Uvi’s Comments (group member since Apr 09, 2012)

Uvi’s comments from the The Creative Spark with Uvi Poznansky group.

Amos Lassen is the most widely-read top 50 Amazon reviewer who has consistently been a champion for LGBT literature and film. Nowadays he posts his reviews not on Amazon but on his own highly ranked blog. With his deep knowledge of biblical studies, I am deeply honored that he posted a review of my book, Rise to Power.

This is how he opens his in-depth review: "The Hebrew Bible or what many refer to as the Old Testament is a treasure house of stories albeit incomplete ones. It is a great place to look for ideas and it allows for additions and subtractions. The characters are true dysfunctional people but they have a job to do—to teach us to lead moral and good lives. I have always considered King David to be one of the largest enigmas in the Bible—he did what he wanted, when he wanted and God continued to love him regardless. Of course, we have never had the whole story and much of what we do have is commentary—probably because it is difficult to consider what is written in the Bible to be factual.

Now we have Uvi Poznansky who gives us the story of David differently than ever before..."

To read the review in its entirety click Reviews by Amos Lassen: Rise to Power

Cover reveal of Rise to Power
The early version of the cover was based on my acrylic painting of David playing before Saul. But I was unhappy with the result. The painting gave the aura of a legend, a 'rag-to-riches' fairytale, and it presented David as a child, both of which only begin to scratch the surface.

So I went back to the drawing board, and selected one of my watercolors for a backdrop, over which I positioned the face of Bernini's David. I love the dynamic expression, the effort it imparts both physically and mentally. This, to me, is the essence of this wonderfully complex character. Set against the tension between cool and warm colors, intense and loose pigments, here is an ambitious man trying to figure out how to take charge of his life, and how to make a mark on history.

Here, now, is the cover:



★ Ebook ★ Print ★

Author of War Songs, Grady Harp describes himself as being ever on the alert for the new and promising geniuses of tomorrow. He is an artist representative, gallery owner, writer of essays and articles on figurative and all Representational art for museum catalogues and for traveling exhibitions, and an Amazon Hall of Fame Reviewer. So I am deeply honored that he has posted this five-star review for my just-published book, Rise to Power:

★★★★★ David as we have never known him, December 26, 2013
By
Grady Harp (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 50 REVIEWER) (VINE VOICE) (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Rise to Power (The David Chronicles) (Kindle Edition)
Uvi Poznansky wears a coat of many colors. Originally from Israel where she studied Architecture and Town Planning then moving to the US where she studied Computer Science and became an expert in Software Engineering, Poznansky managed to combine the design elements of two studies into unique formats. And she has accomplished the same with the other side of her brain - making visual her ideas (she is an accomplished painter, drawer, and sculptor who has enjoyed exhibitions both in Israel and in California, her present base) and making words in poetry and in short stories and children's books. RISE TO POWER is her second novel and is adorned on the cover with an image of her own painting!

But the miracle of Uvi Poznansky's writing is her uncanny ability to return to old stories and make them brilliantly fresh. This retelling of the Biblical David unveils a character far more profound and fragile than the slayer of Goliath. His personality radiates from every page as her grows from valiant lad to eloquent hero and Poznansky's gift for poetry renders a magical hue to every aspect of this story. At times startling, as times awe-inspiring, and at al times fine reading, this is a welcome addition to the growing library of one our more important writers. More please!! Grady Harp, December 13

Print http://bookShow.me/098499324X
Ebook http://bookShow.me/B00H6PMZ0U

Gone viral with 248 shares to Facebook, my post titled 'A Favorite Son and The Perils of Biblical Inspiration' made it to the top ten (most popular) list on Christoph Fischer's blog! In fact it is in 3rd place!

Christoph is a talented author of historical fiction, and top Amazon and Goodreads reviewer, so this means a lot to me. Check it out:

Top 10 Books 2013

I invite you to come to my party! Here's how:
Celebrate a new book, a new year!

