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CONVENTION SURPRISES~!

Posted on by Tawny Molina

As most of you know, I attend a few conventions every year. Central Florida Comic Con here in my home state is always a blast. And I’ll be hitting up Atlanta twice this year for the usual MomoCon and an additional DragonCon! (Don’t worry, I’ll talk about you all as you get closer.) But this year, I’m going to be able to add an exhilarating dash to a higher altitude and a different time zone. Drumroll please… (Yes, this is text. Just work with me here, guys!)

FAN EXPO DENVER!
Website here: https://fanexpohq.com/fanexpodenver/

Believe it or not, actually not a surprise, but I heard about this delightfully geeky gathering from a streamer and fellow nerdy friend PlayingWithRemy. Who will also be visiting this con. I am looking forward to a local showing me some good food. (YOU KNOW WHAT IS EXPECTED OF YOU REMY!)

Now, as a lifelong east coaster, I never considered going to another timezone for a con but let’s be honest, the number of celebrities coming to this con is mindblowing. You can find the complete list on the site at the link below, but I am excited!
https://fanexpohq.com/fanexpodenver/celebrities/

I am particularly hyped about Michael Dorn, Bonnie Wright, and Christina Ricci I hope I can get to speak to them. And maybe get my husband a few autographs while he pouts from states away.

I am also looking forward to taking some walks through the exhibition halls. I am a frequent buyer of the same products over and over here at home. I am excited to see what people have to offer in Colorado.

I’ll share more and more as we get closer to this convention. There is so much going on!

Also, I hate to admit this, but I have been spelling Denver wrong forever.

Posted in Audiobooks, Books, Mystery, Thriller

Fool Her Once – Audiobook Review

Posted on by Tawny Molina

Fool Her Once by Joanna Elm is an exciting thriller about a reporter, Jenna, who scores the story of her life at the beginning of her career. She had intended to interview the girlfriend of a long-deceased serial killer in hopes of finding out what the woman had seen in him. Instead, she ends up digging up a whole new story when she finds out the woman had a son with the serial killer. As expected, as the story comes out and the truth about the past of the woman and her now adult son comes out, the lives of the story subjects are quickly ruined, sending their lives into chaos as Jenna goes back to her own life with only a bit of knowledge of the drama she caused. Twenty years later, Jenna has been married, has a family, and settled in a lovely New England home with her husband and daughter, where they run a comfortable little coastal inn. However, she has discovered that the drama she induced years ago will return quickly to haunt her.

Fool Her Once, as stated above, is an exciting thriller. This fast-paced story kept me interested with turns I did not see coming. Sure, I could guess a few ending aspects, but that did not detract from the thrills of discovering how it happened! This book has a non-linear story. The author naturally leads us through the drama of the modern-day personal conflict of the characters but also takes the time to bring us back to the moments of the past that were essential to the lead-up. This allows us a full view of the entire story. Seeing the issues of the past play out gives us a much clearer picture than we would get with simple explanations from characters. Speaking of characters, we are given well-rounded, deep-thinking individuals whose mental illnesses and paranoia are so realistic I found myself wondering who the real antagonist of this story was.

I also listened to the Fool Her Once audiobook, which was read by Rachel Fulginiti, whose fantastic voice acting brings life to each character. I suggest looking at the audiobook if you plan to enjoy Fool Her Once.

/related

Posted in Books, Dystopian, Horror, Science fiction

Payback – Book Review

Posted on by Tawny Molina

(Warning this review contains the use of one curse word.)

Payback by Michael Botur is the second book in the Lockdownland series. This gritty thriller follows Eden Shepherd as she does her best to recover from not only being in the dreadful survival dome of Moneyland and than being imprisoned after a rough kangaroo court session. Eden is finally free. Though not really. While she was locked away, most of the world seems to have finally downloaded, the singularity happened years ago, and humanity has finally given in and accepted the virtual life. Eden wants to find her dad and settle somewhere with her family naturally, but that goes differently than planned.

