(See all my Book Reviews and Author Interviews) – Author Olen Steinhauer (https://www.olensteinhauer.com) published the novel “The Last Tourist” in 2020. Mr. Steinhauer has published a dozen novels. This is the fourth of his “Milo Weaver” novels.
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this novel as ‘R’ because it contains scenes of violence and mature language. The story is set in contemporary times. Most of the action takes place in Africa and Europe. The primary characters are Milo Weaver, CIA analyst Abdul Ghali, and operative Leticia Jones.
Weaver is head of ‘the Library’. That is a secret, independent intelligence organization operating out of the UN. He thought that the CIA-trained assassins, ‘The Tourists’, had been closed down for years. Now he is being pursued by what appears to be new ‘Tourist’ agents.
He must avoid them while investigating. He arranges for Ghali to meet him so that he can disclose all that he knows. Long time friend Jones is one who comes to his aid. The three must dodge the agents while they find out who is controlling the Tourists.
I enjoyed the 11.5 hours I spent reading this 384-page spy thriller. It was a little slow at times, but I did feel compelled to keep reading to see how it ended. While this novel is part of a series, it reads well on its own. The part of the novel from Abdul Ghali’s perspective is told in the first person. That sets that portion apart from the rest of the novel. I am not a fan of the cover art. It does not seem to have much to do with the story. I give this novel a 3.9 (rounded up to a 4) out of 5.
(See all my Book Reviews and Author Interviews) – Author Lawrence Cortesi published the book “D-Day Minus One” in 2018. He has published nearly 20 books.
I downloaded this book after seeing a promotion by the publisher. I categorize this book as ‘G’. The book tells of some of the efforts made by the Allies preparing for the D-Day landing at Normandy on June 6, 1944. A lot of the book deals with the Allied tactical air missions. It does not appear to be targeted at the serious history student. While the book contains many facts there is no attribution to where they came from. The book does have an extensive bibliography at the back.
The stories include a fair amount of dialog. My feeling is that this is ‘dramatized history’. My impression of the book is that it would be a good supplemental book to D-Day for students. It reads easily and contains a lot of information. It does seem to gloss over the details a bit. I did enjoy the 5 hours I spent reading this 157-page history. The cover art is OK. I give this book a 3.9 (rounded up to a 4) out of 5.
If you are interested in the WWII era of history, you may find these three pages of interest.
The “World War II Resources” page is a constantly growing collection of more than 510 links to museums, memorials, websites, Facebook pages, Twitter feeds, and other sources with information on the World War II-era in history.
The “World War II Timeline” page expands almost daily and shows events leading up to WWII, as well as during the war. Events are broken down into the Pacific and European Theaters by date.
The About WWII page is a collection of links to posts that I have made over the years that are relevant to WWII.
(See my other Food and Location related posts) – I have liked Coffee for many years, Recently I have finally converted my wife to appreciate a good brewed cup as well.
While were recently in Nevada we looked for a new coffee roasters to try. We found a gem in Magnum Coffee Roastery. We visited their location at 1335 E. Sunset Rd. Suite A, Las Vegas, NV. Magnum is a family-owned business with the home-base at 1 Java Blvd. Nunica, MI 49448.
The Las Vegas location is spacious with a variety of coffee and tea for sale. We have become fond of flavored coffee and Magnum has some good ones. While were were there we purchased four flavors. The local favorite is ‘Vegas Golden Knights’. We also bought ‘Hilanger Grogg’ (butterscotch with a hint of liqueur), ‘Cinnamon Hazelnut’ (Cinnamon & roasted Hazelnut), and ‘Love Potion #9’ (Chocolate, Hazelnut & Cinnamon).
We have enjoyed all four and had ‘Love Potion’ again this morning. If you visit their website you will find a wide variety of both coffee blends and flavored coffee. At the time I am writing this post there are 114 choices of flavored coffee.
if you enjoy coffee and are near a Magnum Coffee location I recommend that you try some of their coffee!
(See all my Book Reviews and Author Interviews) – Author Rebecca McLaughlin published the novel “Nameless Queen” in 2020. This is her first publication.
