Hitler's Grail
By Louis Charlebois
ISBN-10: 1425968341
Review by Heather Froeschl
The quest for the Holy Grail is an ancient story. Louis Charlebois' version brings the Grail to life in the midst of WWII, in his book, "Hitler's Grail."
"Hitler's Grail" tells the story of how Constantine the Great forced together the Sun Religion, Mithraism, and Christianity to form the Catholic Church. It tells of Hitler's desire to own the Grail, not for its legendary power, but for the power of politics. The book tells the tale of the invasion and occupation of France by Germany, and the terrible things that occurred. It is a somewhat dark tale, all the more dark because of its fact base. Will Hitler grasp the Grail? Will Christianity falter because of Hitler's message?
An epic story, this book is a war novel, a thriller, and even a romance. It is quite long, and non-military enthusiasts might feel they are back in history class. But some of such history you might not have known and bears looking into. The writing is tight and intriguing, grabbing the reader's attention. The plot flows as quickly as one of such depth can. There were a few typographical errors that caught my attention, but as an editor I am prone to such things. Errors are easily overlooked, and the story will carry the reader through some unforgettable moments.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Monday, November 27, 2006
Interview with The Sicilian Conspiracy author, Michael Sammaritano
Michael Sammaritano
www.michaelsammaritano.com
Publisher: Adesso Publishing
Heather: Michael, your own life sounds very interesting. Why choose the Mafia to write a book of fiction about?
Michael: The stigma of Mafia is what I have contended with all my life. While I am proud of my ancestors’ ideology, I am totally opposed to Mafia-hoodlums.
The majority of my compatriots are good law-abiding citizens who are stigmatized by these hoodlums and their undue glorification by the masses.
Heather: What did you base your story on, with the new Mafia having a goal of legitimacy?
Michael: The Sicilian Conspiracy portrays one man’s struggle, Don Saverio, to lure young Sicilians in becoming the best they could be through education and to compete in foreign markets for position of influence. Don Saverio’s master plan is to put an end to this façade of hoodlums disguising themselves as Mafia and spread the true Mafia ideology, which is what Big Business and Government relish—men of honor with solid backbone.
Heather: Is any part of the story based on real life events that you are aware of?
Michael: Some is from real life. Most however, comes from my wishing how things ought to be.
Heather: Why do you think readers are always so interested in hearing more tales of the Mafia days? Do you think this is more of an American obsession, or worldwide?
Michael: People, especially Americans, are more obsessed with grotesque events. Unfortunately many of the so-called Mafia stories offer all that and more.
Heather: Are you planning any further works of fiction?
Michael: “Red Roses” and “The Professional Dreamer” are two of my upcoming novels. I should have them out by the end of 2007.
Heather: A lot of authors have to continue with their “day jobs” to pay the bills. Are you still a pilot? Is this your “day job”?
Michael: Yes, I am still a pilot, but I don’t earn a living at it. Fortunately, I can pay the bills without a day job.
Heather: Do you have book signings planned in the near future?
Michael: It’s in the working. The dates and location will be posted on the website @ www.adessopublishing.com.
Heather: Do you find marketing your work to be another enjoyable aspect of writing?
Michael: Marketing is an innate treat. I began marketing myself the day I was born; first to my mother, then to my siblings, to my outer family and to the world.
Heather: How do you work your plotting of your work? Do you outline every major event, or do you let your characters have their way?
Michael: I outline the storyline—beginning, middle, and end—and then each character’s general appearance, traits, and habits and I watch them act their parts and report it.
Heather: Tell me something about you as a writer that would surprise people who think they know you.
Michael: When I moved from Sicily to the United States I taught myself English. I envy anyone whose native tongue is English. For the small words they learn as children and take for granted I struggle to learn.
Heather: Thank you for talking with me, and I wish you the best of luck with your work.
Biography:
Michael Sammaritano was born in Sicily in 1937, his mother in New York City. Michael spent his childhood in the heart of WWII. He started writing when he was 14 years old. In 1956 he graduated from the Scuola Professionale a Tipo Industriale. At the age of twenty he moved to the United States.