Now I am going to be honest upfront. This book, and the series in general, is not for the weak of the heart. If you are offended by anything of a dark nature, skip this series entirely. Michael Botur’s work is not for you. However, if you enjoy exploring the gritty, dark, and disgusting aspects of the human soul, you are in for a real treat. This book uses a lot of foul language and has some simple rough descriptions of bodily functions, violence, and implications of sex. What one would expect from the end of humanity as a mother tries to survive it with her daughter. This book also contains a few ‘holy fuck’ moments. Why the use of a curse word here? Because honestly, that is the best way I can describe it. I won’t tell you what it is, but I had to put the book down, refill my drink and take a few moments regarding what I just read. If you have read this book, you know exactly what I am talking about.

So, with descriptions and warnings out of the way, is this book worth picking up? Well, as long as you consider what I told you above, I suggest this novel. You are in for a roller coaster of a ride. Please pick it up. You will not regret it.

Posted in Books, History, Review

Race Against Time – Book Review

Posted on by Tawny Molina

Sometimes I get a book to read that I think will be a cute little feel-good story that will make my miserable day feel better. With that in mind, I agreed to read and review Race Against Time by Claire Eckard and the mother and daughter team that the book covers, Natalie and Kyla Law. The book is also about a pony named Flash, but obviously, ponies do not have hands and can not write books. At least from my limited knowledge of horses, I do not believe so.

Race Against Time follows Kyla and Flash the Pony as Kyla strives to turn a cute but troubled hackney pony into a solid riding horse. In the process, she makes a best friend, and eventually, the two can take on endurance racing, which is much less racing and much more surviving on challenging horse trails. While some race aspects are involved in the sport, such as placing and trophies, the majority of it is just a sport full of super awesome people. These extraordinary people, the Laws, and their friends are wonderfully portrayed in this book as we are given details of the emotional and physical journies.

Why should you read this excellent book about the story of a young girl, her pony, and human endurance, stubbornness, and faith? Because it is a cute and sweet story that will make you feel good at the end of the day when you feel like you just slogged yourself through the Tevis cup of life. Plus, Flash is adorable in his pictures.

Posted in Uncategorized

When The Smoke Cleared – Book Review

Posted on by Tawny Molina

When the Smoke Cleared a Murder Mystery in Malden by Bill Powers is an exciting and informative actual crime police procedural. Bill Powers was the lead investigator at the time, which gives him a particularly significant position to write about the case even though it’s been a good twenty years since the time of the crime. Bill walks us through the story of this investigation which begins as a fire investigation and quickly shifts into a murder investigation when one of the sniffing dogs alerts on to a possible scent of remains. As the investigation continues, the police finally learn that this fire was where a young girl was murdered, and from there, the search for her killer and to bring him to justice expands.

So I read and watch a lot of true crime stories. They have interested me since I was a child watching Unsolved Mysteries episodes in the 90s. However, I was particularly interested in reading When the Smoke Cleared by Bill Powers because I grew up in Massachusetts, not in Malden, where this story takes place, but about half an hour away in Lynn. So it was interesting to read about some locations I recalled seeing or being at. It was also stomach-churning to realize that the young girl who had been killed was only a couple of years older than me and stuck in a similar complicated parent-child relationship and DSS issues. With these things in mind When the Smoke Cleared may have proven a much more poignant read for me than others.

Bill Powers has given us a fantastic explanation of the court system, from the police gathering the needed information to the attorneys and other individuals helping to put the case together to a remarkably detailed description of the court process. We are all used to being given dramatized examples of these things—dramatic and short dramatizations of raised voices and death threats over concise explanations of the procedures. Bill Powers, however, has not shortened or dramatized any of the information. Instead, he has presented us with the necessary knowledge and how things are processed. When the Smoke Cleared is far from a dramatization, some parts of the book seem a bit dense, but this is not a novel. Instead, this is a procedural explaining a murder that happened to a real person by a real person.

If you enjoy learning about True Crime and the realistic process of catching and convicting a murderer, then When the Smoke Cleared is perfect.

If you are a bit more interested in Bill Powers I am happy to say I have a guest power from him which you can read below.

Most books in the true crime genre are authored by writers whose observations came from the side of the yellow tape where the words, “Do Not Cross” prevented their access to the crime scene. My book is different because I was the senior supervisor of a team of detectives who investigated a horrific murder case and eventually brought justice for the victim and her family.