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this novel as ‘PG’ because it contains scenes of mild violence. The story is set in another universe in the city of Seridan where magic is real. The primary character is a teenage girl known only as Coin.
Coin is one of the ‘Nameless’. Only those who have a name have status in this world. She has been living on the streets as far back as she can remember. Shortly after King Fallow dies she discovers the tattoo of a crown on her arm. That is the magical symbol of the heir to the throne. The only way King Fallow could have passed on his throne to her is by uttering her name.
How can King Fallow have named her when she doesn’t have a name? She wants to keep it hidden but when a close friend is in danger she reveals herself. No-one wants a Nameless in charge. She is constantly at odds with those in power, particularly General Demure. With no real education other than what she has learned on the streets, Coin has a difficult time fitting in.
Nameless have been disappearing in Seriden. Coin tries to investigate but does not receive much help from the authorities. She discovers a plot to take over Seriden but finds herself at risk.
I thoroughly enjoyed the 7.5+ hours I spent reading this 344-page young adult fantasy novel. The ‘commoner-thrust-onto-the-throne’ theme is not uncommon. This version does have some things to set it apart. While the novel came to a conclusion, there is plenty of room for a sequel. I like the chosen cover art. I give this novel a 4.5 (rounded up to a 5) out of 5.
(See my other Author Interviews) – I read the novel “The Promise” a few weeks ago. After I published my review I contacted the author who uses the pen name Maxx Powr. He graciously agreed to an interview.
Myself: When did you first realize that you wanted to become a writer?
Powr: I had some encouragement in high school from my English teacher, but never really pursued it. Working as a programmer later in life, I decided to write a childrens’ book, or 2. I submitted the books (over the transom back then) to publishers and received more encouragement, but also rejections. Life intervened and writing was put on hold for years, until Fairalon under the pen name T.J. Roberts. This was a childrens’ book and I needed a new pen name for The Promise, so children wouldn’t think it was a sequel. The Promise does have language and sexual situations and I didn’t want them to be shocked.
Myself: My background is also in IT and Software Development. What is the first piece that you remember writing?
Powr: The Flight of the Dodo. MG/YA adventure for boys. I may actually rework that one as I really liked it, and so did the publisher I sent it to.
Myself: What is your academic and work background?
Powr: I hold a masters degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. I’ve worked as an Emergency Crisis Intervention Counselor, Children and Adult Family Therapist, Programmer, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, and then started 2 companies, which I still manage.
Myself: What part of the world do you currently live in?
Powr: Southern California
Myself: Do you think that living there has affected your writing?
Powr: Not really. When I write, I live in the book on the screen.
Myself: How do you relax? What are your hobbies?
Powr: Video games (COD), 3d art, photography
Myself: What’s the earliest book you remember reading for yourself?
Powr: Treasure Island comes to mind.
Myself: Did you read much growing up?
Powr: Reading was required in my schools, assigned reading; some good some not. I was an avid comic book reader for fun, much to my parents’ chagrin.
Myself: What have you read recently?
Powr: Making Comics by Scott Mcloud
Myself: What is your favorite genre? book? character? author?
Powr: Sci-Fi and Fantasy. I don’t really have a favorite book, character or author.
Myself: While I read a great deal of WWII era history, Science Fiction and Fantasy are my favorite genres of novels too. Where is your favorite place to read?
Powr: On our porch.
Myself: Do you prefer paper or eBooks? Do you listen to audiobooks?
Powr: I like paper books, but I’m buying more ebooks to support other Indies. I have listened to audiobooks, and I like it best when the author reads it.
Myself: What books do you recommend to others? Give as gifts
Powr:Typically, mine. 🙂 Myself: What makes you sit down and want to share your stories?
Powr: I just like to write stories that thrill me, things I would like to see in a movie. Basically, the stories play out like a movie in my head, The Promise is a good example of that. Once I start, the characters often take me down an unsuspected road, saying things that surprise me. I love that part of it.
Myself: What are your ambitions for your writing career?
Powr: I don’t think I’m like a lot of writers, I’m not that ambitious about my writing career. Sure, it would be nice to see my books made into movies, but that is just a dream. I just want to tell some stories that get people jazzed. I don’t expect to be the next big thing. If people enjoy them, I’ll be happy.