"So far I doubt she has caught the sound of my footfalls. I edge closer, advancing stealthily along the shadow, a seemingly endless shadow cast across the flat surface of her roof by my tower. Never once do I stop to remind myself that such behavior is unbecoming of a king.
And who can blame me? In her presence I am reduced to a boy.
I must find a way to impress her. Which is why I brought my crown along, even though it sits somewhat uncomfortably on my head. It is a bit too large for me, and too heavy, too.
On my way I leap across a staircase, leading down from the roof. On a railing, here in front of me, hangs a large Egyptian towel, as if to mark a barrier. I tell myself, This isn’t right. I should stop, stop right here and whatever happens I should cover my eyes, avoid taking a peep at her... Shall I turn back?
And immediately I answer by asking, What? Stopping midway is nothing short of a sin...You’ll never forgive yourself... To which I say, stop talking to yourself already! Are you out of your mind?
Behind the towel I can see a puff of steam rising. Bathsheba must have poured boiling water into her tub only a minute ago. One kettle, set down by the claw-foot of the thing, has been emptied, the other—still full, waiting for its turn. Now, out of the swirl of vapors, her shoulders start to take shape."

David in Rise to Power (The David Chronicles)



This is my watercolor painting of Bathsheba. I am thinking of using this painting for the cover of my next book, Bathsheba (The David Chronicles.)

Looking for a last minute gift?
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Gone viral with 235 shares to Facebook, the post about my book Rise to Power made it to the 'Best of 2013' top ten list on Christoph Fischer's blog! In fact it is in 3rd place!

Christoph is a talented author of historical fiction, and top Amazon and Goodreads reviewer, so this means a lot to me. Check it out:

"Afterwards, I cannot figure out for certain at what point my voice has trailed off, leaving me lost in a jumble of memories, fearful to open my eyes, fearful to glance at my watch, to figure out the moment, the exact moment when I have realized that I am alone.
All I know is that somewhere along its arc, the light has crawled across the wall and leapt onto their pillow, and it is resting there now, on his open eyelids.
It is a fairly strong light now, a glare that can blind you if you look directly into it, which strangely he seems to be doing. So I rise to my feet to pull the curtain shut, and then, in spite of myself, I glance at him. His chest barely rises.
He lays there, having wrapped himself in my mother’s arms, his eyelashes still somewhat aflutter, his hands still shivering slightly over his heart, his face pale, nearly blue, and I know that if I would leave him at this moment to go look for Martha, the care giver, it would be over. Dad would be gone by the time I rush back."

Ben in Apart From Love



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"I try to recover. Gradually I become more alert and—bracing myself—I can hear things with great clarity: First, the silence. So dead, so complete. So divine, even. Then, you: You moving, you taking something out of that bundle; something I do not wish to see. It gives a slight, subtle swoosh... You are holding it in your hands, raising it to my eyes, asking me some question, over and again until, in my despair, I have no choice: I stamp my foot, trying not to hear, not to look. I am beside myself, so desperate to stop you. At last I cry, Enough!
Oh please... Just stop... There is no need to ask me anymore, do I recognize this thing—this unusually beautiful, striped thing that is slashed here, and here it is torn to pieces..."

Get ★★★★★ A FAVORITE SON
Audio http://tinyurl.com/fvort-a
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My new book Rise to Power explores the life of one of the most admired figures in history and the most complex figure in the bible: David. This is his story as you have never heard it before: from the king himself, telling the unofficial version, the one he never allowed his court scribes to recount. In his mind, history is written to praise the victorious—but at the last stretch of his illustrious life, he feels an irresistible urge to tell the truth. In the first volume of the series, David gives you a fascinating account of his early years, culminating with a tribal coronation. Rooted in ancient lore, his is a surprisingly modern memoir.

To celebrate the launch of my book, I am announcing a writing contest. Come join in!

WRITING CONTEST

On a different note:

Have you noticed the new slideshow feature on my blog? At the top right corner?

If you are reading any one of my books--Rise to Power, Apart From Love, A Favorite Son, Home or Twisted (in ebook, print, or audio editions)--I will gladly feature your image, too!

Here's how: YOUR IMAGE HERE

Come celebrate New Year with me! Rise to Power!

My ★★★★★ historical fiction book ♥ Rise to Power ♥ is coming out in amazing paperback & Kindle editions. Join the Writing Contest, be here for the cover reveal, and read intimate disclosures from the life of David, as only he can reveal to you... Whatever you do, don't miss out!