Michael holds several US Patents. He is a multiengine instrument rated pilot. He enjoys golfing, fishing, and, of course writing. He is the author of several books. The Sicilian Conspiracy is his latest work of fiction. Currently he is working on the "Radically Simplified™” series of books; “The Golf Swing Radically Simplified”, “Your health Radically Simplified” and “Marriage to Matrimony Radically Simplified”.
www.michaelsammaritano.com
Publisher: Adesso Publishing
Heather: Michael, your own life sounds very interesting. Why choose the Mafia to write a book of fiction about?
Michael: The stigma of Mafia is what I have contended with all my life. While I am proud of my ancestors’ ideology, I am totally opposed to Mafia-hoodlums.
The majority of my compatriots are good law-abiding citizens who are stigmatized by these hoodlums and their undue glorification by the masses.
Heather: What did you base your story on, with the new Mafia having a goal of legitimacy?
Michael: The Sicilian Conspiracy portrays one man’s struggle, Don Saverio, to lure young Sicilians in becoming the best they could be through education and to compete in foreign markets for position of influence. Don Saverio’s master plan is to put an end to this façade of hoodlums disguising themselves as Mafia and spread the true Mafia ideology, which is what Big Business and Government relish—men of honor with solid backbone.
Heather: Is any part of the story based on real life events that you are aware of?
Michael: Some is from real life. Most however, comes from my wishing how things ought to be.
Heather: Why do you think readers are always so interested in hearing more tales of the Mafia days? Do you think this is more of an American obsession, or worldwide?
Michael: People, especially Americans, are more obsessed with grotesque events. Unfortunately many of the so-called Mafia stories offer all that and more.
Heather: Are you planning any further works of fiction?
Michael: “Red Roses” and “The Professional Dreamer” are two of my upcoming novels. I should have them out by the end of 2007.
Heather: A lot of authors have to continue with their “day jobs” to pay the bills. Are you still a pilot? Is this your “day job”?
Michael: Yes, I am still a pilot, but I don’t earn a living at it. Fortunately, I can pay the bills without a day job.
Heather: Do you have book signings planned in the near future?
Michael: It’s in the working. The dates and location will be posted on the website @ www.adessopublishing.com.
Heather: Do you find marketing your work to be another enjoyable aspect of writing?
Michael: Marketing is an innate treat. I began marketing myself the day I was born; first to my mother, then to my siblings, to my outer family and to the world.
Heather: How do you work your plotting of your work? Do you outline every major event, or do you let your characters have their way?
Michael: I outline the storyline—beginning, middle, and end—and then each character’s general appearance, traits, and habits and I watch them act their parts and report it.
Heather: Tell me something about you as a writer that would surprise people who think they know you.
Michael: When I moved from Sicily to the United States I taught myself English. I envy anyone whose native tongue is English. For the small words they learn as children and take for granted I struggle to learn.
Heather: Thank you for talking with me, and I wish you the best of luck with your work.
Biography:
Michael Sammaritano was born in Sicily in 1937, his mother in New York City. Michael spent his childhood in the heart of WWII. He started writing when he was 14 years old. In 1956 he graduated from the Scuola Professionale a Tipo Industriale. At the age of twenty he moved to the United States.
Michael holds several US Patents. He is a multiengine instrument rated pilot. He enjoys golfing, fishing, and, of course writing. He is the author of several books. The Sicilian Conspiracy is his latest work of fiction. Currently he is working on the "Radically Simplified™” series of books; “The Golf Swing Radically Simplified”, “Your health Radically Simplified” and “Marriage to Matrimony Radically Simplified”.
Fiction Review
The Sicilian Conspiracy
By Michael Sammaritano
ISBN-10: 0977902374
Whispers of the Mafia are part of our culture, like it or not. Some say the legend is bigger than fact, some pretend they know nothing about it. Michael Sammaritano’s novel, “The Sicilian Conspiracy” does more than whisper rumors, but after all it is a work of fiction.
Don Severio Cremona was forced into taking over the family “business” in Sicily. It is something he didn’t wish to do but upon the death of his father he makes a decision to set forth dramatic change in the Mafia around the world. The goal of legitimacy is a huge undertaking. It will take years to bring about tiny steps of progress. Ray Greco becomes Don Severio’s presence in the United States, New York to be precise. With the help of the Class of 1956, a group of young men specially trained per Don Severio’s instructions, Ray will begin to break down the decaying Mafia and replace it with supposedly legit business. The control that Severio hopes to gain will come through his men being in every possible position of power, from within. Politics, business, even the FBI, are all targets. Ray though, has been waiting for the moment to seek his revenge for his own father’s murder. Will he follow tradition? How does the new Mafia truly differ from the old?