Myself: I certainly found your novel enjoyable and a fun read. Why do you write? What makes you sit down and want to share your stories?
Powr: It’s a little selfish but I write for myself. I’ve found that overall people tend to like what I like so it works for me.
Myself: Is there anyone who has influenced your writing?
Powr: Everyone has influenced my writing. One particular author? No.
Myself: How did you pick the genres for your stories?
Powr: I love Sci-Fi and I love Fantasy. For me, it’s an escape to a world of ‘if only.’
Myself: Where do your story ideas come from?
Powr: Weirdly, some come from 3d art. I like to ‘play’ with 3d programs called Poser and Iclone. You can create scenes that you see in your head without artistic ability to draw. I admire people who can just draw what they think of, but my stick figures don’t really cut it.
Myself: Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just to see where an idea takes you?
Powr: I generally start with one scene that I really like. That scene leads to another, which leads to a former scene. If they are good enough, I start playing with an outline for the arc of the story and the character arc, though they often argue with me.
Myself: Where do you do your writing? Why there?
Powr: I basically have 3 jobs. I have a bit of a cave set up under my house. Window is blocked with an AC unit, so it’s dark in there, except for my multiple screens. I work on computers and answer a phone as needed. It can be disruptive, but I find time in between to write.
Myself: What is your schedule like when you are writing?
Powr: I laughed when I read that. My schedule is whenever I have a moment. But, once I get caught up in the scene, I usually don’t stop until that scene is completed.
Myself: How do you fit writing into your daily schedule? (i.e. balance work, writing and family)
Powr: I write between tasks. It honestly stinks, because there are times when it’s flowing and you get interrupted. It is what it is.
Myself: About how long does it take you to complete a first draft? How long do your revisions take?
Powr: Probably a year for the first draft, a year for the final product. I like to create the scenes in 3d, and that can get pretty demanding timewise.
Myself: I see on your web sites that you have posted some of your 3D art. Have you thought of including some of those images in your novels?
Powr: If you take a look at Fairalon, you’ll see all the images in the book are presented on the web site in higher resolution 1 for each chapter. Also, the cover and back of the book open up to one big image of the road to grandma’s house, with Charlie swinging and Iris in the back seat watching. * (You can see them all on www.Fairalon.com so you don’t have to buy the book to see them). However, tremendous spoilers ahead in the images. I recommend looking at the images in a color reader like Kindle Fire or such, or the hard copy has printed color images. You can also read the text in a B&W kindle, nook or whatever, and then look at the images online. I put them there for people who didn’t have color readers, but do have computers with color monitors.
As for the Adult Sci Fi, like The Promise, most adult Sci-Fi books don’t include images. The images on the book cover and back are 3d art I created. (On the back is Sheen in her regen machine with Chase 523, the front is The Promise going through a wormhole)
There are arguments on both sides, such as leaving it up to the reader’s imagination versus showing them in a picture. I really like creating the images. It’s like walking around inside the scene in my head. It’s also very challenging to get anything that looks really good. My latest of Sheen is an image I really like. She looks real (to me).
Myself: That is a very lifelike image. I can understand the added cost and time involved with including your images in print. Perhaps though some could be included in your ebooks. How much research do you put into a novel?
Powr: It depends. I found that The Promise took more research than Fairalon, but I research as needed and try not to fall into interesting rabbit holes.
Myself: What tools (software?) do you use in your writing?
Powr: I prefer WordPerfect, but had to switch to Word because all the editors use it. I’ve started using Grammarly and ProWritingAid and they are both very good.
Myself: I have been using Grammarly as well and really like it. Using it has improved my writing. What are the hardest and easiest things about writing?
Powr: Hardest: Finding the time to write. Easiest: I enjoy writing dialogue, for some strange reason.
Myself: What advice would you give to an aspiring author?
Powr: Keep your day job as long as you can. From what I’ve read it can take 10 years to acquire an agent. 10 years! And that doesn’t mean you’ll be published. You need to eat, pay bills, and if you go Indie, pay for marketing your book. Don’t go nuts foregoing a normal life. It is good to keep a balance.
Myself: What novels/works have you published?
