Wednesday, October 22, 2025

I Was Just a Radioman

 The perfect holiday gift for the guy who's almost impossible to buy for!





Their hearts were strong, and their courage endless.

Pearl Harbor survivor, Black Cat radioman, and decorated WW 2 veteran. ARM H. P. Lawrence, tells the true story of the fight against the Japanese in this compilation of his memoirs.

One of only a handful of non-Native American code-talkers, H. P. Lawrence became a member of an elite fighting force, the Black Cats. Flying in their nocturnal missions, the Cats claws were sharp and their aim deadly.

From devastation to victory, the story of these brave men−the deadly, mysterious, and illusive Black Cats is a journey into the past where nightmares came true and hatred reigned. A time in history we should never, ever forget.

The day which will live in infamy…was just the beginning.

Grab your copy today.

Available in 

Ebook   Paperback  LARGE PRINT Audible and Hardcover



From his words to paper. No fluff, just plain talk from Radioman H P Lawrence, WW2 decorated veteran, Black Cat, and Pearl Harbor survivor.

Grab your copy today.




Reviewed by Charles H. Bogart (NavyHistory.org)


This self-published monograph was compiled by Ms. Ackerson to preserve the family history of Aviation Chief Radioman Henry Lawrence's service in World War II. The audience at which the book is directed is family and friends. Henry Lawrence, in June 1940 at the age of seventeen, joined the U.S. Navy Reserve unit at Newport, Rhode Island. On 12 May 1941, he was called to active duty and sent to Aviation Radio School at NAS Sand Point outside of Seattle, Washington. On 19 November 1941, he arrived in Hawaii as an Aviation Radioman and was assigned to VP 22 located on Ford Island. VP 22 at this time was flying PBY-5 Catalina flying boats.

Chief Lawrence's tale of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor is told in six pages, which add little to what has already been written about the 7 December 1941 Japanese attack on Ford Island. His service in the Pacific Theater from 1943 to 1945 was as a radioman on board PBY-5 Catalinas of VPB 71. His service in VPB 71 is told through a series of vignettes that focus on the carrying out of nocturnal patrols in the waters of the Southwest Pacific and off the coast of Formosa. These flights, Black Cat Missions, were carried out by flying at 1,000 feet above the sea, searching for Japanese merchant ships to attack. These vignettes are full of nuggets of information about U.S. Navy Black Cat operations during World War II.

Chief Lawrence's account of his service in World War II ends with The war's over! I will thank Colonel Paul Tibbets, his Enola Gay, and celebrate August 14th for the rest of my life. Once discharged from the Navy, Chief Lawrence spent the next 18-years in the Naval Reserves.

This book is an interesting read, but I suspect that only the hard-core World War II naval aviation aficionado will place this book in his library.


Against the Red Sky

 

 


Two missions, one conspiracy, zero room for mistakes- or feelings.


Against the Red Sky: Mission X

by Kristen Illarmo

Genre: YA Science Fiction Thriller


Enzo Cruz knows sacrifice. After a failed mission to assassinate the billionaire behind the Mars colony—and the loss of his grandfather—he’s ready for redemption. His new target? The Mars Ascendance Academy shuttle. His orders: infiltrate, sabotage, escape.

As the youngest operative in Terra Primera, Enzo’s talent with explosives could tip the balance in Earth’s fight for survival. But inside the Academy, nothing goes to plan—especially when Maddie Westing enters the picture.

Maddie has dreamed of joining her mother on Mars since she was ten. Now she has her shot: one of thirty elite students in the Academy’s inaugural class. But being the niece of the colony’s powerful founder comes with strings—and shadows.

When Enzo’s mission collides with Maddie’s quest for truth, both teens are thrust into a conspiracy that threatens Earth and Mars alike. Loyalties will be tested. Secrets will be exposed. And the greatest danger may not come from the skies—it may lie in their hearts.

In this heart-pounding YA thriller, survival means risking everything—including the people you thought you hated most.

For fans of The Hunger GamesRed Rising, and Aurora RisingAgainst the Red Sky delivers explosive tension, star-crossed loyalty, and a high-stakes rebellion that could destroy two worlds.

