The Blue Dragon's War

 The Blue Dragon's War, Sean Newton, Exdea Ltd., 2015

First of a series, this fantasy novel takes place in and around the town of Kehlaktur. It is a decent place, inhabited mostly by minotaurs. One day, a very large blue dragon named Glaurax is found just outside the town. It says that the town will grow and thrive, like never before, under its benevolent guidance (read: slavery). The minotaurs are not interested.  

Glaurax has a hard time taking no for an answer. It leaves, and soon returns with an army of orcs to take the town by force. The battle happens at a river not far from the town; orcs and dragon one side, with the minotaurs on the other side. The minotaurs just happen to be outnumbered by ten to one. It is a fearsome battle, with high numbers of casualties on both sides. The dead bodies are thrown in the river. They are so numerous that they create a dam downstream and turn the river into a lake. Who is victorious? Who is still alive at the end?

This is an excellent story and an excellent start to a series. It's got orcs, minotaurs and sword battles; everything a fantasy lover could want. The author certainly knows how to do fantasy the right way.  

Bestseller

 Bestseller: How to Create a Perennial Bestseller on Amazon that Brings Passive Income 24/7. Albert Griesmayr, Scribando, 2021

You have written what you think is a wonderful book (let's call it "My Life in the Cosmetics Industry"). It has been professionally edited and proofread, it has been properly formatted for Amazon, and is otherwise "ready for prime time." How does it become a bestseller?

A couple of months before launch, start putting together your launch team. These are people who are willing to purchase your book and/or leave a review on launch day. Your team can consist of friends and family members, professional colleagues and social media influencers. Let's say that you get an e-mail address for a member of the Kardashian/Jenner family. Any help from them would be beyond incredible. Why should they help you? They have never before met you online. You have to give value before you get value. The book explains what that means.

Regarding advertising, you are using Google and Facebook Ads, right? You should be mentioning your book on whatever social media platforms you are on. Do you have a personal website to advertise the book? Is there a business or professional website that you can use?

What do you want from your book? Do you want a couple of hundred dollars in sales each month? Do you want to retire on the proceeds from your book? The more sales and reviews a book has, the nicer Amazon's algorithm will be to it (rate it higher - maybe to Bestseller status). 

This is a very comprehensive, and very well done, book. It goes through the whole process very clearly. This book belongs in the kindle (or bookshelf) of every would-be author.

Summer of Sci-Fi and Fantasy: Volume One

 Summer of Sci-Fi and Fantasy: Volume One, Dustin Bilyk (ed.), Authors Hand Publishing Company, 2022

This is a group of mostly new fantasy and science fiction stories.

There is a story about a murderous creature attacking a space station. There is a dystopian tale about people having happiness sucked out of them, like they were having all of their blood sucked out of them. Sometimes, a person can be hooked up permanently.

A Las Vegas casino dealer is hooked on a drug called Sueno-Z. There is a nightly "human sacrifice" into a volcano that is part of the Las Vegas Strip. It is all about strange dreams broadcast to millions of people while they are asleep. In another story, an evil necromancer has been brought back to life using unearthly methods. A first contact story revolves around two spaceships orbiting around the same planet, intentionally firing at each other. It is kind of like medieval jousting. Then, they can get together and talk about mining and trade agreements. 

The last story in the book takes place several hundred years from now, after mankind has started to spread throughout the galaxy. An asteroid destroyed most, if not all, life on Earth three centuries previously. For the past fifty years, a lone monk has taken care of a small religious shrine on the Moon. Each day, he dutifully cleans off the moondust, for any pilgrims who might wish to worship there; there are no visitors. One day, the monk receives a message from Headquarters. Abandon the shrine, and come home. What does he do?

Individually, these stories are excellent. There is a good variety of fantasy and science fiction included here. Put together, this collection is very much worth reading.