I literally got my feet wet in the investigation when I stood on a carpet soaked in blood and water in the function room of a condo complex in Malden Massachusetts. What first appeared to be an arson fire quickly exhibited all the signs of a brutal murder By days end we developed a “person of interest”, but had no motive, eyewitnesses, weapon or body. Not the best way to begin a case, but a great challenge to all of us and one we accepted and worked on as a unified team.


Written from my first-hand perspective and in my voice, this book will appeal to all followers of the true crime genre. It is a classic police and courtroom procedural offered in minute detail. The book belongs on the Recommended Reading List or course syllabi of any criminal justice or law school class about criminal procedure. Additionally, it is perfect for college students who plan to work in one of the many disciplines related to the forensic sciences.

Posted in Uncategorized

The Reborn Prince – Book Review

Posted on by Tawny Molina

The Reborn Prince by Julianne Munich is an exciting historical fantasy novel and the first in the Mages in the Mundane series. It follows young Luc Bisset, formerly Prince Renaud d’Orleans, a bastard of a royal family who has had his memory magically wiped by his mother, attempting to protect and punish him for the attempted murder of his brother. Unfortunately, using magic to wipe one’s memory, more so on a human with no magical ability, is illegal, and the two end up hiding. His mother keeps them safe while he has no idea what is happening around him and continues to live as daily as possible.

One of the first things that struck me about this book was the beautiful world-building. Sure, the mundane aspects of this story take place in historical France, but the magical elements built into the fabric of the story are creative and well done. Munich’s color magical world is woven into the Parisian lifestyle, and the way the magically inclined hide their abilities from the average person is interesting to read about. The idea of mages having to conceal their magical powers from mundane people is certainly not new in the world of literature, but seeing new ways that authors come up with is always a fantastic thing to read.

Moving on from world-building, we have interesting characters. To start with the main character of Luc, for much of the book, I hated this man. I was quietly hoping something dreadful would happen to him, and when it finally did, I felt vindicated in my hopes. However, as the story progressed, I was satisfied with his character development. Another exciting aspect of this drastic character development came from the romance. Fitting for the setting, these fanciful courtships are sweet and quaint. Cute kisses and forest walks. Munich gives us an exciting affair that remains clean and sweet while still allowing you to feel the character’s passion for one another. While the aspects of the romance are easy to see coming from the introduction of the romantic partner, it is still satisfying to see it happen.

My only complaint about this book is the drastic cliffhanger it leaves us on. This is a good thing, as it means I will have to pick up the second novel in this series as soon as possible. I am looking forward to it. You should pick up this first book in the series and enjoy a new magical world.

Posted in Books, Historical Fiction, History, Review

Empress and Solider – Book Review

Posted on by Tawny Molina

I don’t know about you, but I love a good historical fiction story. It gives me my historical fix and usually throws in a pretty entertaining story. Empress and Solider by Marian Thorpe are particularly delightful. Following a girl turned Empress and the son of a merchant turned spy, this intriguing story follows the lives of two different people from two different first-person perfectives. Seeing this ancient drama from an imperial and peasant mindset allows us to see points of view that one aspect of the wartime drama would not have allowed.

Marian Thrope gives us two points of view in Empress and Solider are those of Druisius and Eudekia. Each is a very different character who, through most of the story, has only briefly seen each other and thought of only a few times. This makes sense, however, as the lives of the two are exceptionally different. This ancient Roman-like world that Thrope has given us is a sprawling globe of other countries and people. How could two people from very different aspects of life meet anyway?

You may wonder, is this some out of their league romance story? Yes, and not but not in the way you would think. The main characters have their own lives, so avoid avoiding this book if you are worried about reading the same-old-same-old love story. If you are a fan of historical fiction in original settings, I strongly suggest you pick up this fantastic novel. I will be checking out Thrope’s other books soon!

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Review

Olly and the Spores of Oak Hill – Book Review

Posted on by Tawny Molina

Olly and the Spores of Oak Hill by Glenn Somodi is one of the cutest and most exciting books I have read this year. The story follows Olly as his family moves to Oak Hill in Littleton, Massachusetts, after his grandfather’s violent and unfortunate death. Upon arrival at Littleton, Olly discovers the Spores. These tiny and adorable mushroom-like people have lived in the area for centuries and in several other locations in the country with similar names. With their mutual home at risk, Olly and the Spores band together to find ways to keep Oak Hill from becoming a mall as money-hungry people grab at the land in the small town.