 

What readers are saying:

"This YA novel is one long dopamine hit, an insightful saga with crush-worthy protagonists. Enzo, pulled between his ecoterrorism world and a gnawing realization that there may be flaws to his organization's methods, is a vibrant, well-executed character. Maddie's journey parallels his in many ways, and her resolve, spirit, and appealing energy make her equally entertaining. Their two paths collide, and Illarmo delivers a twisty examination of greed, loyalty, and the dark motives that drive people when pushed to their limits." Rated 10 out of 10.

-The BookLifePrize

 

“This is one of the best books I’ve read this year and I have read over a hundred so far! This is a nail biting, page turning masterpiece that will completely have you mesmerized and under its spell by the first few chapters!” ARC reviewer

 

“Great, fast-paced fun story with lots of twists and turns
that kept me turning the pages. It has elements of academy, romance, scifi, and thriller that kept me up late reading.” ARC reviewer

 

**Order from the author and get extra goodies!**

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Kristen Illarmo is a New Orleans-based author of young adult science fiction and fantasy. Her action packed, character-driven stories explore the ripple effects of real-world choices, set in decaying societies and with tangled family dynamics. Her debut duology, Kirasu Rising, was featured at the 2023 Louisiana Book Festival.

 

Website * Instagram * TikTok * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads



Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!


Against the Red Sky: Mission X


Friday, October 17, 2025

I Was Just a Radioman

   The perfect holiday gift for the guy who's almost impossible to buy for!





Their hearts were strong, and their courage endless.

Pearl Harbor survivor, Black Cat radioman, and decorated WW 2 veteran. ARM H. P. Lawrence, tells the true story of the fight against the Japanese in this compilation of his memoirs.

One of only a handful of non-Native American code-talkers, H. P. Lawrence became a member of an elite fighting force, the Black Cats. Flying in their nocturnal missions, the Cats claws were sharp and their aim deadly.

From devastation to victory, the story of these brave men−the deadly, mysterious, and illusive Black Cats is a journey into the past where nightmares came true and hatred reigned. A time in history we should never, ever forget.

The day which will live in infamy…was just the beginning.

Grab your copy today.

Available in 

Ebook   Paperback  LARGE PRINT Audible and Hardcover



From his words to paper. No fluff, just plain talk from Radioman H P Lawrence, WW2 decorated veteran, Black Cat, and Pearl Harbor survivor.

Grab your copy today.




Reviewed by Charles H. Bogart (NavyHistory.org)


This self-published monograph was compiled by Ms. Ackerson to preserve the family history of Aviation Chief Radioman Henry Lawrence's service in World War II. The audience at which the book is directed is family and friends. Henry Lawrence, in June 1940 at the age of seventeen, joined the U.S. Navy Reserve unit at Newport, Rhode Island. On 12 May 1941, he was called to active duty and sent to Aviation Radio School at NAS Sand Point outside of Seattle, Washington. On 19 November 1941, he arrived in Hawaii as an Aviation Radioman and was assigned to VP 22 located on Ford Island. VP 22 at this time was flying PBY-5 Catalina flying boats.

Chief Lawrence's tale of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor is told in six pages, which add little to what has already been written about the 7 December 1941 Japanese attack on Ford Island. His service in the Pacific Theater from 1943 to 1945 was as a radioman on board PBY-5 Catalinas of VPB 71. His service in VPB 71 is told through a series of vignettes that focus on the carrying out of nocturnal patrols in the waters of the Southwest Pacific and off the coast of Formosa. These flights, Black Cat Missions, were carried out by flying at 1,000 feet above the sea, searching for Japanese merchant ships to attack. These vignettes are full of nuggets of information about U.S. Navy Black Cat operations during World War II.

Chief Lawrence's account of his service in World War II ends with The war's over! I will thank Colonel Paul Tibbets, his Enola Gay, and celebrate August 14th for the rest of my life. Once discharged from the Navy, Chief Lawrence spent the next 18-years in the Naval Reserves.

