L. Salt's Blog, page 7

[Book Review]: If No One Speaks by Sam Szanto

About the Book

Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Collection of short stories

Publisher: Alien Buddha Press

Release Date: 13th July 2022

The 26 stories in Sam Szanto’s debut collection, ‘If No One Speaks’, centre around the ideas of voicelessness and dispossession.

The theme of displacement manifests physically, many of the characters living in brutal environments or trapped away from home: as in ‘Mikey’, when two sisters are stuck in a car on their way to their father’s funeral. In others, characters endure mental alienation, whether from unsuitable lovers, their physical environment or due to being unable to speak about brutality.

Displacement is also dealt with through the subject of crime: ‘My Sister the Murderer’ is about a woman who frames her sister for murder; in ‘The Yellow Circle’ a policewoman commits a crime after becoming obsessed with a particular scent, and in ‘Making Memories’ two girls on holiday in Thailand become drug mules; the characters must deal with enforced separation because of their actions.

Every story concerns a relationship, usually one facing a difficulty. ‘Well, we are in Spain’ is about a romantic relationship threatened by a man’s female best friend; ‘Inaccrochable’ concerns an extra-marital affair jeopardised by lockdown; ‘Phil in Real Life’ is about how the idea of online dating often differs from the reality; ‘The Second Therapy Session’ is also likely to be the last for one couple, while in ‘Don’t Refuse Me’ a woman is taken by surprise by a less than romantic marriage proposal. Many of the stories are about those separated from loved ones, and the courage it takes to bear this. Family is a focus of the collection, from a story about a woman who has to physically let go of her daughter in a towerblock fire (‘Letting Go’), to three stories about daughters grieving their fathers.

Some stories feature the supernatural, such as ‘The Stranger in the Living Room’ that is about a woman’s encounter with a vampire; in ‘Everyone Loved Romy’ a man sees the ghost of his past love at a school reunion; in ‘Apple Crumble Baked by a Ghost’ a ghost appears to support and cook for her daughter, while in ‘Someone Just Like Me’, a woman finds herself confronted with someone whose looks and experiences mirror her own so closely she could be a doppelganger.

There is a strong theme of women’s resilience and ability to overcome adversity in the collection. The protagonists, wherever they live and whoever they encounter, are relatable and the writing is often comic as well as evocative. Many stories end with the sense that the characters will be redeemed or that their lives will improve.

The majority of the stories feature displaced or alienated female protagonists. There are sub-themes of love, loss, incarceration, the forbidden and female solidarity. The protagonists are a variety of ages in diverse situations, in settings spanning the globe, including: a Russian prison, a Bangladeshi brothel, a Thai jail, a Madrid market and the English Lake District.

The stories are structured around their dialogue with each other, one piece speaking to the next through subject or tone. The title story, ‘If No One Speaks’, about Russian women’s resilience and endeavour to speak out in prison, is followed by ‘Quiet Love’, about nuns who fall in love in a convent, after which comes ‘125’ about a young woman living in a brothel who is attracted to a married client. The stories come thematically full circle, with the first story ending with a mother’s plea for her daughter not to grow up in silence and the final story closing with a mother and a daughter singing together.

About the Author

Sam Szanto grew up in Eastbourne, East Sussex, the daughter of an astrologer/barrister and a psychiatric nurse.
Her numerous jobs have included ice cream seller, Lush retailer and marketing for a national blind charity. She has always had cats. She has an embarrassing richness of degrees (from Warwick, Sheffield, Bath Spa and now Newcastle), including three Master’s degrees – one currently in progress, all in English-related subjects.
A gypsy by nature, Sam has lived all over the country. After 20 years in London, she moved her family (a husband, two children and the ubiquitous cat) up to Durham.
Her surname is Hungarian and is pronounced (in English) San-to. She’s heard all the Santa jokes.

Media Links

Blog: https://www.samszanto.com/blog

Site: https://www.samszanto.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sam_szanto

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sam.szanto/

My review

4,5 stars

 

If No One Speaks is a brilliant collection of twenty-six short stories where the author explores womanhood and women’s power. Szanto’s characters are women from all ways of life, usually disadvantaged, abused both physically and mentally, abandoned, unloved, the women who experience failed friendship, struggles of motherhood and sisterhood.

