CHILDREN OF THE PROGRAM

ABOUT THE BOOK

A murderous cult threatens the enlightenment of tomorrow, as 12 strangers, plucked from various parts of the world, are awakened and brought together by a divine calling. The chosen ones, selected for The Program, are sent on a mission to expand human consciousness, by finding the true meaning of love. This quixotic narrative is turned on its head when the lines of divinity and anarchy are blurred, intertwining reality with fiction. It's up to the reader to decide where the truth lies. The Program is due to reset, but not before their story is told.

REVIEW

Children of the Program introduces us to twelve people who have been selected to participate in "The Program", which is attempting, through an evolutionary process, to save humanity. But, what happens when one of those members doesn't want to play nice? If you are a logophile, or someone who loves words, then you'll love the authors writing! I'll admit, there were a few words I didn't know or haven't heard before and used my dictionary app to look up. The author's charm exudes throughout, there's a sentence at the end that fits perfectly with his writing:

"I'm a writer, with a quirky outlook on life and a playful working knowledge of the English language -- that's it."

What I really like about this read were the different characters and their perspectives. Although at times you can tell that it was still a singular voice in some cases, instead of the different characters, but never distracts from the overall story. There is a great ebb and flow from one character to the next that keeps you interested and wanting to know more. A lot of readers complain about dream sequences or too many shifts in the story, while both are included, I thoroughly enjoyed this process. It keeps you on your toes! Another aspect I loved was that toward the end, you believe the main protagonist that has been the singular voice is the actual person that has written the book, which ties it all up nicely. Children of the Program really drew me in and I wanted more.

THE EVOLUTION OF A PSYCHOPATH EMERGES

I've never read occult books before, so I really appreciated the process of one of the characters that develops into a much darker role. We see him, after a certain event, he spirals and makes certain choices that are quite shocking. It's another aspect of the story that I really enjoyed reading. But, I have to say that parts of the book were unsettling to me. Which is okay too, right? It adds to the overall emotional journey. I don't want to give anything away, so I won't divulge what tore my heart out, but when you read it you'll understand.



Some reads are what I call "mindless"; you can read through them with ease and can finish them rather quickly. However, I would categorize this as an intelligent dystopian, that you want to take your time with; just like with a mouth watering dessert, you want to savor each bite. It's carefully constructed and at times reads like a strategic poem to capture your very soul. Which is understandable since the author is also a lyricist.

Overall, this is a must read. I would highly recommend this book and I look forward to future compositions from the author. Which, I am happy to share he has started the beginning process of the sequel, so make sure to follow the links below to keep updated and informed on any future prospects.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

In a Nutshell: My rock n' roll dream started when I was about 16-years-young. After releasing 13 full length albums, under various monikers and aliases, I wanted to expand my creative horizons and solder some of my manic metal musical musing with a fictional book. Years of scribing out lyrics, like a lawn gnome on a mushroom, made me quite versed in the art of word play and how to communicate through writing -- yes, my tongue was firmly planted in my cheek.

For those of you who don't know me, I can assure you, I won't allow myself to be taken too seriously. I love sea lions, rock n' roll, fall weather and suds with my friends -- oh, and a good story!

I attended Towson University and emerged with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism. Again, writing. So, to this day, I continue to tell the tale of a conflicted and often tortured spirit, bound by the conventions of a hypnotized society, longing to fly, but often settling for McDonald's french fries and a hot fudge sundae and content to forget it all.

Children of the Program is my wings. I hope to someday find the courage to leave some of my hang-ups in a very dark place, maybe even a closet [sorry] - never to be opened again.

For now, this is my Ark.

Love,

Brad W. Cox

Links

Amazon Author Page
Children of the Program - Cadence of the Sun

What Blog? Author Interview & Spotlight

Previous Review of We Love The Underground

Children of the Program on Facebook

Official Website
YouTube - Brad William Cox

THE KID WHO WASN'T THERE MURDERS

The mystery genre has never really been something that I sought after, I typically go for science fiction, romance, or fantasy titles. But, we should all try to step out of our comfort zones every once in a while, right? I was first introduced to author C.M. Albrecht when he had reached out to me about doing a spotlight and review on another of his titles, The Sand Bluff Murders. So, when he was excited about his upcoming new release of The Kid Who Wasn't There Murders, I was just as happy to review his latest composition. Don't worry, even though it is the third installment of the Jonas McCleary Mysteries, you don't necessarily need to read any of the previous titles to know what is going on in this one.