This book is an interesting read, but I suspect that only the hard-core World War II naval aviation aficionado will place this book in his library.


Thursday, October 16, 2025

Xonarye

 

 


Xonarye rise again


Xonarye: Australia

Xonarye Book 1

by S.H.S.

Genre: Travel Adventure, Mystery 




One hidden book. A forgotten country. Three mates on a journey that could change everything.

Nineteen-year-old Leaf Brodie is just an ordinary apprentice from Naracoorte, a small country town tucked between Adelaide and Melbourne. He lives a simple life apprentice builder, beers with mates by night until a routine renovation job uncovers something that doesn’t belong: a sealed, leather-bound book hidden inside an old farmhouse wall.

The book tells of a place that doesn’t exist on any map. A country called Xonarye, once nestled between Yemen and Somalia, rich in a rare, indestructible mineral called Xzed. Long ago, the people of Xonarye vanished beneath the ocean to escape war and greed—but not before scattering twenty-six mysterious keys across the globe. Now, generations later, the legacy of that hidden world has landed in Leaf’s hands.

Driven by curiosity and loyalty, Leaf enlists his two closest mates Spence, a level-headed farmer, and Summo, a flashy car salesman with a sharp tongue to help him decipher the book’s secrets. Together, they uncover a forgotten legal contract, a hidden vault in Adelaide, and a belt buckle that can’t be melted, burned, or broken no matter what they throw at it. And then comes the final clue: a name, a country, and a warning.

Reblick, a shadowy global organisation, is also searching for the truth and they’re watching.

As the line between myth and reality begins to blur, Leaf is forced to make a choice: walk away and return to his normal life, or follow the trail to Cuba and beyond… risking everything to uncover the truth of Xonarye’s fate.

Xonarye rise again.

 

Amazon * B&N * Bookshop.org * Tertulia * Goodreads


Xonarye: Cuba

Xonarye Book 2



The trail of Xonarye leads to Havana. But nothing about this journey is simple

Leaf Brodie thought his life changed forever back in Naracoorte when he discovered the mysterious book sealed behind a wall. Now, he and Selina are in Cuba, chasing the next clue in a worldwide puzzle that dates back centuries. A transparent cloth has revealed a hidden map, and it points straight to Havana.

But nothing stays easy for long. Reblick the secretive organisation that once silenced Xonarye is still in pursuit. Leaf and Selina must decipher local legends, evade dangerous followers, and track down a man who knows more than he lets on. Meanwhile, Summo makes his way to Panama City, following instructions tied to a hidden safe house, while Spence travels by air and ferry from Havana to the island of Tobago, meeting a one-legged stranger with a mysterious past.

Scattered across three countries, the friends are tested like never before.

From bustling city streets to forgotten safe houses, the legacy of Xonarye continues to unfold—one fragment at a time. But with danger closing in, and Reblick growing bolder, it’s no longer just about solving a mystery. It’s about staying alive long enough to piece it all together.

In a world full of deception, their bond of friendship is the only truth they can trust.

The journey continues. The stakes are higher. The legend grows.

Xonarye rise again.

 

Amazon * B&N * Bookshop.org * Tertulia * Bookbub * Goodreads


Xonarye: Japan

Xonarye Book 3



A dangerous betrayal. The journey of Xonarye leads to the edge of trust and the heart of Japan.

Leaf Brodie’s path has already taken him across oceans, through hidden vaults, and into the shadows of a global conspiracy. Now, with Selina by his side, he arrives in Japan following a transparent cloth that revealed the next clue in the legacy of Xonarye. The trail leads them to the Tanaka Dojo, but instead of answers, they find silence. Master Kenji Tanaka is gone.

Guided by a new thread, Leaf and Selina travel west to Izumo, a city of ancient tradition and quiet mystery. There, they meet the elusive Master Kenji a wise Aikido master who speaks in riddles and tests Leaf’s strength in more ways than one. Earning his trust means staying hidden, training in secret, and learning to control not only his body, but his purpose. Six months pass in the mountains, and while Leaf grows stronger and understanding himself.