Szanto’s women are flawed but realistic. They make a reader experience all spectrums of emotions: from hatred to deep love, from disgust to admiration. They are failed mothers and sisters, murderers and victims, prostitutes and policewomen, prisoners of real jails and their own psyche, but they all have one in common – they deserve empathy and love.

My favourite stories from the collection are:

If No One Speaks tells a story about Natalya, a journalist and activist, who was sentenced to a Russian prison for self-defence. The conditions are tough, inhumane, but nobody dares to raise their voice. Is Natalya brave enough to do it?

Mikey, a tale of two sisters who travel to attend their father’s funeral, but get stuck in a snowstorm. Love and faith bring a guardian angel to their help.

My Sister the Murderer is a true crime story where a woman, driven by jealousy and revenge, frames her sister for murder. A lyrical tale of failed sisterhood.

Making Memories where two best friends get into trouble during their trip to Thailand and end up in prison. Will their friendship survive the challenge? Or is it money that rules the world, buying freedom?

The Cleaner isa tale of a woman who works in a rich household. Under the glam and glitter of big money, she discovers all the troubles and dirty secrets of the family.

I gave the book 4,5* as some of the stories’ endings seems a bit too quick and abrupt to me. I’d love to see a bit slower development.   

Purchase Links

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61457098-if-no-one-speaks

[Book Reading]: Excerpt from “Aurora Island”

In this video, I’m reading a coupled of chapters from my new release, a sci-fi/thriller novella Aurora Island, and talking about research and inspiration behind it. The real story behind “Aurora” colony.

Follow Alien Buddha Press on YouTube for more readings and live events.

Order your copy of Aurora Island here:

SPOTLIGHT: ‘Aurora Island’ by Valeriya Salt

HAPPY RELEASE DAY TO ME

My sci-fi/thriller novella AURORA ISLAND is now available. Read first 12 pages on Alien Buddha Press’ blog.

Buy a copy: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BYR5F9KC

Alien Buddha Press

First 12 pages

London, United Kingdom

2016

“I don’t understand.” Andrea shifted her gaze from the thick envelope to the lawyer and back. Her hands were shaking. “How is it possible? My mother never told me about you. In fact, my mother hasn’t said a word to me for as long as I remember her. You know her mental condition—“

“Miss Zissman, I understand your shock and confusion.” Mr Abram’s pale eyes stared at her without a blink. “It must be hard for you to know that your mother died without saying her last goodbye or seeing you, but let me assure you that Mrs Zissman always tried to protect you and your interests.”

“Protect me? From what? What are you talking about?” Andrea yelled. “My mum spent over thirty years in a special care home. She never recognised me or anybody else. My grandmother brought me up alone. Now…

View original post 2,228 more words

[Author’s Interview]: My interview with DJ Bowman-Smith

Blending science fiction, thriller, and historical fiction with Valeriya Salt.

https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-tjhnq-13d09d4

I’m talking about my recent release, a sci-fi/thriller Aurora Island, and my future books.

A pre-order link for Aurora Island:

DJ here:

www.djbowmansmith.com

www.tigermolly.com

[Book Blitz]: High Wire by Kam Majd

Genre: Thriller 

Date Published: 13th March 2023

Publisher: ‎ Mindstir Media

A WOMAN STANDS ACCUSED

BUT THE COST TO PROVE HER INNOCENCE

MAY JUST BE HER LIFE

“Absorbing and seductive.” – Publishers Weekly

“Plane riveting…like (Grisham and Crichton’s novels).” – New York Post

Captain Kate Gallagher has a plane to land and a daughter to get home to. But first, she’s got to contend with a confrontational co-pilot, blizzard conditions, and something far more treacherous-a plane contaminated with a lethal computer virus. When the controls refuse to respond to her commands, she has two choices: Turn the plane around or trust her instinct.

One day later, the world’s press is picking through the mangled remains of Flight 394 and crying pilot error. To clear her name, Kate must endure humiliation and blame, and the risk to herself and her family, until she comes face to face with the madman who created the virus. There, she uncovers a shocking conspiracy that has already zeroed in on a new target: another plane, another deadly disaster.

With only seconds to save the 262 passengers on board, Kate Gallagher will fight her way back into the pilot’s seat and up into the air, in a life-and-death race against time, and a computer virus that is wired, running, and ready to kill again. And the price for saving all those lives may be only one… hers.