The Kid Who Wasn't There Murders follows the legendary Jonas McCleary, a private investigator looking for his next case. Then, in walks Mr. Zaretsky; or as I like to call him (in my head), Mr. Z. My two favorite characters were Mr. & Mrs. Z; Russian and aged just right. I could also relate to Mr. & Mrs. Z because I too lost my only son. However, in this story Mr. Z hired Jonas McCleary to investigate the mysterious death of his son, David. Mysterious because even the police have given up on solving the case. So, it is left to Mr. McCleary to solve David's murder, and give Mr. & Mrs. Z some peace.

The story was a slow-burn for me, it's not fast paced, but had a lot of interesting characters; which I liked. I think the story also did a great job of unraveling the investigators process and leading you down the path of the proverbial "who done it" questioning. Although, I had my suspicions from the start, and once a particular person was interviewed and I read a seemingly slight detail; I knew it had to be that person... and I was right! The slow-burn fades way to reveal the other side of the investigators life; his family. I thought it was nicely tied in and worked well with the rest of the story. Once the ball was rolling, as they say, I had to finish it! 

Overall, The Kid Who Wasn't There Murders, is a good read and I would recommend it if you are looking for a nice clean mystery. The only adverse reaction for me would be the use of a particular word that I was taught not to use, and some of the depictions and descriptions of people with unique abilities (David), or as some would describe them as disabilities. I worked in the Special Education field for over 20 years, and my son was disabled too; so I may be more sensitive than others. However, I do not believe it takes away from the story. It probes the mind about societies treatment of others. You'll read and discover how someone who everyone would describe as a "kid who wasn't there" was actually a unique-grown individual, who in the end shared his gifts with the world for their benefit. 

About the Author

"People say I've got attitude. Attitude they don't like. I get that a lot. The cops and me? We work toward the same end, but we're like water and electricity. They think I cramp their style. They hat that I don't have to play by their rules."

"I usually end up needing a lawyer. I had one. He fell off the back of an ambulance full of mesothelioma patients and got run over by a speeding Cooper. I'm alone and on my own. It's a mean life. I'm used to it."

This is part of the charm that C. M. Albrecht embodies, a clever wit that is actually mild-mannered who loves his mysteries and detectives. He not only writes mysteries, he's a private eye in real life. "When my casebook's empty - and it's empty a lot - I write books."

He sits at his desk and drinks coffee and daydreams. 

He lives in Sacramento, CA where he proclaims to "wear a dark fedora and trench coat even when it's a hundred and five" outside." Mr. Albrecht is happily married to his beautiful wife Irma since 1967. While his head may be in the clouds, she helps keep his feet firmly on ground.

Author Links

The Deputy

Mysteryspot

C.M. Abrecht's Weblog

Other Links

What Blog? Review of The Sand Bluff Murders

FIFTY SHADES TRILOGY - REVIEW

I had heard that the Fifty Shades series was either one that you loved or you hated. My sister had been given the series and she said that she couldn't finish the first book and handed them over to me. My curiosity got the better of me as I picked up the first book Fifty Shades of Grey by E L James. I have to admit, I shared in the sentiment, I hated it at first. I'll go into more detail about the issues I had reading this and how I surpassed them to enjoy the story. However, once I forced myself to continue I was invested.

Fifty Shades of Grey introduces us to Anastasia Steele, a college student getting ready to graduate and head out into the world. Her room mate and best friend Kate is outgoing where Anastasia, although she prefers Ana, is more reserved. Kate is suppose to interview the business mogul Christian Grey for their school paper. Ana isn't part of the paper but since her best friend Kate is sick and can't go to the interview, Kate sends Ana. Kate's major is journalism (I believe) where Ana's major is English Lit; she's not even minutely prepared to interview Mr. Grey. But, her friend feeds her to the wolves only equipping her with a tape recorder and a written list of questions for Mr. Grey.

The first book dives into the blooming relationship between Miss Steele and Mr. Grey. He's smitten with her and has a dark past, she has to come to terms with his demons and decide whether she can take on his needs. Honestly, what I had the hardest time with was the unbelievable aspects of this story. Then again, I probably shouldn't have read this still jaded or whatever you want to call my skepticism. I could be wrong, but it's been my experience that (at least most of the women I know) work hard (damn hard) for what they do have and have only ever been hurt by the men they trust their hearts to. Men don't give a shit about how you are feeling, what you are thinking, let alone provide such tantalizing sexual satisfaction. These books definitely explores the fantasy of the exceptions.