Unbeknownst to him, another student Yuji Morita. Younger, faster, and full of questions, Yuji becomes both a training partner and a shadow. But he’s not who he seems. As Leaf trains to protect the truth of Xonarye, Yuji’s true allegiance to Reblick threatens to undo it all.

Meanwhile, the pieces set in motion in Cuba. Spence and Summo remain out of contact. The clock is ticking.

From sacred dojos to coastal shrines, from quiet reflection to explosive action, Xonarye: Japan is a journey of honour, resilience, and trust. As the legend of Xonarye draws more eyes from the dark, Leaf must face the hardest question yet:

Who can he trust when the enemy is already beside him?

Xonarye rise again.

  

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Scott Shepherd is an emerging Australian author with a passion for adventure, storytelling, and the lure of lost lands. Hailing from Naracoorte, South Australia, Scott self-published his first novel in 2020, introducing readers to the daring world of Xonarye. Since then, he has written three books in the Xonarye series, bringing his vivid imagination to life through tales set in exotic locations steeped in mystery and culture.

In 2025, Scott re-released a refined edition of his debut novel, Xonarye: Australia, followed by the second instalment, Xonarye: Cuba, with the third book, Xonarye: Japan, set for release later the same year.

A part-time novelist, full-time family man, and self-described “regular guy,” Scott continues to write from his hometown, where he balances storytelling with hiking, fatherhood, and shared adventures with his partner. Whether at his desk or exploring the outdoors, Scott is always chasing the next great journey—on the page or beyond.

 

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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a $10 giveaway!


Xonarye


Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Boy with Wings

 


Johnny Cruel is born with strange appendages on his back and ends up in a freak show traveling the South in the 1930s. Is he an angel or a devil? What does it mean to be different? 

Boy With Wings

by Mark Mustian

Genre: Historical Fiction, Magical Realism



"Vibrant and alive, the kind of book where the blood pumps mightily." —Kristen Arnett, NYT bestselling author of Mostly Dead Things
 
What does it mean to be different?

When Johnny Cruel is born with strange appendages on his back in the 1930s South, the locals think he's a devil. Determined to protect him, his mother fakes his death, and they flee. Thus begins Johnny's yearslong struggle to find a place he belongs. From a turpentine camp of former slaves to a freak show run by a dwarf who calls herself Tiny Tot and on to the Florida capitol building, Johnny finds himself working alongside other outcasts, struggling to answer the question of his existence. Is he a horror, a wonder, or an angel? Should he hide himself to live his life?

Following Johnny's journey through love, betrayal, heartbreak, and several murders, Boy With Wings is a story of the sacrifices and freedom inherent in making one's own special way-and of love and the miracles that give our lives meaning.

 

Winner, Grand Prize for Fiction, Next Generation Indie Book Awards

Winner, da Vinci Prize for cover art

Winner, Bronze Medal for Historical Fiction from Independent Publishers Book Awards (IPPY)

Finalist, Hawthorne Award for Fiction

Finalist, Cross-Genre Fiction, International Book Awards

Finalist, Literary Fiction, National Indie Excellence Awards

Shortlisted, Shelley Ward for Paranormal Fiction

 

“…a magical, highly imaginative tour de force... Boldly original and unexpectedly profound…"
—Readers’ Favorite Reviews

“Mustian’s story is a study in acceptance, diversity, kindness, and the possibility of marvels in life… Vibrant with discovery, Boy With Wings is a winner.”
Midwest Book Review

Boy with Wings is a lyrical, mesmerizing blend of the magical—feathered wings—with social realism…”
Historical Novel Society Reviews

“…riveting… An evocative historical novel that celebrates distinctive individuals in the Depression-era South.”
Foreword Book Reviews

“In this imaginative novel filled with magical realism, religion and morality are turned inside out and upside down.”
—Southern Literary Review

 

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Mark Mustian is the author of the novels "The Return" and "The Gendarme," the latter a finalist for the Dayton International Literary Peace Prize and shortlisted for the Saroyan International Award for Writing. It won the Florida Gold Book Award for Fiction and has been published in ten languages. The founder of the Word of South Festival of Literature and Music in Tallahassee, Florida, his new novel, "Boy With Wings," is the winner of the Grand Prize for Fiction from Next Generation Indie Book Awards and has received numerous other honors, including winning the Bronze Prize for Historical Fiction from Independent Publishers Book Awards (IPPY) and being named a finalist for the Hawthorne Award for Fiction.