Michael Sammaritano has written an interesting and exciting tale of the darker side of Sicilian and American culture. His plot flows nicely, coming full circle, while his characters lead the way. A fast-paced and intriguing read!
By Michael Sammaritano
ISBN-10: 0977902374
Whispers of the Mafia are part of our culture, like it or not. Some say the legend is bigger than fact, some pretend they know nothing about it. Michael Sammaritano’s novel, “The Sicilian Conspiracy” does more than whisper rumors, but after all it is a work of fiction.
Don Severio Cremona was forced into taking over the family “business” in Sicily. It is something he didn’t wish to do but upon the death of his father he makes a decision to set forth dramatic change in the Mafia around the world. The goal of legitimacy is a huge undertaking. It will take years to bring about tiny steps of progress. Ray Greco becomes Don Severio’s presence in the United States, New York to be precise. With the help of the Class of 1956, a group of young men specially trained per Don Severio’s instructions, Ray will begin to break down the decaying Mafia and replace it with supposedly legit business. The control that Severio hopes to gain will come through his men being in every possible position of power, from within. Politics, business, even the FBI, are all targets. Ray though, has been waiting for the moment to seek his revenge for his own father’s murder. Will he follow tradition? How does the new Mafia truly differ from the old?
Michael Sammaritano has written an interesting and exciting tale of the darker side of Sicilian and American culture. His plot flows nicely, coming full circle, while his characters lead the way. A fast-paced and intriguing read!
Fiction Review
Explozion
by Ross Wells
ISBN-10: 059525411X
Review by Heather Froeschl
Some film directors leave you wondering what they were thinking, and some make you desperately want to know what inspires them. In Ross Wells' novel, "eXploZion!" the reader is immersed into one young film director's thoughts. What is revealed is downright weird.
Gabriel Black has a mild obsession with film. (Maybe not so mild.) He meets an addictive young woman, and together they work on sorting out who he is and what he will become. Along the way we read of Gabe's sordid past with various females, a couple of good friends, and the ultimate goal of producing films. His influences ranged from Mary Shelley to late night horror flicks on television. He collected dreams in the form of motion pictures. After a couple of student films, he became a film instructor for a private school, but that wasn't quite enough. His talent called him to move on to greater things. His relationship with the young woman, Isis, led him to a chance at a financed project and a permanent job. Strange things happen though, and like a scene out of a classic horror film, the unexpected occurs.
A cross between the Johnny Depp movie "Ed Wood," and a college course in film, "eXploZion!" is quite unique. Movie buffs will love it. As a story in itself, the plot was a bit out there, not exactly smooth, but something completely different. The tirades into books and films were a bit distracting to me, but then I'm not the obsessive fan that Gabriel Black seems to be. It certainly helped to bring his character across. It made me wonder though, if this book wasn't really just an excuse for the author to talk about his own passion. I don't know.
All in all, it is very different sort of book.
by Ross Wells
ISBN-10: 059525411X
Review by Heather Froeschl
Some film directors leave you wondering what they were thinking, and some make you desperately want to know what inspires them. In Ross Wells' novel, "eXploZion!" the reader is immersed into one young film director's thoughts. What is revealed is downright weird.
Gabriel Black has a mild obsession with film. (Maybe not so mild.) He meets an addictive young woman, and together they work on sorting out who he is and what he will become. Along the way we read of Gabe's sordid past with various females, a couple of good friends, and the ultimate goal of producing films. His influences ranged from Mary Shelley to late night horror flicks on television. He collected dreams in the form of motion pictures. After a couple of student films, he became a film instructor for a private school, but that wasn't quite enough. His talent called him to move on to greater things. His relationship with the young woman, Isis, led him to a chance at a financed project and a permanent job. Strange things happen though, and like a scene out of a classic horror film, the unexpected occurs.
A cross between the Johnny Depp movie "Ed Wood," and a college course in film, "eXploZion!" is quite unique. Movie buffs will love it. As a story in itself, the plot was a bit out there, not exactly smooth, but something completely different. The tirades into books and films were a bit distracting to me, but then I'm not the obsessive fan that Gabriel Black seems to be. It certainly helped to bring his character across. It made me wonder though, if this book wasn't really just an excuse for the author to talk about his own passion. I don't know.
