Maria Savva's Blog, page 3

The Gift - available for pre-order on Amazon!

My new short story, "The Gift" is available to pre-order on Kindle on Amazon. It will be released on 15 April 2022.

"The Gift" is a story about Noah, a man who has always felt different, and the themes include: the importance of self-belief; love; loss; hope; and the value of friendship. There's a paranormal slant, which is quite a common theme in my books and stories.

The story was edited by my trusted editor Bob Helle, who has edited many of my novels and short stories in the past. He said that the story could also have been called "Karma", as that is part of the theme. He also gave me a couple of ideas that have inspired me to think of perhaps writing a second part to the story. It definitely feels like a story that could grow into a series. Time will tell.

I've included two bonus stories with the release: "Betrayal" (previously published in Far Away in Time), and "Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow" (previously published in Delusion and Dreams). There is an excerpt from my novel, The Spider included as well.

You can purchase "The Gift" and the bonus material for just 99 cents on Amazon.com and the equivalent price in other worldwide stores.



Pre-order links:

Amazon.com: The Gift

Amazon UK: The Gift

Free books: Smashwords' Read an Ebook Week!

If you are looking for free and bargain books to read, you should head over to Smashwords this week. The "Read an Ebook Week" sale is currently underway with discounted and free books available in every genre across the site.

Here's the link you need: Read an Ebook Week - Smashwords

Two of my novels are available on Smashwords, so I have decided to offer those to readers for free between 6th and 12th March 2022, as part of the promotion.

The Dream



Lynne cannot shake her feelings of dread; her dreams tell her she is making a terrible mistake, she must not marry Adam. But, how can she believe the dream? Lynne and Adam have shared their lives for three years now. She is certain she loves him.

It is not that love, which her dream warns against.

It doesn't matter that she loves this man she will soon marry. If she marries him, the voice in her dream says her soul mate will die. Her true love will perish.

Soon, Lynne's world is transformed and becomes almost unrecognisable, except for the déjà vu. Time doesn't seem to mean much anymore, and things are not quite as they seem. As her world spins out of control, Lynne must sort out what's real and what isn't to fulfill her destiny.

Link to Smashwords: The Dream

Goodreads link: The Dream

Haunted



Nigel Price has MURDER on his mind.

He can run but he cannot hide. Nigel's past has come back to haunt him. The truth is, his past has never left him... it follows him without remorse, catching him at every turn. There is no escape.

Regret, guilt, nightmares, despair... these fill his every waking hour and disturb his sleepless nights.

Take a trip inside Nigel's mind, in this dark, psychological thriller with a paranormal twist.

Link to Smashwords: Haunted

Goodreads link: Haunted

Book Review: The Trains Don't Stop Here - Martin Cosby

The Trains Don't Stop Here by Martin Cosby

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This book is a real treasure trove of stories. I enjoyed every one of them and was completely immersed in the strange and dark tales. Martin Cosby has a way of writing that draws you in and keeps you interested. There are themes that run through this collection of stories, including loss and grief, mental illness, the past, fear and ghosts. Each story is a complete world in itself. There are similarities in the circumstances some of the characters in different stories find themselves in. Many of them are lost for some time, either in darkness or looking for someone in some unfamiliar place. The overriding sense you get is that this author is a masterful storyteller who is able to manipulate both the characters and the readers with the twists and turns. Many of the endings of these stories are not clear cut and you find yourself wondering about what it all meant, but it's almost like a puzzle that slowly slips into place as the different elements of the story start to make sense the more you ponder them and it adds depth to the tales. Many of the stories have dark and sometimes sinister elements.

As well as similar themes, two of the stories are linked in a very creative way, with the same characters appearing in the later story and being instantly recognisable, as these are characters and stories that will stay with you long after you have finished reading them.

All of the characters in this book seem like real people and their stories seem like they really could have happened even though these are mostly very odd and unusual tales. The author has a wonderful way of describing surroundings and people that makes them seem all the more real. He also uses imagery effectively to add further layers to his complex storylines.

I read Martin Cosby's book Dying Embers quite a few years ago and really enjoyed it, so I was thrilled to see he had published another collection. I am pleased to say that this collection did not disappoint. I am looking forward to more stories from this talented writer.



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Book Review: Soul Light, by Julie Elizabeth Powell

Soul Light by Julie Elizabeth Powell

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


"Soul Light" is a collection of poetry and short stories by Julie Elizabeth Powell. The poems are connected to the stories that follow them and each of the stories is linked in some way. All the characters live in the fictional town of Wolford. This collection is all about how loss and grief can take away the light in the soul that gives people hope and something to believe in. The stories and poems are thought-provoking as we take a glimpse into the hearts and minds of people who have suffered loss and the ways they deal with those losses, finding their way back to the light. The poems are written to inspire and to make the reader think, and there is bonus content at the end where a photograph accompanies each of the poems featured in the book. One of my favourite poems is at the beginning of the book, "Hope"; the ending is particularly poignant and appears in the short story that follows. Each of the characters in the short stories has a fascinating story to tell.