Follow the tour HERE for special content and a $30 giveaway!


Boy With Wings


Friday, October 10, 2025

The Cost of Magic

 


What would you risk to prove you belong –

Your life? Your freedom? Or the fate of a kingdom?


The Cost of Magic

Prequel to The Intrigue of Magic Series

by L.J. Evias

Genre: YA Epic Fantasy, Swords & Sorcery



She’s young, gifted, and desperate to prove she belongs. But some lessons come with a cost.

Torvia has one goal: to earn her place as a royal guard and repay the prince who saved her life. But despite her powerful magic, the prince refuses to send her into danger, and the princess wants her in court.

Everyone has a plan for Torvia’s future. None of them match her own.

So when a charming older boy offers secret lessons and a chance to escape her overprotective guardian, Torvia is tempted. He’s clever. He listens. And the magic he shows her is unlike anything she’s seen before.

But every step she takes draws her further from the path she planned – and one wrong move could cost her the mission, her future, and the prince who’s counting on her.

The Cost of Magic is a dark coming-of-age prequel to The Intrigue of Magic, a young adult epic fantasy series, perfect for readers who crave fierce heroines, tangled loyalties, and the high price of choosing your own path.

Start The Cost of Magic today and discover how one girl’s ambition can change the fate of a kingdom.

 

** Only .99cents for a limited time! **

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The Discovery of Magic

The Intrigue of Magic Book 1


A world ruled by magic. A palace full of secrets. A girl who refuses to back down.

Seventeen-year-old Alice Harper had her future mapped out—win an archery scholarship, protect her friends, and stay in control. But when a portal hurls her into a kingdom where magic rules and obedience means survival, she lands in a palace gripped by fear—and under the eye of the most powerful man in the realm.

The Royal Mage doesn’t just control the court—he controls people. With power, with fear, with enchantments no one dares resist. And for reasons Alice can’t explain, he’s taken a disturbing interest in her.

The only person who seems to want to help is the prince. He’s charming, clever—and very possibly lying. Caught between dangerous truths and beautiful deceits, Alice must decide who to trust before her friends are lost forever.

She’s not afraid of a fight. But in a world where magic is control, and trust is the most dangerous choice of all, surviving will take more than arrows—it will take everything she’s got.

The Discovery of Magic is the thrilling first book in The Intrigue of Magic, a YA epic fantasy series perfect for fans of court intrigue, character-driven fantasy, and bold heroines who don’t just survive—they fight for each other.

Buy The Discovery of Magic today to enter a world where freedom is fragile—and every alliance comes at a cost.


What readers are saying:

'A creative first novel in the Intrigue of Magic series, the contemporary characters are endearing and believable figures with magical threats, delicate alliances, and savvy manipulators at every turn. The world-building is strong, with thematic undercurrents pointing back to contemporary life in a way that inspires a continuing sense of empathy for the characters. Evias' care with character interaction and modern-day social parallels make it a distinctly compelling start to a new series.' - Self-Publishing Review, ★★★★

'The world-building is great with detailed political structure and magical elements...Evias dishes up the angst that accompanies young love, and...is authentic in depicting the frustrations of youth...Overall, this is a thoughtful and well-executed entry to a new series and I look forward to seeing where we go next' - Asher Syed, Readers' Favorite, ★★★★★

'...offers a balance of lightheartedness and tension, making it accessible to both younger and older audiences. This first book in the series holds great promise and delivers a charming and enjoyable story.' - Carol Thompson, Readers' Favorite, ★★★★

'L. J. Evias' thrilling fantasy adventure will keep readers glued to the pages...The Discovery of Magic is a well-written, clean fantasy to be enjoyed by fantasy lovers young and old' - Delene Vrey, Readers' Favorite, ★★★★★