Once you can get your head wrapped around the fact that this is a fictional story and take it for just that - a story - I think you can enjoy the relationship the builds between Anastasia, Christian and everyone else in the book. Although, if you don't like reading about sex then this isn't the series for you either! It's all sex, sex, eating, sex, eating, more sex, work, sex, more sex, work again and rinse and repeat. There is a story in there too and I have to admit my favorite part of the entire trilogy was the e-mails and flirting between Ana and Christian, it's what kept me wanting to read and wanting to know where their story goes. So, by the end of the first book Christian pushes too much and Ana leaves, which shatters both of their worlds

Fifty Shades Darker picks right up where the first book left off after Ana leaves Christian and their attempt to rekindle what they have. Who wouldn't want a relationship with that sort of connection! Although, you would think with as much 'action' as Ana gets she would be sitting on some ice-packs and having more difficult walking and sitting period! There are times that she's a very lucky girl! And then other times you wince and want to runaway for her. Although, by the time they both get back together for good, Ana tells Christian that she'll never leave him again. And I was actually shocked when Christian proposes to Ana! I did love their relationship but sometimes I just felt like sometimes when reading (up to this point the first two books) there were scenes from movies and further fantasized about, there were certain terms that were overused and would get under my skin, and I hated how Ana's best friends full name was over used. **rolls eyes**

Up to this point Ana has been the best thing for Christian and he's really opening up to her and they are sharing so many firsts together. That was another thing that was hard to believe, a 21 year old beautiful woman who's still a virgin? It's like the perfect storm: You have Ana who is a virgin and then Christian who is into all of his kinky fuckery. When they clash and mold into each other, they create quite a delicious "Vanilla" confection. Plus, Christian and Ana have plenty of obstacles that they are continuing to hurtle and work through. One being Mr. Grey's ex-subs and even Christian's Dom, Mrs. Robinson who keeps threatening their relationship. What plucks at Ana's heart and mine while reading was Christians self-loathing, he thinks he's this dark demon when really he has so much love and compassion.

Fifty Shades Freed brings us back into the realm of Christian and Ana after their wedding while they are on their glob-trotting honeymoon. When you've fought for everything you have and still remain poor and have everything taken from you as well, the fantasy of having someone give you the world is a great one to pluck away at your chest and takes you deeper in to the world of the Grey's. Meanwhile, there are new threats to their family and more chaos ensues. When I was talking to my sister about the books, I described them to her as a grown-up Twilight. It takes that intense relationship to even more levels, with much-much more sex, and without any paranormal attributes. I wanted to read the series to see what the craze was about and now I've figured it out. What woman doesn't want that perfect man who only has eyes for her, the relationship where they complete each other, who worries about her in all aspects (and yes, even makes sure that her sexual experience is just as satisfying if not more so). Like I said; total fantasy.

However, I did enjoy reading about their life and their journey. I was totally invested in the characters, the ups and downs, and all the chaos too. I even gasped when there is unexpected news and Christian totally breaks character and flips out, it was surprising and hurtful, you want to cry along with Ana. And everything else that happens after that point just cuts harder until they reconnect and life if good again. I did have a hard time reading the Epilogues though, I think because I didn't want them 'summed up', I didn't want to stop reading about the characters - don't jump-skip! It's aggravating when you've followed these characters to a certain point and then you're just left wanting more. "Red, red.... red!" **wink**

With that being said, what do you think of the movie rendition? I mean, most times the books are better than the movies - right? What are your expectations for the movie? Do you like the actors that have been cast? Are you planning on going to see the movie? Let me know - make sure to leave a comment, I look forward to reading what you have to say.

   

Upcoming Review Sneak Peak: The Sand Bluff Murders by C. M. Albrecht

About the Author

"People say I've got attitude. Attitude they don't like. I get that a lot. The cops and me? We work toward the same end, but we're like water and electricity. They think I cramp their style. They hat that I don't have to play by their rules."

"I usually end up needing a lawyer. I had one. He fell off the back of an ambulance full of mesothelioma patients and got run over by a speeding Cooper. I'm alone and on my own. It's a mean life. I'm used to it."

This is part of the charm that C. M. Albrecht embodies, a clever wit that is actually mild-mannered who loves his mysteries and detectives. He not only writes mysteries, he's a private eye in real life. "When my casebook's empty - and it's empty a lot - I write books."

He sits at his desk and drinks coffee and daydreams. 