"Soul Light" kept me interested and contains a positive message about human condition and the common emotions we share, how we are all linked in some way, just like the characters in the stories. I've been following this writer for many years and have always loved her stories and imagination. I think that her recent works are some of her best; her writing has developed, and it is clear when reading the stories that she is a seasoned writer and is adept at building worlds and creating unique and complex works.



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Book Review - The Fighter, by Helle Gade

The Fighter by Helle Gade

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I read Helle Gade's earlier collections of poetry, "Northern Whispers", "Savage Rose", "Nocturnal Embers", and "Silent Dreams", a few years ago and enjoyed them. I like the way she can reach inside and express her inner feelings and thoughts so well in poetic form. The author has now signed to Butterdragons Publishing and released a few more poetry collections.

"The Fighter", just like her earlier collections, contains thought-provoking and profound verse. The book is divided into four sections, "Pain", "Fear", "Fight", and "Dream".

The themes for the poems include the author's own personal health struggles, the pandemic, war, the environment, and human nature.

My personal favourites were the series of poems entitled "Green-Eyed Beast" - these were so personal and honest and very relatable. Other stand-out poems include "Ignorance", "Bureaucracy Sucks!", "Kitten", and "Arrrghhh". The whole collection is well written and from the heart. There is a passion in this poet's writing that makes her books compulsive reading.



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Book Review - Fragments: Haiku and Verse of Seasons, by Ben Ditmars and Susie Clevenger

Fragments: Haiku and Verse of Seasons by Ben Ditmars

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


"Fragments" is a poetry collection featuring poems by Ben Ditmars and Susie Clevenger. I have read a few of Ben Ditmars' books and he has also featured in some of the Mind's Eye Series anthologies that include some of my short stories, so I was familiar with his style of verse. I had not previously read any poetry by Susie Clevenger. I think these two poets have quite different voices but they work well together in this book. The book takes notable holiday dates of the year, for example Halloween and Thanksgiving, and each of the poets has written a few poems, in the form of either Haiku or short verse to express thoughts and memories relating to them. I am sure many people will relate to the themes in the book. One theme that runs throughout is how Covid has affected the way people can enjoy such celebrations. Ben Ditmars, in particular, has written some poignant verse that made me stop and think. His poetry is always quite profound and thought-provoking. Many of the poems have a bittersweet quality.

These two poets have taken universal thoughts and feelings surrounding holiday seasons and managed to express opinions and emotions that conjure up images in the reader's mind. It was a quick read, as the poems are short, but it was nonetheless enjoyable and nostalgic. It always surprises me how poets can tell a story in a short verse like Haiku.

All the profits from this book will go towards funding cancer research.



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Book Review: Fathers, Brothers, and Sons: Surviving Anguish, Abandonment, and Anthrax, by Frank Bello

Fathers, Brothers, and Sons: Surviving Anguish, Abandonment, and Anthrax by Frank Bello

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I really enjoyed this book. I've been an Anthrax fan since 1989, when I first saw them in concert at Hammersmith Odeon. Since then, I have seen the band live many times and Frank Bello always brings lots of enthusiasm and passion to his performances. I've seen many of the band's interviews over the years, so when reading the book it was easy to imagine Frank speaking and saying all of the stuff in the book. At the start of the book Frank says that he wanted it to be like a conversation between him and the reader over a cup of coffee or a beer, and it really does come across like that. Frank and his co-writer Joel McIver have done a great job, bringing all of Frank's memories alive and presenting the book in a way that is both compulsive and entertaining reading.

The foreword is written by Gene Simmons from Kiss and it's a great introduction to what is to come. The relationship between Frank and Gene started off with Frank being a bit of an annoying fan of Kiss who used to follow them everywhere, but it has since grown, and there is now a mutual appreciation that comes across.

The one thing that stands out when reading Frank's story is how he is very down to earth, and unlike many artists—especially artists as successful as he is—there is no ego problem. He appreciates that without fans he wouldn't be where he is and his gratitude is evident in the way he writes his story. His story demonstrates that the band have never taken anything for granted and always strive to produce the best music they can, seeing the relationship between bands and fans as a two way street.

The chapters that reflect on Frank's time in Anthrax make interesting reading. Although I knew a lot about the band, being a long-time fan, I learned a lot too; for example, how close they were with other bands that they toured with. Some of the stories of the antics on tour are fun to read.