Olly and the Spores of Oak Hill read a classic adolescent adventure. The story is told from the point of view of the main character Olly, a fifteen-year-old boy living in the US. Being a social outcast looking for a way to fit in with a new town and school during the years he starts high school is undoubtedly a character any awkward teen (or former awkward teen) can get behind. This awkwardness makes Olly a particularly easy-to-love character. More so as his internal monologue is remarkably realistic. Through Olly, we also meet other characters who remain equally natural in their flaws and awkwardness.

As this story takes place in a tiny town in Massachusetts centered around mythical mushroom creatures, you may wonder how well the author describes the fictional aspects alongside the factual elements. Well, Glenn Somodi’s underground Spore world is described in vivid detail. The author gives us everything from the little clothing that the spore sometimes wears, including a pair of adorable little overalls on my new favorite character, to detailed descrip[tions about the tunnels and trees the Spores live under. We are even given an elaborate ceremony about how these adorable little people reproduce.

The Spores will live in my mind for a long time. I am looking forward to the rest of their adventures. More of Olly and his family, too, but mostly more Spores, please! They are just so darn cute!

On a semi related note I love the little pictures and treats the author sent along with the book!

Posted in Books, Children, Review, Short Stories

Princess Fluffy Plumpkin Eats Pink – Book Review

Posted on by Tawny Molina

Princess Fluffy Plumpkin Eats Pink, written by Chris Roy and illustrated by Nivya Kuriakose, is a cute and colorful children’s story following the adventures of Princess Fluffy as she tries to find her place in the world. This short children’s book is quick and easy to follow with super cute and bright art, which makes this children’s tale pleasant to look at as well as read.

Plumpkins are strange fuzzy creatures with soft fur. The average plumpkin has long fluffy white fur, much like a rabbit. However, Royal plumpkins have bright-colored short fur. This is why Princess Fluffy does not fit in with her family as she is a long white-furred fluffy plumpkin, hence the name Fluffy. Like many young girls, she wants to be as pretty and unique as her sisters. To do this, she goes out of her way to eat pink things to try and change her fur colors. When this fails, she is at a loss for what to do. Eventually, however, Princes Fluffy did find her way and figured out where she belonged and what she was good at. With its warm message, this adorable tale is a must-read for your child, student, or anyone else who may be exposed to small children who need entertainment.

Posted in Books, Crime, Mystery, Review, Thriller

Straight for the Kill – Book Review

Posted on by Tawny Molina

Straight for the Kill by Winter Austin is a thrilling mystery in the small town of Juniper, Iowa. It stars many characters, including Shireff Elizabeth Benoit and Depyty Lila Dayne, the main characters. These two powerful female characters trudge through the complicated aspects of a cold case, suddenly becoming very hot as a similar murder turns up twenty-five years later. This complex case hits closer to home as it involved relatives of the Shireff and the Duputy family and friends. This page-turner culminates in a bloody ending that left me excited at every turn to read the finale.

Winter Austin has produced one hell of a book. Not only is the story exciting and one I found myself easily lost in, but the characters are so perfectly normal they feel real. Sure, they have been through complicated histories and a lot of violence, but their flaws and personalities make them feel they are dealing with their issues and natural ways. No one nearly gets killed and walks away from it without some kind of emotional scarring, and each of Winter Austin’s characters has plenty of it. Some hide it, and some learn to live with it, but it is there and makes them feel real.

The story itself is exciting. We learn through the various sheriff department officers what they learn as they go and how their family and friends have been tied to this dreadful crime for decades. Each hint and assumption the character makes leaves the reader wondering if what they have learned is true or if there will be some sudden twist of events in the end. Now, full disclosure, I could guess who the antagonist was. However, I had just learned how they were tied to the story at the end!

If you enjoy thrillers with strong female characters, I suggest you pick Straight for the Kill by Winter Austin. I will pick up more of Austin’s work once I have the time.