Powr:Fairalon MG/YA Fantasy Adventure The Promise Adult Sci-Fi Action Adventure
Myself: What are you currently working on?
Powr:Return to Fairalon Because High School is a Creep Show (working title) and a sequel to The Promise, no working title as yet
Myself: What else would you like to share?
Powr: If you feel like you would like to write a book, that’s great. Don’t expect to be the next J.K. Rowling, but it’s okay to have a dream. Do it for you.
The best advice that I stumbled across on my own is this: When it’s done, final version #158, grab an audio program and record the book as if you were reading it for an audiobook. Try your best to read it with inflection. You don’t have to do voices or sound effects. Read it like you are reading it to a friend. Now that you have finished recording all the chapters, (it takes a long time) take some time to listen. You will hear things that are like nails on a chalkboard, or music to your ears, depending upon how much editing you have done. Fix it. Re-record and listen again. If you are lucky, you won’t have that much to do. If not, you will be so glad you didn’t send it to an editor.
Myself: That is very good advice! How should your fans follow you or get in touch?
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this novel as ‘R’ because it contains scenes of violence and mature situations. The story is set in the contemporary US. The novel has several major characters.
Al-Qaeda hires the “Black Camel”, the assassin-for-hire whose real name is Dominique. She and her partner Wolfgang “Wolf” direct a reign of terror across the US. Sleeper cell agents deploy a string of bombs across the country killing hundreds.
FBI agent Cholo Cantera again partners with Israeli Mossad agent Oasis Jazir. They are part of the US task force looking for the terrorists. US Senator Nolan Martin is a particular target. Cantera, Jazir, and Martin all find themselves in precarious situations. Their families are also a target for the terrorists.
The culmination of the terrorist attack is a target in Washington D.C. As the final attack nears completion all that stands in the way of success are Cantera and Jazir.
I thoroughly enjoyed the 8.5 hours I spent reading this 308-page thriller. I enjoyed having a variety of primary characters in this story. The plot was good and believable. While this book is the fifth in a series, it is very readable as a stand-alone novel. I like the selected cover art. I give this novel a 5 out of 5.
(See all my Book Reviews and Author Interviews) – Author Michael E Haskew published the novel “SAS and Special Forces in World War II” in 2021. It may also appear as “Special Forces in WWII”. Mr. Haskew has published nearly 30 books on military history.
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this novel as ‘G’. The book tells the story of the various special military forces deployed in WWII. This includes both Allied and Axis powers. Each chapter focuses on those forces from a particular country. The coverage is a high-level overview of each unit’s activities.
I enjoyed the 6 hours I spent reading this 192-page WWII history. Most of the units I had read about before. A few were new to me. Some units included did not, in my mind, qualify as a ‘special force’. The book does have many photos and some good maps. I like the selected cover art. I give this novel a 3.8 (rounded up to a 4) out of 5.
If you are interested in the WWII era of history, you may find these three pages of interest.
The “World War II Resources” page is a constantly growing collection of more than 510 links to museums, memorials, websites, Facebook pages, Twitter feeds, and other sources with information on the World War II-era in history.
The “World War II Timeline” page expands almost daily and shows events leading up to WWII, as well as during the war. Events are broken down into the Pacific and European Theaters by date.
The About WWII page is a collection of links to posts that I have made over the years that are relevant to WWII.
I had read about and seen the Alabama Battleship Memorial when I have driven by in the past. This time through Mobile we planned to stop and visit the site. The Memorial Park is located at 2703 Battleship Parkway Mobile, Alabama 36602.
The park is a large site. The Battleship Alabama is open for self-guided tours as is the submarine USS Drum. Both are veterans of WWII.
There are three tours on the Alabama. Two below deck and one above. The two below were well marked and easy to follow, though there were a couple of steep stairs. Many signs are posted to explain what you are seeing. The deck tour was more difficult to follow and leads up many stairs.
The Drum tour takes you through the forward torpedo room all the way through the ship and out the rear torpedo room. The entrance and exit is via a stairway instead of a ladder. The walk through the ship is fairly easy as long as you are not claustrophobic and can manage to step through the watertight doors.
