Tuesday, April 28, 2015

The Devil's Fox - An Abolute Delight

I recently read a wonderful book by first-time novelist, George Pollino.  The book, The Devil's Fox, is a magical, fantasy tale with a blend of action, adventure and Japanese lore.  Believe me it's quite a story.  My review is posted below, but for a buck you can't go wrong - download this book!

The Devil’s Fox
By George Pollino
Review by Dr. Dennis F. Larsen

Ten pages into this extraordinary novel, I had to stop and research the author.  I couldn’t believe this was the work of a first time novelist...but it appears my keen sense of ‘judging an author’s writing age by his work’ was badly misguided.  Mr. Pollino is a freelance writer, which made me feel a bit better, however, this is his first full-length novel.  Personally, I love to stumble upon a book like this, penned by someone without a big name, and have it blow me out of the water.  This was absolutely the case here.

The story captured my imagination from the very start and kept me enthralled for days, as I found moments, of all too rare time, to consume it.  Quite frankly, I’ve never read anything like it.  The tale effortlessly mixes the old with the new, blending characters from different eras together seamlessly, even as the author bounces back and forth from present day to past junctures in time.  In this, I have learned something and Pollino has inspired me with his skill.

http://getbook.at/FOX
Amazon $0.99

To the story: it is a blend of fictional genre’s I often read, but never in the same volume.  I was surprised throughout the text at how well he weaved fantasy and reality.  I soon found myself believing in Kitsunes, picturing Akane, an ancient, shape shifter, who seeks a soul of her own.  Her tale is beautifully intertwined throughout the book, in the most captivating way.  The imagery was impeccable; leading me to believe the writer has spent time in the orient.  If not, he has certainly done his homework.

I appreciated the depth of character he draws from his players.  The humans were beautifully flawed and so real that I saw myself somehow joined at the hip with the scientist, Nikolai, and his blind friend, Thomas, who happens to be a priest.  I thought the pairing was odd but fitting to the narrative.  On that point, the dialogue was delivered so matter-of-factly I could nearly hear what was being said – in my estimation the mark of true talent.

To delve deeply into the heart of the plot, in this review, would be to deny the reader the thrill of discovery and satisfaction, obtained one page at a time.  As the author himself has said, “it is a spellbinding story that will wrench your soul and touch your heart.  A literary tapestry entwined with vivid characters, a riveting plot and luxurious voice.”  To this I will add my own voice and say, “Amen”.

I will be recommending this book to my family and friends...and to you.  Beautifully written, edited, and imagined – it is a book for the ages and one I will read again.

Currently Featured on eReaderRecon.com

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Tired of Zombies? Sink Your Teeth Into New Breed - Huskers!

Book #1, Operation Z-Day, of The Raven Falconer Chronicles is FREE for the next five days.  This is a three-part series that is available as standalone episodes or in a complete volume.  A 'zombie' theme but not in the traditional sense: a virus alters mankind but with realistic results: no coming back from the dead with a penchant for brains.  The undead here are altered to the basic of human survival skills, but they learn, they adapt, and they unite.  If you're looking for something 'real' and frightening, this is the series for you.

Try book one for FREE and see what you think.  Set against the backdrop of beautiful Banff, Alberta, follow four female roommates as they battle the horde.  Operation Z-Day sets the stage and book #2, Rise of the Huskers, follows up with non-stop mayhem and death.

FREE April 8-12

Amazon 5 Star Reviews:
"Raven and her friends are fun, interesting and well fleshed out. Pun intended (you'll get it when you read the books). Their dreadful adventure is fast-paced, thrilling and keeps you guessing. This is like no other apocalyptic work. Larsen knows what came before him, and he plays with well known themes while making his own unique story. His first book is a fun take on themes that needed a new, interesting voice. Well paced, interesting read that this reader really enjoyed. I give this book about apocalypse, friendship, love, and endurance despite the odds: 5 out of 5 Opinionated Zombies or stars." -- ReadersUnite

"If you have a thing for zombie books, if you loved the movie "Zombieland" or the TV series "The Walking Dead" than you will be mad about "Operation Z-Day (The Raven Falconer Chronicles)" by Dennis Larsen.

Raven and her friends are fun, interesting and well fleshed out. Their dreadful adventure is fast-paced, thrilling and keeps you guessing

Every one of the books in each of his series are different but highly entertaining and once you start one of his books you will not want to stop reading until that last page is turned. I started this book in the morning and before it was bedtime (to my disappointment) I had finished it. It was that difficult to put down. This is one author that will surely become a favorite of yours." -- Frank Edwards

Saturday, April 4, 2015

National Poetry Slam - The Journey

When I first saw the title of this book, Autograph Penis, I was somewhat hesitant to even read the description.  I must ask, "Am I the only one with that reaction?"  Anyway, I was relieved to find it was not literal or the memoirs of a 'porn king', but rather a satirical look of one woman's journey to the National Poetry Slam in Boston.  Who would have known?  I couldn't help chuckling as I read the reviews, which are outstanding.  The author reminds me so much of my third daughter, who is a somewhat nerdy, quirky, out there kind of gal that loves to read and write poetry.  Perhaps it comes with the genetic splicing or the mind set, in any case, the book is unique, with plenty of laughs to carry you from page one to the last in a few short sittings.

I suspect this young writer will have a long and glorious career, filled with more side-splitting moments than she'll ever remember.  Please tell me, she keeps a journal.  Follow the antics of H.O. Tanager (Tanager.com) on her road to Poetry stardom in the pages of her road trip to remember - Autograph Penis, a non-fiction ah, ah...
Find out for yourself and buy this witty, self-recounted piece of poetic history.  I highly recommend it.

Amazon $2.99
And now for the Rave Reviews (of course, all 5 Star):
"H.O. Tanager does with Autograph Penis something I have seen nowhere else: she creates an image of the bar-game-turned-national-sport that is Poetry Slam. Autograph Penis ranges from hilarious to heartbreaking to deeply insightful, all while maintaining a sense of self awareness that immediately recruits the reader. Tanager's creation is accessible to everyone both inside and outside the slam community. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves, or wants to love, poets and poetry." by Ellyn


"H.O. Tanager does it again in her telling of the 2011 National Poetry Slam. No one has quite nailed the magnificent thrill and overwhelming feelings of anxiety that only the sport of Slam embodies, until now. Tanager's ability to combine the brutally honest with the almost magical makes Autograph Penis a go-to read for wit, drama, and many laughs. Her personable journey through the 2011 National Poetry slam is so relatable, I feel as if I were there with her. I mean the crying - it's such a real struggle. You've got to read to get this reference." by Tara

Featured on and recommended by eReaderRecon.com

Easter Weekend Giveaway

Last year my wife published her first children's book - The Marvelous Mind of Marvin Marsh.  It had originally been a touch-and-feel book that was given to me as a birthday gift.  The idea was worked on by my wife and all my children, as a way of signifying my push for them to reach beyond themselves and do something 'outside the box'.  Well, they did and it brought tears to my eyes.  Last year, I encouraged Holly to make it available to anyone who would enjoy it...and she did.  You can't experience the wonder of touching the creatures, but they are unique and special, just the same.

You can download the book this weekend for FREE.  It's a wonderful, easy story for small children to follow along, and the pictures will stimulate imagination and play for children of any age.

Enjoy your Easter Weekend - from our family to yours.

FREE DOWNLOAD FOR EASTER