Most would agree that Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species created a stir among the scientific and religious communities when it was first published (some could argue it's still wreaking havoc to this day). However, in America the hubbub was less about where God fit into the picture and more how Darwin's theory solidified the stance against slavery. The Book That Changed America: How Darwin's Theory of Evolution Ignited a Nation by Randall Fuller explores how this one book helped abolitionists build arguments based on scientific fact while at the same time forcing long-held rigid beliefs to be questioned. (I'm looking at you Bronson Alcott.) Until reading this book, I had never thought about its reception in America in terms of its historical context/proximity to the Civil War. These two events seemed to be separate while in reality they were very much interwoven. Leading authors of the day including Henry David Thoreau were well-known and vocal about ending slavery so they not only endorsed Darwin's theories but went on publicity tours to promote it (and give their own opinions). On the Origin of Species showed that all humans had a common ancestor and thus there was no reason why they should not be treated as equals. (The relevance of this book during this time of sociopolitical upheaval in America right now was not lost on me. It just goes to show that we haven't evolved that much since this book hit the shelves.) I was continually surprised by what I learned by reading this book considering that I studied Darwin while I was working on my Bachelor's degree in Anthropology. Instead of solely focusing on the religious impact (which was still significant) it would have been informative to have learned this as well. I suppose that's why Randall Fuller wrote the book! hahaha If you're like me and eager to learn more (especially in light of the insanity that is 2017) then this book is the one for you. 9/10

 

What's Up Next: Comics Squad #3: Detention by Jennifer L. Holm (and others)

 

What I'm Currently Reading: The Unreal and the Real: Selected Stories Volume One: Where on Earth by Ursula K. Le Guin

 

My Thoughts - 5 out of 5 Unicorns - I loved it!!

***I choose what I read and review based on what intrigues me!!

 

The cover definitely fits with the rest of them like works of art that should be appreciated.

 

This is the 11^th book in the series (not counting novellas).  This series is for adults who are not of the faint of heart.  There is violence and love in spades.

 

I really love D.B. Reynolds writing style.  Her books are packed with action, intrigue, and baggage to go with the vampires’ long lives.  I’m always intrigued and never want to put the book down whichever one it is.  Her humor written through makes me laugh.  She always takes you on an emotionally journey.

 

Lucifer and Eleanor’s story is just as fantastic as I find each story to be.  This story mostly takes place in Canada in Sophia’s territory.  I don’t want to give anything away, so read the blurb and if you are intrigued, you definitely want to read this book.

 

I highly recommend the entire series to vampire fanatics who understand the powerful relationships with vampires.  In this series, there is NEVER a dull moment!

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Most of the books I read are series books were there is an underlying story-line or theme that plays throughout the series and has a mystery or two played out within each book. This book contains the first three episodes (like a television series) of a series set in the non-distant future. A future that is getting closer every day. Life hinges on how the world uses new technology that replaces common things like out cell phones and televisions. Picture Apple’s new smart watch or a smarter television that knows your entire life, from the food you like to your blood type, what you said to your kids this morning to who visited your house. Technology that leaves what the NSA has on us to shame. What happens when all the information falls into the wrong hands. Hands that want to control the world’s destiny.

All I could say when I finished Episode 3 was “wow, Wow, WOW!” Get me Episode 4! It is out and is calling to me! These stories are quite addicting. I found once I started reading I couldn’t stop. At first I was cursing Laura Fitzgerald and then I was thinking this is pretty genius. This type of story is going to interest everyone from teenagers to senior citizens. With the content it gives us some things some of us may see if our lifetimes and for the older folks it was something they have been predicting for years. With this format some may wait until all the episodes are released and binge read like they binge watch television series on Netflix and others will grab each exciting episode as it comes out and wait with wondrous anticipation for the next installment.

Some may think this book is too Sci-Fi, which I rarely read, and I am here to tell you it is not. This is close enough to current time that is reads like a suspense thriller. Written is the episodic format the suspense continues to build and build and build. I truly am looking forward to each and every new release because I quickly became engaged and Kendra is an leading character that should grab everyone’s attention.

I was given the first 3 episodes bundled together for review and they can be purchased that way. If you are not sure if this story is for you but you want to check it out the episodes can all be purchased separately and the first episode is just 99 cents.

This is totally different than anything else I have written by this author. She has me completely hooked. She releases the episodes almost as soon as they are finished. She is going to have readers begging her to write faster.

I was very excited to receive a letter from my literary agent stating that he/she was going to represent my book at Book Expo America. This is the largest book promoting event in the United States. The two day event will offer my literary agent the change to speak with 30 different publishing companies.

While I am thrilled that my manuscript will be represented, I am also a bit nervous. Penny's story is very close to my heart. And even though I think her tale is amazing, I am finding out just how subjective the publishing world can be.

I am in hopes that potential publishers will really understand the powerful message that Penny's story carries. This is not a typical "cutesy" dog book. It is a book about being different, feeling unloved, and getting a second chance at life. I know that Penny's story could make a great impact upon the literary world.

Good luck to my fellow authors who will also be represented at the Expo!

This concludes the Winter Soldier arc began in the last volume. We also get appearances from Falcon and Iron Man.

 

I did have a lot of fun reading this series and seeing the background for one of the Marvel movies since I've never really read them before. I actually may continue this run of Captain America. I read about a few other things that happen and I'm really intrigued.