Mime Lung Music Festival

 Mime Lung Music Festival, Jeffrey A Brick, Blueberry Kale Yoga Books, 2017

Most of this book is a memoir. The author works in the health field, and the Marketplace (through the Affordable Care Act) is about to open. He has become infatuated with a female electronic music artist who goes by the name of Tokimonsta. He follows her around the country, and figures that the best way to publicize the Marketplace at her performances is to wear a t-shirt with its web address, and dress like a mime. Maybe someone will remember him.

The scene suddenly shifts to a few decades from now. People's brains still function, but their bodies are dead, or in something like suspended animation. He is in a sort of virtual reality world with a woman called MagnoliaRex. Their time together is rapidly disappearing. 

Here is a really good story about movies, science fiction, electronic music and love. It's just strange enough, without being too strange. 

Unicorn Journal and Sketchbook

 Unicorn Journal and Sketchbook, Maky Publishing, Independently Published, 2022 (ISBN 9798802596531)

This sketchbook is meant for young girls who love to write in journals, or who love to draw or doodle.

There are blank pages for drawing, and lined pages for writing in a journal. Small drawings of flowers and unicorns and smiling clouds adorn the edge of each page. This rather reduces its target audience to only young girls with an artistic or literary flair. The cover has drawings of cupcakes and ice cream cones, which certainly helps.

This sketchbook is very much worth giving to a niece or granddaughter. After she becomes a world-famous artist, you can show people this book and say that you helped her to gain inspiration. 

Sketchbook: Cute Unicorn Sketchbook

 Sketchbook: Cute Unicorn Sketchbook, Maky Publishing, Independently Published, 2022 (ISBN 9798446946587)

This sketchbook is intended for young girls to draw or doodle.

The pages inside are totally blank, so it has many other possible uses. It can be used to take notes in class, or write the first draft of the Great American Young Adult Novel. An adult artist can use it to plan their next artistic creation. An entrepreneur can use it to create the next great product that will be sold all over America. A production designer can use this book to turn that idea into reality. The very colorful cover will inspire those with an artistic or creative mind. 

This sketchbook is recommended for any situation where a large number of blank pages are needed. This one is very much worth considering. 

The Complete Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Beginners 2022

 The Complete Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Beginners 2022, Ellen Marino, Independently Published, 2022

The Mediterranean Diet is not just Another Diet. There are no special meals to buy, or calories to count. It is more like a lifestyle that is based on greatly increasing your consumption of fruits and vegetables (the fresher, the better) and eventually eliminating your consumption of processed foods and sugar. 

Other "good" foods include fish, chicken, red meat (monthly) and olive oil. A bit of red wine with dinner certainly won't hurt. Healthier eating has been shown to reduce, or eliminate, symptoms of chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. The book includes a 12-week suggested menu.

The 200 recipes in this book sound delicious. They include Orange French Toast, Greek Yogurt With Nuts, Fish Fillet on Lemons, Salmon With Tomatoes, Peach Glazed Chicken Drumsticks, Chicken Breast With Tomatoes and Basil, Smoked Pork Sausage, Orange Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Veggie Mediterranean Pasta and Chocolate Brownies.

Don't try to jump into the Mediterranean Diet all at once. Try easing your way into it; first, one day a week, then two days a week, etc. This book is an excellent place to start your journey. You have nothing to lose (except extra weight). 

Italian Holidays: Funny and Yummy

 Italian Holidays: Funny and Yummy, Tony Martin, Independently Published, 2022

The author was the typical teenager: overweight, unhappy and living on chips and soda. He agrees, reluctantly, to spend a summer with his grandmother in very rural Italy.

He slowly begins to realize that he is gaining muscle and losing weight. It might have to do with the fresh vegetables and fish (right off the boat) that Grandma cooks every day. Being outside in the fresh air, whether its doing chores, or exploring the area with his new found friends, might also have something to do with it.

When he gets back to America, news that his parents are getting a divorce sends him into an emotional tailspin. He retreats back into the world of chips and soda. Samantha, a friend, suggests he re-create some of Grandma's recipes here in America. He does, and the weight disappears, again. Samantha gives the recipes to her mother, who totally changes her life. She goes from old and tired, to young and vibrant. The recipes get passed to Mom's friends, with similar results.

