader’s Favorite –5 Stars
“The idea of combining two very different timelines to create the climactic events of the story is unique, fresh, and innovative. The author has left the door open for a sequel and I look forward to this in the future.”
–Grant Leishman for Reader’s Favorite – 5 Stars
“The novel excels in clarity and emotional resonance. A riveting blend of myth and reality compels readers to examine their own beliefs and ponder the enigmatic boundaries between the known and the mystical.”
–The Prairies Book Review
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Apr 3, 2025 | Editors' Blog, Editorial reviews, International Review of Books, Literary, YA
The Wake of Expectations by Javier De Lucia is perfect for readers who appreciate emotionally intense, unconventional coming-of-age stories that reward patience with a raw and resonant exploration of identity, adolescence, and the messy realities of growing up.
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Which line stood out from all the others in the book?
So many relationships over the years, some positive, others negative. Some to do with coming-of-age adolescent behavior, definitely, as well as misguided attempts to achieve certain goals (getting laid, etc). One sentence in particular begins the start of one semi-friendship: “There were moments of genuine camaraderie over the years, but the friendship usually was tenuous at best”. (I’d probably call it superficial).
General Summary for Context:
This novel brims with characters—friends, flings, frenemies, and fleeting encounters—woven through a narrative that spans years of change and growth. At the center of it all is Cal, our dry-witted narrator, who’s just learned that his parents have won the lottery (cue envy), and that he’s been accepted into his dream college. You’d think he’d be celebrating. But no—Cal is too busy reflecting.
Told in his signature self-deprecating tone, Cal’s story is less about triumph than it is about navigating the chaos of life: parties, heartbreaks, awkward encounters, moments of connection and confusion. The novel unfolds as a patchwork of seemingly insignificant events that, together, chart the messy process of growing up.
Some might call it a coming-of-age story. To me, it feels more like a rude awakening—especially when, after a rollercoaster of emotional highs and lows, Cal finds himself asking, “Wait… what happened to the money?”
Concise Review:
This is a highly original and engaging journey into the life of one (seemingly average?) young man. At first, I struggled to keep track of the many people he meets and how they shape—or slip through—his life. The sheer number of encounters can feel dizzying, and initially, I felt the main character lacked depth. But as the story unfolded, I realized that might be the point: he’s still figuring himself out, stumbling through a maze of interactions, often awkward, sometimes tender, and frequently tinged with confusion.
Coming from a family of all girls, I may simply be more familiar with the emotional dramas of growing up female. The adolescent male experience portrayed here—hormonal, uncertain, occasionally crass—felt unfamiliar and, at times, jarring. But it’s also raw and honest in a way that’s hard to look away from.
This isn’t a tidy coming-of-age tale—it’s messier, funnier, and sometimes more frustrating. But it’s real. Maybe that’s what makes it resonate, even if it takes a moment to adjust to the rhythm of the world the author has created.
General Thoughts on the Novel:
Initially, the sheer volume of characters and shifting relationships made the narrative somewhat difficult to follow. However, once I began keeping a mental ledger of who was who and how each individual related to the protagonist, the story gradually drew me in. The emotional turbulence, the fleeting connections, and the often-conflicted decisions began to cohere into something compelling.
In particular, I found myself deeply frustrated—perhaps even incensed—by the events toward the end, particularly the loss of the money (a mild spoiler, though its impact is central to the story’s arc). That sense of frustration underscored how emotionally involved I had become. I wanted to shake certain characters, to urge them into self-awareness and maturity. In doing so, I realized the narrative had achieved something significant: it had made me care.
This is not a conventional coming-of-age tale. It is raw, sometimes chaotic, and frequently disorienting. But beneath that surface lies a poignant meditation on adolescence, identity, and the often-painful process of growing up. Once emotionally invested, the story resonates with clarity and meaning—and that, perhaps, is the clearest indication that it is a work of real merit.
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Mar 20, 2025 | Editorial reviews, Fantasy, International Review of Books, YA
Norbu’s Secret by Dana Klisanin is perfect for adventurous young readers and nostalgic adults who enjoy imaginative storytelling with a blend of excitement, innovation, and relatable challenges.
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Which line stood out from all the others in the book?
You may live far from the rainforest, like the orchid bee is far from the flowers, but you are vital to the rainforest’s survival. Everyone has a role to play.
General Summary for Context:
A thrilling eco-adventure through the Amazon, brimming with mystery and danger.
Lexa, Jack, Sage, and Will embark on a perilous journey into the heart of the Amazon, determined to unravel the hidden connections between EverSave, an environmental protection agency; Thistleton Academy, an innovative eco-school; and Chronnite, a shadowy corporation linked to jaguar poaching.
Guided by Norbu, an apprentice at the future G.A.I.A. Headquarters, they follow a trail shaped by a secret use of the quantum actuator—an extraordinary device that enables him to reach out to the organization’s four founders. As the team delves deeper into the jungle, they find an invaluable ally in Remi, whose Achuar family runs a rainforest eco-lodge. With her knowledge of the land and its many perils, she becomes their compass through both the physical and moral challenges that await.
Fast-paced and immersive, this story blends environmental intrigue with high-stakes adventure, making for a compelling and thought-provoking read.
Concise Review:
This is a story I thoroughly enjoyed as an adult and would have absolutely loved as a child. Brimming with adventure, innovative gadgets, and intriguing dream connections, it weaves together excitement and a sense of hope.
What stood out to me was how the challenges of saving the planet weren’t just about confronting corporations or environmental threats but also included relatable struggles—like convincing their parents to let them go. This added a refreshing layer of realism to the narrative, making the story both engaging and authentic.
General Thoughts on the Novel:
I truly appreciated the story’s emphasis on interconnectedness. As climate change becomes an increasingly urgent issue, eco-anxiety is something I believe will affect more people over time. However, this book offers a refreshing and hopeful perspective, reminding us that even young people can play a vital role in protecting the planet.
Through its engaging narrative, it not only raises awareness but also inspires action, making it a meaningful and empowering read.
Find the book here on Amazon!