“Satisfying and credibly suspenseful.” – School Library Journal

“A thrilling ride all the way from the brilliant set-up to the gripping payoff.” – Patrick Massett (Friday Night Lights, The Blacklist)

About the Author

Kam Majd is an Edgar® Award-nominated author of character-driven, edge-of-your-seat suspense novels. He has climbed in and out of cockpits for 44 years, 35 of which have been at American Airlines, with his most recent position as a 777 captain. Born in Iran, and educated around the world in India, England, and the United States, Majd and his wife Lori now live in Southern California with their two daughters, Megan and Sydney, nearby.

Contact Links

FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM / TIKTOK / TWITTER / YOUTUBE

@KamMajdBooks 

Purchase Link

Amazon

B&N: 

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/high-wire-kam-majd/1100550233?ean=9781960142924 

[New Release]: Unboxing the parcel with my author’s copies of “Aurora Island”. Release date: April 18th

Follow my publisher Alien Buddha Press for more information on my new release, a sci-fi thriller novella Aurora Island.

Follow me on Twitter and Facebook for book’s reading and giveaways.

[Book Review]: The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell

About the Book

Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure

Publisher: Harper Collins

Release Date: 4th October 2004 (1st edition)

In a land torn apart by conflict, an orphan boy has come of age. Raised by the Vikings, deadly enemies of his own Saxon people, Uhtred is a fierce and skilled warrior who kneels to no-one.

Alfred – Saxon, king, man of god – fights to hold the throne of the only land still resisting the pagan northerners.

Uhtred and Alfred’s fates are tangled, soaked in blood and blackened by the flames of war. Together they will change history.

About the Author

From the strife and division of the Dark Ages to the blood and bravery of the Napoleonic Wars, Bernard Cornwell’s has been bringing history to life since the early eighties when he created the unlikely hero renegade-turned-officer Richard Sharpe. Whether turning his hand to the hunt for the Grail quest, Arthurian legend or feuding Saxons in his Last Kingdom series, his novels are consistently popular, making him one of Britain’s best-loved and bestselling novelists.

Website:
http://www.bernardcornwell.net/

My review

4* stars

The Last Kingdom is the first book in Cornwell’s Saxon Stories series. It’s the year 866, and the Viking raiders are swarming England. The divided English kingdoms are falling one after another, and soon, only the Kingdom of Wessex is left free from Danish rule.

The book follows the steps of Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a noble-born Saxon boy, whose father, the Ealdorman of Bebbanburg, is killed in a bloody battle with the Danes. Uhtred is kidnapped by one of the Danes’ leaders, Ragnar the Fearless, and despite their cultural and religious differences (Uhtred is Christian, Danes are pagans), he was raised as Ragnar’s son.

At the beginning of the story, Uhtred enjoys the Vikings’ way of living, with their brutal raids, adventures, sea travels, and pagan Gods. He despises the weak English lords, surrounded by boring priests, and truly believes that Danish gods are far more powerful. Ragnar treats him like his son, and Uhtred doesn’t hold a grudge against him for the killing of his real father. In fact, Ragnar loves him more than his real father did.

Getting older and meeting King Alfred, Uhtred starts to question his loyalty. Deep inside, he feels he’s still an English Ealdorman, a true and only Lord of Bebbanburg. He still dreams of claiming Bebbanburg castle and his lands back from his treacherous uncle, who not only took it away from the young Uhtred but also sent a killer to get rid of the potentially dangerous nephew.

When Ragnar and his family are killed by a rivalling Danish clan, when Uhtred’s wife and son are kidnapped by an English nobleman, Uhtred’s loyalty is challenged, and he finally needs to decide who he really is – an English lord, a supporter of Alfred’s last kingdom or a fearless Viking warrior.

I was a bit unsure about the book at first, as it is written from the first point of view which is not my favourite style. I was wrong. The novel is fast-paced and full of adventures. Bernard Cornwell is a master of the historical genre. His description of Anglo-Saxon England under the Viking’s rule creates a fascinating fabric of the story.

I give the book only 4* because of the ending. It feels a bit too rushed and unfinished. There’re too many questions left unanswered. It’s probably okay if you’re going to invest your time into reading the whole series. I’d love to see more resolutions in Book One, though.

Purchase Links:

[Cover Reveal]: Aurora Island, a sci-fi thriller novella

Drum rolls!! My sci-fi novella Aurora Island, inspired by my trip to Iceland and many historical event are out on April 18th by Alien Buddha Press .