All in all, it is very different sort of book.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Science Fiction Review
The Paladin Chronicles
by B. W. Philpot
ISBN-10: 1598005650
Review by Heather Froeschl
Have you ever considered the possibility of ancient souls roaming the universe, perpetuating change, protecting civilizations and encouraging evolutional progress? In B.W. Philpot's novel, "The Paladin Chronicles," The Elders are out there, doing just that, but it may have been because of them that a whole lot of trouble began as well.
It is a school of thought that the dinosaurs were killed off by nothing greater than a germ. In Philpot's book, a great plague, spread by terrorists, nearly devastates the earth. With the intervention of The Elders, and the peoples they nourished, The Paladins, Earth is saved but society is very different from what we now know. The Elders need help in an ageless battle with The Zillians, a reptilian species that is a mortal enemy. The Paladins were to be their army, with Earthlings as the force behind it. The greatest plans go astray, but with partial success, the future can be saved. A rift must be healed between the Earthlings and Paladins and it becomes the mission of the very man who instigated the trouble to begin with, to begin the healing.
On the personal side of things, two Paladins who were clearly meant to be together, happen to be the two greatest battle hero's of the force. Forced to work together, along with the scientist and doctor who deeply affected their careers and lives previously, the three must find a way to overcome hard feelings. A bit of a rebel, Lensil has a few surprises aboard his ship, including a captive Zillian, and a forbidden dog. Other
relationships carry the reader through the tale on a personal scale.
The book is an interesting and intriguing piece of science fiction. It holds the reader's attention with cool sci-fi technology and settings, yet offers the human-interest aspect of a good story. A handful of misspellings did distract me a bit, drawing attention from my editor side, but my inner reader was more interested in following the action of the tale. With the promise of additional Paladin books in the future, I look forward to hearing more from author B.W. Philpot.
by B. W. Philpot
ISBN-10: 1598005650
Review by Heather Froeschl
Have you ever considered the possibility of ancient souls roaming the universe, perpetuating change, protecting civilizations and encouraging evolutional progress? In B.W. Philpot's novel, "The Paladin Chronicles," The Elders are out there, doing just that, but it may have been because of them that a whole lot of trouble began as well.
It is a school of thought that the dinosaurs were killed off by nothing greater than a germ. In Philpot's book, a great plague, spread by terrorists, nearly devastates the earth. With the intervention of The Elders, and the peoples they nourished, The Paladins, Earth is saved but society is very different from what we now know. The Elders need help in an ageless battle with The Zillians, a reptilian species that is a mortal enemy. The Paladins were to be their army, with Earthlings as the force behind it. The greatest plans go astray, but with partial success, the future can be saved. A rift must be healed between the Earthlings and Paladins and it becomes the mission of the very man who instigated the trouble to begin with, to begin the healing.
On the personal side of things, two Paladins who were clearly meant to be together, happen to be the two greatest battle hero's of the force. Forced to work together, along with the scientist and doctor who deeply affected their careers and lives previously, the three must find a way to overcome hard feelings. A bit of a rebel, Lensil has a few surprises aboard his ship, including a captive Zillian, and a forbidden dog. Other
relationships carry the reader through the tale on a personal scale.
The book is an interesting and intriguing piece of science fiction. It holds the reader's attention with cool sci-fi technology and settings, yet offers the human-interest aspect of a good story. A handful of misspellings did distract me a bit, drawing attention from my editor side, but my inner reader was more interested in following the action of the tale. With the promise of additional Paladin books in the future, I look forward to hearing more from author B.W. Philpot.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Terrorist Fear Fiction Review
Reaching Home
by Ron Breazeale
ISBN-10: 1931642060
Review by Heather Froeschl
What do terrorists hold over us? Is it their weapons, their knowledge, or is it our own fear? They elicit terror, and when we allow ourselves to be afraid, we give them power. Our fears can control our lives in many ways. In Ron Breazeale's novel, "Reaching Home," we are brought face to face with the fears that many of us cling to.