There are many healthy recipes in this book, along with a list of foods to eat and foods to avoid, but this is more than Another Book of Healthy Recipes. Most such books say "You can do it!" This book says "I did it, and so can you!" It is very much worth reading.

How to Start a Successful Food Truck Business

 How to Start a Successful Food Truck Business, Walter Grant and Andrew Hudson, 2022, Independently Published

You have decided to join the food truck "revolution." There is a lot to do before your first day of business.

Go to your city and state government, and find out exactly what permits and licenses are required. If you are just starting out, it's OK to lease a truck. When you get established, consider buying a used, or new, truck. Keep current with the vehicle maintenance. All of your paperwork should be in one place that is easily accessible. Retrofit your truck with required grills, refrigerators and prep space. There will be an inspection by the local health department.

What sort of food will you be serving? Why should people go to your fried chicken truck, if there are already ten other such trucks in your area. Will you be doing food prep ahead of time, even if it just peeling and chopping vegetables? Find a commissary or restaurant kitchen to use. The health department will have a hard time approving your home kitchen.

Where will you park your truck? Go back to your local government and see if there are any restrictions, or areas that are off limits. Social media is a requirement, so that people know who you are, and where you are.

Like any other small business, success is not assured, but it is possible. This book does an excellent job of exploring everything to consider. It is very much worth reading.

Globalistas

 Globalistas: Insights from the Frequent Travels of Airline Crews and Digital Nomads, Aiman Kabli, Independently Published, 2020

Do you have a bad case of wanderlust? Is foreign travel on your bucket list? This book may be able to help.

The first rule of foreign travel might be: Be Flexible. Sometimes, things will not go the way you want them to go. It's totally acceptable to have an itinerary, but leave free time to just wander, and see what's around the corner. You may find the local equivalent of a mom and pop diner. Keeping cleanliness and sanitation and personal safety in the back of your mind is always a good idea. If you are new to foreign travel, staying in a big hotel is also very acceptable. With more experience, consider the local equivalent of a bed and breakfast, or even an Airbnb. No one expects that your first foreign trip should be a six-month backpacking trip around Europe. It's important to keep an open mind, and an open stomach, especially when the local food looks disgusting, and the local liquor tastes like kerosene.

There are many reasons for foreign travel: military service, seeing the world, being a travel blogger or being a "digital nomad" (someone who is able to work, on their laptop, anywhere there is an internet connection). Whatever your reason, reading this book is an excellent place to start. It is full of tips from people who have "been there and done that," and it may just provide the nudge to get you on an airplane going to another country.  

Sketchbook: Cute Unicorn Sketchbook/Notebook

  Sketchbook: Cute Unicorn Sketchbook, Maky Publishing, Independently Published, 2022 (ISBN 9798437004449)

This is a blank sketchbook, intended for young girls to draw or doodle (note the unicorn on the cover).

This book is also good for adults. It can be used to take notes in class, or to write the first draft of the Great American Young Adult Novel. An artist or sculptor can use it to plan the next Great Artistic Creation. Maybe adolescent doodling or journaling will lead to a career as an artist or writer. An entrepreneur can brainstorm the next great product that will change the world, and a production designer can use it to turn that idea into reality.  

This may be marketed for young girls, but it is good anytime a large number of blank pages are needed. This is well worth the money.

Sketchbook: Cute Unicorn Sketchbook

 Sketchbook: Cute Unicorn Sketchbook, Maky Publishing, Independently Published, 2022 (ISBN 9798447764326)

This is a blank sketchbook, intended for young girls to draw or doodle. The multi-colored unicorn on the cover makes the intended audience self-evident.

Adults can also use this book. An artist or sculptor can use it to plan their next artistic creation. An entrepreneur can brainstorm the next great product that will revolutionize the world, and a production designer can use it to turn that idea into reality. It can also be used to take notes in class, or to write the first draft of the Great American Young Adult Novel (ignore the unicorn on the cover). 