Go to the event page, Rise to Power. Then click Join, and be part of the fun!

Ashley wrote: "My name is Ashley. I'm a copy editor/proofreader. I adore the writing process but as they say, those who can't do teach. I love to write but these days I'd rather read the brilliance of others - an..."


Hi Ashley, so glad to see you here! So important for authors to go through a careful process of editing and proofreading. I can see from your profile that you are an avid reader as well.

Wow--I am so glad for this review for my new book, Rise to Power! Written by Dolores Ayotte, author of A Woman's Voice (and other self-help books) who is a great inspirational writer and one of the best reviewers on Amazon:

★★★★★ King David's "path to power"... 14 Dec 2013
By Dolores Ayotte
Format:Kindle Edition
Rise to Power (The David Chronicles) by Author Uvi Poznansky

David, the would-be king, is playing his lyre in an audition before the mad King Saul...or is he really mad at all? The popular story of the young boy David slaying the giant Goliath comes to life with a unique and somewhat macabre twist in this familiar old Bible story.

Gifted Author Uvi Poznansky is up to her usual finesse of taking a well-known Bible story and giving it a modern day perspective. Trust me...she does a darn good job of it! The Prologue actually explains where King David ends up. In essence...the beginning of the novel finds David a prisoner of sorts...actually a prisoner of his impotent self. David now has the occasion to reflect on his past life and he has every desire to share his story. In this fictional novel, David is speaking in the first person and is the narrator of his own past history and the events leading up to his present situation. The reader is then taken back in time with David to hear firsthand how this supposedly humble and simple boy started out.

By his own admittance, he is not so innocent after all. Even though he has many brothers, he is to be King Saul's successor...hand selected by old Samuel the "king-maker...the one who anointed Saul all these years ago". In this provocative story, David definitely appears to be far more ambitious than one would have initially imagined and his "rise to power" more calculated and well-thought out than first perceived. However, King Saul is no fool and deep down he has his misgivings about David. Therefore, even in his madness, he looks for his enemy. Is it David? Jealousy of a potential rival has endless and brutal possibilities.

In one of her previous novels, A Favorite Son... Ms. Poznansky utilizes the same technique now found in "Rise to Power (The David Chronicles)". She once again creatively and adeptly gets into the head of a familiar Bible character, and then subsequently brings him into the twenty-first century. In doing so, she manages to take her readers with her and they too are exposed to a vast array of human emotions, some more positive than others. One readily sees the ambition and calculative motives of the players and the ends they will go to achieve their own goals no matter the consequences or who they may cross in the process.

The setting in this book is in the appropriate Biblical era but the characters have what appears to be a more modern day method of thinking. Or is this really an age old way of operating and not modern at all? Ms. Poznansky is merely saying it likes she sees it. The discerning reader soon realizes a more sinister plot may have taken place as she spurs us on to think outside the box and entertain all kinds of possibilities. I re-iterate that most of us are very familiar with this Bible story about the young boy David...however, I encourage you to read this version of his story. You will get an x-ray view of not only how David's mind possibly worked but also of the way Ms. Poznansky's mind captivatingly works in order to entice her reading audience. She does not leave a stone unturned in this intriguing Biblical story as David narrates his tale with and through the eyes of Ms. Poznansky. Watch David come alive with all his human faults, frailties, and fears as he diligently searches for his path to power. "Life in the shadow of death"...is it really that exciting after all? You be the judge.

Inspirational Author & Book Reviewer ~ Dolores Ayotte

★★★★★ Review of A Favorite Son, December 16, 2013
By Roy. Murry "Roy" (Florida) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A Favorite Son (Kindle Edition)
Review of A Favorite Son
Written by Uvi Poznansky

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

Uvi’s writing is unique in this short rendition of a story as old as Abraham -wanting something that is not yours. The first born is the benefactor of their father’s fortune – lands, goats, and whatever are the items left behind by their father. The head of the tribe words are final. All other siblings must rely on the first born to take care of them.

It’s a basic theme that Ms. Poznansky has developed into a smooth and humorist read. The wife asks for a camel from the king, while he is on his death bed. She doesn’t want one of those automobiles they have out west. She begs for this comfort to no avail. Your son will provide for you the man replies.