But the book is not all about Frank's experience as a bassist in Anthrax, it also has a great deal of content about his personal life. His early life was far from easy and he has written his story with honesty and wisdom. We learn that one of the reasons he wrote the book was to help others and to talk about life lessons he has learned that he can pass on. He has certainly had a lot of experiences that many will relate to and perhaps find some inspiration or comfort from.

Another stand out thing from this book is the theme of tragedy that runs through it. Franks talks about his own mental health struggles when his younger brother was murdered and does so in a very open and honest way. He recollects other losses and how his experiences have made him live his life differently. He definitely has a great deal of wisdom to pass on with this book.

Frank Bello's love of music comes across from page one, and any music fan will instantly feel a connection when reading about his obsession with bands and music. One thing I learned from this book was that as well as being a musician, Frank has also trained as an actor. I wasn't aware that he had serious aspirations to be an actor alongside his musical career. His stories relating to that are very interesting.

"Fathers, Brothers, and Sons" is the story of a music lover who became a famous musician and has somehow managed to keep his feet on the ground. Frank comes across as fun-loving and sensible at the same time. It's a touching and honest account of a man's journey through life from childhood to fatherhood. Frank has had to deal with many tragic and heartbreaking events, however, he has endeavoured with this book to pass on some of the lessons he has learned from the ups and downs. It makes entertaining, thought-provoking reading.

If you are an Anthrax fan, this is a must-read book, but generally I think it would also be of interest to a wider audience. Frank Bello has a story to tell and his life lessons are well worth reading.



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Book Review: Ghosts of the Past, by Julie Elizabeth Powell

Ghosts of the Past by Julie Elizabeth Powell

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This story kept me hooked. I read it in one sitting because I wanted to find out what happened to the main character. The setting for the story, a remote house in the countryside, is perfect. The pace is perfect, as the author slowly reveals more and more about Clementine, the main character. Clementine is not her real name; she had to change her name and disguise herself and move away from her home to this remote house, to escape a stalker. That is just one of the intriguing elements of this story. "Ghosts of the Past" has all the hallmarks of a classic ghostly Christmas story, but it's not just another ghost story. From my reading of this short tale, I believe it is more about grief and how it can cause chaos and confusion, and more about the road that has to be travelled before the past can be left behind so that only the good memories remain. This tale has a heartwarming ending, with many twists and turns along the way. I have always enjoyed Julie Elizabeth Powell's fiction because it's so imaginative and creative, with deeper meanings behind the fantasy-like tales. In my opinion, "Ghosts of the Past" is one of her best stories so far. A thought-provoking read.



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Book Review: King Of The New York Streets, by Quentin R. Bufogle

KING OF THE NEW YORK STREETS by Quentin R. Bufogle

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I have read books and stories by this author before, so I knew he was a great writer and was intrigued to see that he had written a memoir. I like memoirs because in general it's like reading someone's diary and I've always been curious about the way people think and behave. This is a pacy, compulsive read. It's a no holds barred, honest account of the author's life as a teenager growing up in New York in the '60s and '70s. It is more or less centered around his quest for love as a young man, and there are some touching and poignant memories brought to life when he talks about the women he encountered. It is in many ways a love story. However, there are plenty of ups and downs in his romantic dalliances, all of which are interesting to read. It's not only about a young man chasing girls, however, this memoir has a depth that is captivating. The author has a way of connecting with the reader by including references to the past that conjure nostalgia. There are also stories about his time as a boxer, his ancestry and family background, and anecdotes about crazy things he and his friends got up to, all of which are entertaining. One of the things this writer does well is intersperse humour into his writing and this makes it all the more engaging. Quentin R. Bufogle has done a brilliant job of telling his story and it's a story that will resonate with many, I'm sure.



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Book Review: Panenka, by Rónán Hession

"Panenka" is one of those novels that I think everyone will be able to relate to in some way; the characters are ordinary people with the same everyday concerns as everyone else. This novel is centered around the life of the main character, Joseph, an ex-footballer, who has become known as Panenka after an event that happened years before but which has followed him and taunted him ever since. When we meet Panenka we find out that he has a secret that he has kept from his family, and as the novel progresses it becomes harder for him to keep it. We learn all about his life and meet his friends, his daughter and grandson, as well as his new romantic interest. The story is told well, in an introspective way that enables the reader to understand what each of the characters is thinking and feeling. All the players in this story are expertly crafted and could be real people. This author understands human nature and can bring characters to life in such a way that you begin to believe in them and sympathise with them. It contains many snippets of wisdom that make you stop and think; the hallmark of a classic book.

"Panenka" delves into the lives of the characters offering insightful commentary about grief, regret, relationships, love, loss, and more. I found myself feeling sad that the book was coming to an end.

This is the second book I have enjoyed by this talented author. His debut, Leonard and Hungry Paul is brilliant. I am looking forward to reading more of his books in the future.