Even though this is intended for young girls, it is good for any occasion where a large number of blank pages are needed. This is well worth checking out. 

The Prism Affect

 The Prism Affect, J Wint, Independently Published, 2021

Set a couple of hundred years from now, this novel is about a young man named Jet Stroud. He is an orphan, and is afflicted with ephebus mortem. It is a rare condition, characterized by glowing eyes. Legend says that death before your twenty-fourth birthday is inevitable. 

Jet is accepted into the prestigious Skylight University, orbiting in Earth's atmosphere. He bands together with other students with the same condition, and they start to investigate. Jet starts hearing voices in his head, shadows follow them and there are holographic prophecies that only they can see. A couple of previous condition died from the same condition. It's more like they just disappeared; their bodies were never found. Are they really dead? Is this an actual conspiracy involving some members of the faculty? Can Jet find the answer before he becomes another "victim" of ephebus mortem?

This novel is surprisingly good. It is very well written, and has elements of horror, dystopian science fiction and conspiracy/suspense. It may be marketed as a Young Adult novel, but adults will also like it.

The Eve Code

 The Eve Code: Empowering Women to Become Their Own Chief Empowerment Officer, Mariett Ramm, Independently Published, 2022

Many books have been written about various aspects of female empowerment. This one is different.

It goes into detail about exactly what happens, biologically, during a woman's menstrual cycle (guys, if your wife/girlfriend starts acting "weird" at the same time each month, there is a very good reason for it). The book looks at female spirituality, and the four seasons of a woman's life (maiden, mother, warrior and crone). It talks about emotions and hormones. No, there is nothing wrong with you if your emotions are closer to the surface than in most people. Emotions like fear, anxiety and guilt are discussed. Occasional fear and stress is normal, and might actually be good for you. Chronic fear and stress is not normal.

The book ends by describing how any woman can become her own Chief Empowerment Officer. This is a first-rate, bordering on amazing, book. Obviously, it is recommended for all women. Guys, if you honestly want to understand what women are like on the inside, here is an excellent place to start. 

Memoirs of a Buddhist in Los Angeles

 Memoirs of a Buddhist in Los Angeles: Synchronicity is No Coincidence, Deborah Favorite, Independently Published, 2022

The author is your average person trudging through life, trying to deal with a very difficult childhood. In her mid-20's, she tries Buddhism (very reluctantly). She is given a chanting mantra to use anytime, and, for her, it seems to work.

The synchronicities seem to come to her, fast and furious. If she needs a new apartment, a For Rent sign suddenly appears (this is in modern-day Los Angeles). If she finds herself suddenly unemployed (she works as a legal secretary), a nearby attorney or law firm just happens to have a vacancy. When a family member is in the hospital, synchronicities arise just before the doctor is about to do something not intelligent and life-threatening. It's not all good; along the way, there are 5 failed marriages. The author is not suggesting that everyone should become a Buddhist, or that chanting this phrase will cause the Universe to shower you with good things.

These synchronicities can't all be real, can they? This is an excellent, bordering on wonderful, piece of writing. It is incredibly easy to read, and is highly recommended.

Machine Learning Simplified

 Machine Learning Simplified: A Gentle Introduction to Supervised Learning, Andrew Wolf, 2022

In this world of increasing influence of artificial intelligence (AI), teaching computers how to learn is increasingly important. This book attempts a gentle introduction to the subject

The first thing to consider is the quality of your data. Is it in the right standard of measurement (for instance, centimeters vs. inches)? Are there any outliers or other extraneous bits of data that can be deleted? Once the data is "squeaky clean," what sort of model will the data go into? Will usable data come out the other end? After the data comes out, evaluate it and make sure that it is usable. If the answer is No, consider changing the model, and repeat.

This is where calculus starts to rear its ugly head. The author then gets into gradient descent algorithms, basis expansion, choosing regularization strength, bias-variance decomposition and leave-one-out cross validation. 

This book works really well as an introduction to machine learning. It also works as a refresher course for those who already in the field. Yes, it's worth reading, even if you take it just one chapter at a time.