Here’s the cover.

Blurb

Andrea Zissman was brought up by her strict grandmother and never knew the truth about her family. She finds out that her father, a scientist who studied the energy of Aurora Borealis, was killed by members of some mysterious neo-Nazis’ colony somewhere on a remote Icelandic island. Moreover, she has an older brother she has never seen before.

Desperate to find her brother and bring to justice her father’s murderers, Andrea teams up with Leon Callais, a journalist, who is on the hunt for the Nazi super weapon Nothung, a device able to open a portal to other dimensions. He believes that the death of Andrea’s father and Nothung are connected.

Following the investigation, Andrea and Leon travel to Iceland where the colonists give them an extremely cold welcome.  Now, they need to fight not only for the truth but also for their lives. 

What this space for the purchase links

[Book Blitz]: Crossroads by Rhonda Parker Taylor

Genre: Suspense, Thriller

Date Published: 23rd January 2023

Publisher: ‎MindStir Media

She’s Paris Pennington.

A lovely workaholic about to be confronted with adversity and chaos, with challenges leading her to restlessness, uncertainty, and questioning her life choices and her current path. The fabric of her life begins to be picked apart as people around her start dying.

A crossroad leads her to make a change and promises to fulfil her dreams while an embattled personal war between past and present comes together, testing loyalty and the forces of envy that may prevent tomorrow from coming.

Rhonda Parker Taylor’s most exciting suspense thriller fictional character ever.

About the Author

Rhonda Parker Taylor is an American writer, entrepreneur, and academic researcher. Rhonda Parker Taylor was born in Noblesville, Indiana, on October 18, 1964. She is the second youngest of five children born to Anita and William Parker, founders of a midwestern steel manufacturing company in Noblesville.

Rhonda spent her childhood in their two-story home surrounded by cornfields and cows and attended Heritage Christian School in Indianapolis. After graduating from Heritage, she attended Bauder Fashion College in Arlington, Texas. After graduating from Bauder with a certificate in fashion buying, she returned to Indiana. Parker initially found work at Educational Financial Services in Indianapolis. Her friends and family suggested that she try her hand as an author.

Rhonda took their advice and wrote her first book, Crossroads, in 2002. It took a decade for her to publish it due to her academic explorations. She attended the doctoral in business program at the University of Phoenix and received an MBA and a bachelor’s in science management from Indiana Wesleyan University. Parker’s writing ranges from educational to fiction. She is best known for her study on emotional intelligence and as the multi-national leader presented at the Union Global Compact Committee. She loves writing, consulting, and teaching. However, she has spent her business life encouraging others through career and academic development programs, including being a campus president for National College and founder of Intelligence Solutions. After years of assisting others in pursuing their dreams, Rhonda follows her passion for writing as she lives a peaceful life raising her three dogs and living with her husband, Dana. 

Contact Links

Website: https://rhondaparkertaylor.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhondap800/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RhondaParkerTa1

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/rhonrdap800/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rhonda.parker.967

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhondaparker1/

Purchase Links

Amazon

B&N: 

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/crossroads-rhonda-parker-taylor/1143017866?ean=9781958729533

[New Release]: ARC’s Readers Wanted!

Reading and writing friends!

I need your help with my new release. My sci-fi/thriller novella Aurora Island is coming in the begging of May (Alien Buddha Press) . I’m looking for a couple of ARC’s readers to read and write a short (2-5 sentences), blurb-like review.

Genre: Adult sci-fi/thriller set in the UK and Iceland.

Length: 130 pages

Please, comment here if interested.

Blurb:

Andrea Zissman was brought up by her strict grandmother and never knew the truth about her family. She finds out that her father, a scientist who studied the energy of Aurora Borealis, was killed by members of some mysterious neo-Nazis’ colony somewhere on a remote Icelandic island. Moreover, she has an older brother she has never seen before.

Desperate to find her brother and bring to justice her father’s murderers, Andrea teams up with Leon Callais, a journalist, who is on the hunt for the Nazi super weapon Nothung, a device able to open a portal to other dimensions. He believes that the death of Andrea’s father and Nothung are connected.

Following the investigation, Andrea and Leon travel to Iceland where the colonists give them an extremely cold welcome.  Now, they need to fight not only for the truth but also for their own lives. 

Photo: Usplash