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The Adventures of Tom Stranger

I acquired this piece a while ago, and although it took me some time to finally delve into it, I found it to be incredibly enjoyable. Today, since our office was closed due to the current situation, I decided to listen to it while I worked from home. I couldn’t help but laugh out loud at several moments, which startled my manager when she unexpectedly walked in on me, as I was the only one in the office. The vibrant and eccentric characters really stood out to me; each one was unique and brought their own charm to the narrative. The multitude of references to familiar people and places made the script feel very contemporary and relatable.

Have you ever imagined a planet being invaded by rampaging space mutants from another dimension or encountering Nazi dinosaurs from the future? If not, you’re in for a treat as you join Tom Stranger on his wild adventures through numerous alternate Earths. His job centers around ensuring that all insurance policies are intact, even those that cover bizarre and outlandish scenarios from every conceivable version of our planet. With Stranger & Stranger, your interdimensional insurance needs are not just met, they are catered to with a tagline boasting “Number One in Customer Satisfaction” for three consecutive years. There’s no claim too enormous or too peculiar for Tom Stranger to manage.

However, Tom is now confronted with his most formidable challenge yet. He’s saddled with an intern whose capabilities leave much to be desired. Despite this setback, Tom must continue to provide exceptional customer service across multiple alternate Earths. His day-to-day grind entails battling a myriad of bizarre creatures, including tentacled monsters and hordes of damned souls, while also grappling with an insidious call center based in Nebraska. Not to mention, he must outsmart his arch-nemesis, Jeff Conundrum. Armed with his Combat Wombat and his unwavering sense of fair play, Tom is determined to navigate these challenges. The real question remains—will Jimmy the Intern ever tap into his potential and find his place as an effective insurance agent?

This experience is pure, over-the-top entertainment filled with clever name-dropping and sharp wit. It invokes a sense of nostalgia reminiscent of the show “Sliders,” yet it offers a unique twist with its premise. The concept of an insurance adjuster equipped to handle alien invasions and other extraordinary claims is delightfully far-fetched and has resonated with me on many levels.

My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Imitation and Alchemy

Once more, I was drawn into the world of these unique vampires with their fascinating lives. The humans connected to them are equally intriguing, living alongside predators who are just a moment away from turning on them. The seamless introduction of new characters gives an immediate understanding of their personas.

Ben expected a tranquil summer before his final college semester, but that was wishful thinking. Tenzin, intrigued by the prospect of locating a trove of invaluable medieval coins for the vampire ruling Naples, planned a trip to Italy.

Ben vowed not to get entangled in another of Tenzin’s plots. A year later, he finds himself on the brink of another Italian adventure with her, lacking crucial details. Once again, Tenzin’s actions surprise him, revealing hidden agendas. Yet, this apparent debacle might have a silver lining.

The sequel may lack the action of its predecessor, but it offers a more compelling narrative that delves deeper into Ben and Tenzin’s relationship. Ben contemplates his significance to Tenzin, who appears to have claimed him as her own. As they embark on their new partnership and living situation, their lives are bound to become even more entwined.

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

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Shadows and Gold

I’m thrilled that this author is continuing to build upon a world with characters I’ve grown to adore. The new series embarks on adventures with two previously secondary characters, Ben and Tenzin, whose dynamic promises thrilling escapades. We witness Ben’s world broaden as he navigates a realm filled with vampires.

Tenzin, after watching a news report about the devastation of a province in China, entices Ben into her plan to illicitly retrieve her treasure trove. Initially, Ben complies, eager to enhance his Mandarin with the new semester approaching, and China seems the perfect place for it. Upon discovering Tenzin’s true intentions, he consents to proceed, provided he can choose some items for himself.

Ben had intended to keep Tenzin out of mischief, but deterring a 5000-year-old wind vampire prone to trouble is no small feat.

This series opener is fantastic, and I’m eager to see where it leads in terms of settings and the evolution of Ben and Tenzin’s relationship. The story strikes a fine balance between tension and action, introducing compelling new characters. Fans of the Elemental vampires are sure to enjoy this installment.

My rating: 🌠🌠🌠🌠

Unknown's avatar

Lichgates

lichgates  Lichgates (The Grimoire Saga #1)
by S.M. Boyce

It took me a while to get into the story, it was dragging just a bit as it was in the midst of introducing the main character. As the characters started to take on more dimension the story picked up momentum as well. The story flows perfectly and makes sense as you learn the history of the people and the place they live in.

Kara Magari is a college student who has lost her mother and while out hiking in an area she thought she knew comes across a gazebo that looks into another world. Because she wants to forget her sorrows she continues into and through that gazebo with the words Lichgate written on it. What she finds on the other side is a world nothing like her own and a new destiny that could kill her if she is not careful.

Braeden Drakonin is Prince and heir to the Stele, an evil kingdom that prefers torture to diplomacy. He ran away from what was expected of him and is trying to be a good man. His destiny becomes entwined with the girl from another world who may be able to save them all. He has looked for the Grimoire for twelve years and it falls into the hands of an outsider, but he can still stay close to it.

If you like fantasy similar to that of The Lord of the Rings or Eragon then this will likely be for you. Even if it’s not a favorite genre you will still enjoy it for the story itself.

 

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

 

 

 

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Juliette & Ryo

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Juliette & Ryo

by Peter Philipp (Goodreads Author), Johanna Dy (Illustrator)
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a very nice story that I think many children will enjoy and identify with. The art is nice and clean with a feel of the ethereal. The children are transported to a magical forest. This is about imagination and that is always a good way to spend some time.

Give your young child a fun adventure.