'The Discovery of Magic is a compelling start to what promises to be an exceptional fantasy series for readers who appreciate carefully crafted magical worlds and meaningful character growth. I cannot wait to see what comes next.' - K.C. Finn, Readers' Favorite, ★★★★★

'A suspense-filled, magical adventure with a strong, reckless protagonist to root for. Highly recommended!' - The Wishing Shelf, ★★★★

 

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

 

L. J. Evias writes exclusively in the fantasy genre, infusing stories with a dash of adventure and mystery. In Evias’s worlds, moral absolutes do not exist, giving life to a diverse cast of intriguing characters.

The Intrigue of Magic is Evias’s debut series, featuring accessible world-building, intricate plots, and unforgettable heroes and villains. Released in 2024, The Discovery of Magic is the first book in this series.

When not immersed in the pages of a novel, Evias enjoys real-world adventures both in the UK and abroad. The enchanting settings of The Intrigue of Magic series draw inspiration from personal travels, notably the unique architecture and evocative landscapes of Morocco.

Bonus material and a sample short story are available from the author's website.

 

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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!


The Cost of Magic

Happy Heavenly Birthday Harry -- I Was Just a Radioman

   Happy Birthday, Harry!

The perfect holiday gift for the guy who's almost impossible to buy for!






Their hearts were strong, and their courage endless.

Pearl Harbor survivor, Black Cat radioman, and decorated WW 2 veteran. ARM H. P. Lawrence, tells the true story of the fight against the Japanese in this compilation of his memoirs.

One of only a handful of non-Native American code-talkers, H. P. Lawrence became a member of an elite fighting force, the Black Cats. Flying in their nocturnal missions, the Cats claws were sharp and their aim deadly.

From devastation to victory, the story of these brave men−the deadly, mysterious, and illusive Black Cats is a journey into the past where nightmares came true and hatred reigned. A time in history we should never, ever forget.

The day which will live in infamy…was just the beginning.

Grab your copy today.

Available in 

Ebook   Paperback  LARGE PRINT Audible and Hardcover



From his words to paper. No fluff, just plain talk from Radioman H P Lawrence, WW2 decorated veteran, Black Cat, and Pearl Harbor survivor.

Grab your copy today.




Reviewed by Charles H. Bogart (NavyHistory.org)


This self-published monograph was compiled by Ms. Ackerson to preserve the family history of Aviation Chief Radioman Henry Lawrence's service in World War II. The audience at which the book is directed is family and friends. Henry Lawrence, in June 1940 at the age of seventeen, joined the U.S. Navy Reserve unit at Newport, Rhode Island. On 12 May 1941, he was called to active duty and sent to Aviation Radio School at NAS Sand Point outside of Seattle, Washington. On 19 November 1941, he arrived in Hawaii as an Aviation Radioman and was assigned to VP 22 located on Ford Island. VP 22 at this time was flying PBY-5 Catalina flying boats.

Chief Lawrence's tale of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor is told in six pages, which add little to what has already been written about the 7 December 1941 Japanese attack on Ford Island. His service in the Pacific Theater from 1943 to 1945 was as a radioman on board PBY-5 Catalinas of VPB 71. His service in VPB 71 is told through a series of vignettes that focus on the carrying out of nocturnal patrols in the waters of the Southwest Pacific and off the coast of Formosa. These flights, Black Cat Missions, were carried out by flying at 1,000 feet above the sea, searching for Japanese merchant ships to attack. These vignettes are full of nuggets of information about U.S. Navy Black Cat operations during World War II.

Chief Lawrence's account of his service in World War II ends with The war's over! I will thank Colonel Paul Tibbets, his Enola Gay, and celebrate August 14th for the rest of my life. Once discharged from the Navy, Chief Lawrence spent the next 18-years in the Naval Reserves.

This book is an interesting read, but I suspect that only the hard-core World War II naval aviation aficionado will place this book in his library.




As Harry would say, "Bye-bye for now!"