On the grounds are a hanger with various aircraft and a gift shop. Outside can be found aircraft, military vehicles, and small ships on display. Exhibits cover a wide range of history. Among the larger displays are a B-52 and an SR-71. Some are currently undergoing restoration. I would have liked to spend more time looking at the outdoor exhibits, but the day we visited the Museum it was cold with a stiff breeze.
If you are in the Mobile area and have a few hours to spare (we were there at least 3 hours) this is a good place to visit.
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If you are interested in the WWII era of history, you may find these three pages of interest.
The “World War II Resources” page is a constantly growing collection of more than 510 links to museums, memorials, websites, Facebook pages, Twitter feeds, and other sources with information on the World War II-era in history.
The “World War II Timeline” page expands almost daily and shows events leading up to WWII, as well as during the war. Events are broken down into the Pacific and European Theaters by date.
The About WWII page is a collection of links to posts that I have made over the years that are relevant to WWII.
(See all my Book Reviews and Author Interviews) – Author Harald Gilbers published the novel “Germania: A Novel of Nazi Berlin” in 2020. This is his first English publication and the first of his Richard Oppenheimer series. Read my interview with author Harald Gilbers.
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this novel as ‘R’ because it contains scenes of violence. The story is set in 1944 Berlin. The primary characters are Jewish former Police Inspector Richard Oppenheimer and SS Hauptsturmfüher (Captain) Vogler.
Oppenheimer had been living a secluded life since his dismissal from the police. He had been able to avoid the plight of most Jews because his wife is a gentile. The Sicherheitsdienst (German SS intelligence) wake him and his wife Lisa one morning.
They take Oppenheimer to the site of a brutal murder. A young woman has been killed. SS Hauptsturmfüher Vogler is leading the investigation. Vogler recruits Oppenheimer to assist as a consultant. Oppenheimer has little choice but to cooperate.
The investigation proceeds over a period of weeks from May 7 until June 25. The murder is the work of a serial killer. The killing won’t stop until they find the perpetrator. Vogler receives criticism for involving a Jew. Oppenheimer fears more than once for his very life.
There is more than just a murder investigation going on. The Nazi leadership wants a quick solution. They also want to make sure that there are no ties back to the party.
I enjoyed the 16+ hours I spent reading this 348-page WWII era mystery. The situation of a Jew working with the SS in wartime Berlin provides a very different setting. The mystery itself is a little slow and dull, but the image of wartime Berlin is interesting. There are a few abrupt transitions between characters. This makes it a little difficult to read. The selected cover art is not great, but it does fit the image of a Police Inspector. I give this novel a 3.9 (rounded up to a 4) out of 5.
If you are interested in the WWII era of history, you may find these three pages of interest.
The “World War II Resources” page is a constantly growing collection of more than 510 links to museums, memorials, websites, Facebook pages, Twitter feeds, and other sources with information on the World War II-era in history.
The “World War II Timeline” page expands almost daily and shows events leading up to WWII, as well as during the war. Events are broken down into the Pacific and European Theaters by date.
The About WWII page is a collection of links to posts that I have made over the years that are relevant to WWII.
I follow The Loop and a recent post caught my eye. It is a simple Shortcut automation that almost everyone can try and use. This automation detects when your iOS device is connected to a charger and speaks “Charging”. While this is a trivial automation I can see where it will be useful.
Sometimes when I place my iPhone on my W-18 Thunder Plus Qi charging pad it isn’t aligned correctly. This will give a good audio feedback that I have positioned it for charging.
Open Shortcuts app on your iPhone
Tap the Automation tab in the center of the bottom of the screen
Tap the + in the top right corner of the screen
Tap “Create Personal Automation”
Scroll to the bottom and tap “Charger”
Make sure “Is Connected” is selected
Tap “Next”
In the search field that appears (bottom of screen), type “Speak”. The action “Speak Text” should appear. Tap on it.
Tap the “Text” area and type some text to speak, like “Charging”
Tap “Next”
Tap to turn off “Ask Before Running”.
Tap “Done”
I followed these easy instructions and created the Shortcut on my iPhone8. I placed it on my charging pad and after a moment I heard my phone say “Charging”. If you want to start exploring Shortcuts, this is a great first project.
John's Notes 