Dr. Lee Brazil left the south for the open arms of Maine. He's raised a daughter, and lived life, despite his own demons of fears. While back in the south, doing research for a book in Pine Grove, Tennessee, and a meeting of SOMAP - Save Our Mountain and Our People, Lee falls victim to an accident at the Pine Grove Lab incinerator for nuclear waste. This accident is mistakenly believed to be a terrorist plot and Dr. Brazil is taken into protective custody. The fallout sickness not being enough to deter him, Dr. Brazil escapes and hitches a ride in the back of a truck hauling port-a-johns. Thus the journey begins, and develops into a discovery of how people will help a stranger, and how they either live by or face their fears.
Things get quite heated when a second incident occurs at Pine Grove. The FBI is looking for Brazil, and a terrorist cell is being tracked in Boston. Emotionally, Lee is dealing with old feelings of lost love, nightmares of terrors, and an unquenchable thirst to return to Maine. Will he make it home? Will the real terrorists realize their terrible quest?
Breazeale's novel is an enticing, captivating read. Set in the very near future, the book rings true with many current public fears. This work of suspense also holds deeper messages of love, life, and understanding our demons. The plot is tight and well planned, and the characters are undeniably human. Easy to read and impossible to put down, "Reaching Home" is bound to be a great hit!
by Ron Breazeale
ISBN-10: 1931642060
Review by Heather Froeschl
What do terrorists hold over us? Is it their weapons, their knowledge, or is it our own fear? They elicit terror, and when we allow ourselves to be afraid, we give them power. Our fears can control our lives in many ways. In Ron Breazeale's novel, "Reaching Home," we are brought face to face with the fears that many of us cling to.
Dr. Lee Brazil left the south for the open arms of Maine. He's raised a daughter, and lived life, despite his own demons of fears. While back in the south, doing research for a book in Pine Grove, Tennessee, and a meeting of SOMAP - Save Our Mountain and Our People, Lee falls victim to an accident at the Pine Grove Lab incinerator for nuclear waste. This accident is mistakenly believed to be a terrorist plot and Dr. Brazil is taken into protective custody. The fallout sickness not being enough to deter him, Dr. Brazil escapes and hitches a ride in the back of a truck hauling port-a-johns. Thus the journey begins, and develops into a discovery of how people will help a stranger, and how they either live by or face their fears.
Things get quite heated when a second incident occurs at Pine Grove. The FBI is looking for Brazil, and a terrorist cell is being tracked in Boston. Emotionally, Lee is dealing with old feelings of lost love, nightmares of terrors, and an unquenchable thirst to return to Maine. Will he make it home? Will the real terrorists realize their terrible quest?
Breazeale's novel is an enticing, captivating read. Set in the very near future, the book rings true with many current public fears. This work of suspense also holds deeper messages of love, life, and understanding our demons. The plot is tight and well planned, and the characters are undeniably human. Easy to read and impossible to put down, "Reaching Home" is bound to be a great hit!
Testimonial Book Review
Dying to Live: A Call to Joy - The Power of a Testimony
by Hope Joy
ISBN-10: 143030846X
Review by Heather Froeschl
Do you know someone who feels a deep joy, no matter what is going on in their life? Hope Joy's offering, "Dying to Live" is an explanation of her personal joy.
After enduring years of depression, Hope finds herself in the unfortunate situation of hearing terrible news from her doctors. She faces a life threatening illness and has to undergo surgery. It is during her ordeal that she comes to realize her joy at living, and finds the source of that joy in her God.
This short book is a testimonial; it is one woman's moment of truth and her desire to share the joy she feels with people. In a no-nonsense, straightforward tone, Hope shares her tale, details her feelings and invites readers to develop their own testimonial through a workbook section at the back.
This work should be a help to some readers, a confirmation of beliefs for others.
by Hope Joy
ISBN-10: 143030846X
Review by Heather Froeschl
Do you know someone who feels a deep joy, no matter what is going on in their life? Hope Joy's offering, "Dying to Live" is an explanation of her personal joy.
After enduring years of depression, Hope finds herself in the unfortunate situation of hearing terrible news from her doctors. She faces a life threatening illness and has to undergo surgery. It is during her ordeal that she comes to realize her joy at living, and finds the source of that joy in her God.
This short book is a testimonial; it is one woman's moment of truth and her desire to share the joy she feels with people. In a no-nonsense, straightforward tone, Hope shares her tale, details her feelings and invites readers to develop their own testimonial through a workbook section at the back.
This work should be a help to some readers, a confirmation of beliefs for others.
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