He lives in Sacramento, CA where he proclaims to "wear a dark fedora and trench coat even when it's a hundred and five" outside." Mr. Albrecht is happily married to his beautiful wife Irma since 1967. While his head may be in the clouds, she helps keep his feet firmly on ground. (http://www.cmalbrecht.com/)

About the Book

When Jonas McCleary gets the opportunity to join the force in sleepy Sand Bluff, he jumps at it. A cushy job in a little town where nothing ever happens. He can relax and enjoy life, and since Jonas is getting onto thirty, he's hoping with a little luck, to meet Miss Right.

But on his third day in Sand Bluff, another officer, Ackers, finds a body in an alley. Now the only bright things about Harold Ackers is his badge. Ackers thought the guy was drunk and only after he managed to get him to headquarters did someone inform Ackers that his drunk was dead. Albert Mohr, cocky and mouthy, isn't much better, and probably not much brighter, so Chief Raymond Castillo is depending on Jonas, his only real cop with any previous training, to solve this mystery and bring a killer to justice.

Jonas just wishes he had the confidence his chief places in him. But he's going to give it his best shot. As he goes around town talking to people, he meets some strange residents, especially little person, Lester/Jessica, trailer court operator and dog trainer. Lester/Jessica is also a transvestite with a mammoth bodybuilder boyfriend, and of course, there's Larry Peters, the town insurance agent and his wife, town hussy, Twyla. Twyla's got quite a reputation. Jonas also meets Roxie Jenkins whose father runs the local newspaper. Could she just be Miss Right? 

Links

C. M. Albrecht Blog http://cmalbrecht.wordpress.com/2012/08/17/the-sand-bluff-murders-2/

The Sand Bluff Murders Blog: http://cmalbrecht.wordpress.com/

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/pub/c-m-albrecht/63/578/54a

Twitter: https://twitter.com/cmalbrecht @cmalbrecht

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/albrechtcm

Google+ https://plus.google.com/107345551330616827318/posts

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1424679.C_M_Albrecht

Acclaim for "The Sand Bluff Murders"

"An old-fashioned page turner." (I. Reitmann, Cleveland Courier)

"I highly recommend this book... The Sand Bluff Murders - with its witty narration, charming protagonist and solid mystery plot - is definitely worth the read." (Cafe' Reads, www.cafereads.blogspot.com)

Buy the Book

Other Titles Available by C. M. Albrecht

(Not in chronological order)

In Review: Well Worn Boot

Well Worn Boot

K.E.Nowinsky Reviews Well Worn Boot

Comic Fully Torqued and Five Music Tracks

April 17, 2013

“Though Well Worn Boot’s music can be described as folk rock n’ roll the band is full of surprises. Part musical production and comedic performance their live show quite the adventure.” Radar, D. (StarNewsDaily.com, 2011)

I always enjoy receiving review requests, it challenges me to read or in this case – listen – to someone else’s creation and request my opinion; it is truly an honor for me.  The gentlemen that contacted me, a member of the band, also supplied me with their comic book and their groups CD. Although the CD arrived damaged, this member provided me with five tracks to listen to. The following is my personal opinion, I am not a professional critic and if you disagree with what I say; then we’ll agree to disagree.

Meet the Group

Clockwise from left to right: Baby Buckingham,  Horse,  Swampass, and Plainsman

“The band consists of Plainsman the Flute of Boot, his trusty steed Horse on guitar, the infamous Baby Buckingham on Bass and Swampass on percussion.” Radar, D. (StarNewsDaily.com, 2011)

The creepy alarm goes off when I look at Baby Buckingham's mask, it makes me wonder what is behind the mask though. Still, creeps me out, then again I have a fear of clowns. Even with Billy the Klub who wears a sack over his head and has what looks like a Scarecrow's face drawn onto it. Even though it is creepy, it does provide curiosity to draw potential fans in. I was raised within farm lands, so I can appreciate the country attire of the Plainsman. While I don't understand the costume of Horse, I guess it goes with the Wild West theme (where I am confused as to the involvement within the Wild West theme of Baby and Billy) and is further explored within their comic.

“Baby Buckingham and Swampass both got their names from their mothers and the horse could only neigh his name. But, their front man Plainsman’s title was earned. He never knew his parents so his name was bestowed upon him by the people who raised him.” Radar, D. (StarNewsDaily.com, 2011).