That and other off the wall snippets will bring the reader to reality. However, the story resides in a wealthy man’s desert serfdom, where women have no say and only what he says rules. This is a problem with his wife who feels her favorite son should reap the benefits of first born since she thinks he is more equipped to rule over the tribe.

That woven into a deceit of an uncommon kind, propels the story forward to an understandable conclusion. Ms. Poznansky weaves a plot that is told by the second son, who instead in confronting the situation upfront, listens to his mother into a void he cannot handle.

Plot: enjoyable; Characters: believable; and the prose was easy to read.

Get RISE TO POWER (vol. I of The David Chronicles) and see for yourself what the rave is all about!
It appears as #1 in three 'Hot New Releases' Amazon lists

http://bookShow.me/B00H6PMZ0U

When I release a new book, it's a bit like letting go of a baby's hand to see if she can take a first step. Boy, this baby is running fast!

Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #40,858 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)
#1 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Nonfiction > Religion & Spirituality > Judaism > Sacred Writings > Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) > Biography
#1 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Bible Study & Reference > Old Testament > Biography
#1 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Nonfiction > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Reference > Biographies > Old Testament

Rise to Power

Double, double misfortune, trouble
Burning coal and blackening rubble
Let the blood in my caldron boil
Feed the flames... Oh, such a toil!
Tonight it's Friday the thirteen
I'm a witch and I am mean

Listen, dear, no need to fret
And I promise, no regret:
My spellbinding books are here at last.
Get them now, and do it fast!
Here you'll find hair-raising fun
Stories twisted, stories spun



★ New release! ★
Rise to Power
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A Favorite Son
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Home
★ Audiobook ★ Ebook ★ Print ★

Apart From Love
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Twisted
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A Favorite Son FREE today only!

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Christoph Fischer is a high-ranking reviewer on Goodreads and Amazon. Just as importantly, he is the author of the historical fiction trilogy of Sebastian, The Luck of the Weissensteiners, and The Black Eagle Inn. I am greatly honored that he posted this wonderful ★★★★★ review for my just-released book, Rise to Power.

★★★★★ Excellent new series, December 10, 2013
By ChristophFischerBooks "Chris" - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)
This review is from: Rise to Power (The David Chronicles) (Kindle Edition)
"Rise to Power (The David Chronicles)" by Uvi Poznansky is another eye opening book, based on a biblical theme but written with a modern mind and perspective. Without corrupting the original historic-biblical story Poznansky takes us into the world and minds of well known biblical figures, such as the first King of Israel, his rivals and his lovers.
A man of flesh and blood, with sexual urges, pride and huge powers of reflection and analysis David is a superb character, real, with bite and of the human race - quite different from the biblical myth that has been created around him.
We see him as he slowly rises to power, from a small soldier to military leader, his military campaigns, his ambitions and the rivalry over the throne; we see the husband to Michal - his first wife and the sometimes strange 'renaissance' man. The novel is historical fiction, biblical fiction and simply excellent fiction.
Wit, sharp-minded powers of observations and deep psychological undestanding of the human mind are amongst Poznansky's many strengths. Her characters and stories are powerful, her historic/biblical knowledge is sound. All through my reading of the story I was tempted to check on the internet for the biblical story behind this novel to remind myself of the exact details and to see if anything had been changed. I can vouch for the accuracy now as I can vouch for the entertaining and meaningful character of the story.
I am still in awe just how much there is to the story of King David - this is the first book of a series and we are not all too far into the life of David.
What a treat to have the story of David presented in such an intellectually stimulating manner, incorporating the historic more than the biblical aspect of the figure. This is by no means a Jewish manifesto. Religion and God play a secondary role in what is a modern adaptation of a very good story.
I look forward to the next book in this original and intriguing series.

James DiBenedetto, the author of Dream Student (and other books in this series) currently lives in Arlington, Virginia with his beautiful wife and their cat (who has thoroughly trained them both). I am honored that he invited me to interview on his blog. He had quirky questions such as, Who should play you in a film of your life?

Check out the interview here:Interview with Uvi Poznansky