“Well Worn Boot is a four-piece, performative rock and roll act from Fredonia [NY]. They are fronted by a flute-playing cowboy and backed by other “Wild West” figures that look like walking, talking American Folklore. Their live show has featured a variety of different secondary characters, elaborate masks and costumes, puppeteering, animatronics, and generally “over-the-top” theatrics. Well Worn Boot has been described as “John Wayne meets GWAR,” however they prefer to liken their show to “a guy with no hands putting on a fireworks display.” The Observer (2013)

The Music

The Generals Head: I liked this track and have saved it to add to my collections. I like the composition of the music and the vocals. It feels fresh and not a cookie cutter production that we all have been programmed to ‘like’. I also appreciate the incorporation of the (what I believe is the) flute.

Big Time Rock: These tracks really remind me of the Seattle Scene in the 90’s. I also liked this song, the musical composition was very well done. I like how each song has its own identity, some groups all the songs sound alike.  Well Worn Boot is a unique gem. If you haven’t checked them out yet, I would suggest listening to this track along with the previous.

Jack the Ripper: The vocals in this track I think could have been more refined. However, Well Worn Boot is an unique group and I wouldn’t change them one bit. I have always been curious about the case of Jack the Ripper. However, this song is not something that I would care to listen to or add to my collection. Doesn’t mean I do not think that the music rocks, it is just not my particular favorite.

Billy Klub: Again, this is a song that incorporated the flute (or some equivalent musical instrument). This song does have strong language in it. I like this song and it reminds me of a song you can bang-out to watching them in concert. This is another song that might not be my favorite, but I don’t dislike it either. I like all the music compositions; it is just some of the vocals or lyrics that I do not care for. If you do not mind some strong language then you might enjoy listening to this song. It reminded me a little of Tenacious D and Beastie Boys.

Big Bad Dick: Contains strong language. Again, I think that the musical composition works well. The lyrics seem juvenile to me. But, I think this is a song that is targeted for young adult males, in the sense of the contents of the lyrics. I really do enjoy the music, I did not care for the lyrics, but I think that the vocals work well with the song. 

Cover Art:
Jorge Luis Mendez

The Comic

I have to be honest and tell you that I am an amateur when it comes to indie comics.  While I liked the cover

art, the inside art was not up to par. As an artist myself, looking at the sketching’s on each page, I could see how this artist could increase their ability to convey a better visual display for the comics.  Unfortunately, just like grammatical errors in a book can discourage you from reading it, the art was not attracting me to read the comic. Whenever I have looked through a comic in the past, I thoroughly enjoy the art within the comic.

While I can respect the creative story within the comic Fully Torgued by Well Worn Boot, I would not suggest this comic for younger viewers (contains strong  

language). I like how it chronicles the adventures of the group, it is short but

Pencil/Inks:
Jen Hynes

sweet. I particularly liked the ending. While I don’t particularly read independent (inde) comics, I wouldn’t mind following this story to see the group’s next adventure.  It is obvious that there are immature contributors; men mounting other grown men had crude suggestive content. But, if your mind is not in the gutter constantly like mine, then you might not pick-up on the suggestive material like I did. While I didn’t like the beginning of the comic and the art, I did like the comedic properties. It groups The Plainsman and Horse (justice) against Billy the Klubb and Baby Buckingham (outlaws).  While reading their comic there were a couple parts where I just mentally told myself - “boys will be boys” - Growing up I was subjected to four male cousins that conditioned me for the mentality of the male persuasion.  So I can tolerate the immature suggestives; I don’t think that everyone would enjoy this comic. I think devoted fans would definitely jump on the Well Worn Boot Comic Craze.

The ending of the comic, the group was forced to perform for an arena of monstrous characters demanding their participation.  I thought this could be suggestive to how groups seem to be forced by their producers to ‘perform’ in a way. Much like how past bands such as Soundgarden and Pearl Jam were forced into mainstream society and were not happy that they lost that spark that originally makes them legendary. I really hope that Well Worn Boot does not go down that path and that they keep their creativity and uniqueness; rock-on Well Worn Boot, rock-on. Until next time or the next… dream ~ K.E.Nowinsky

Follow Well Worn Boot – Links

http://www.wellwornboot.com/

https://www.facebook.com/wellwornboot

https://twitter.com/Wellwornboot @Wellwornboot

Reference:

        Rader, D. (2011, September). Artist Profile: Well Worn Boot. StarNewsDaily.com

        The Observer. (2013). Well Worn Boot. Retrieved from http://www.observertoday.com/page/content.detail/id/575428/Willow-Creek-Winery-s-Wild-Wild-Fest-Friday.html?nav=5002

      Well Worn Boot. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.wellwornboot.com/index.html