In my recent novel, Halo of the Damned, I used research about an ancient Middle Eastern religion, Yezidism. The Yezidis originated from northern Iraq and spread throughout the Kurdish community, eventually making its way into part of Europe.

Yezidis worship angels, especially Malak Tawas who many believe to be Satan. The peacock symbolizes this angel. Malak Tawas' story in the Koran matches the stories in the Bible and Old Testament about a rebellious angel who wages war with a third of all of God’s angels against God. Once defeated, God sends all of them to Hell and denies them mercy.

Yezidis believe God created Malak first, before all other angels, in His image, therefore he is also God. They also believe the world was first created as a pearl. Their holy books are Black Book and Book of Revelation. Their afterlife ideas are vague, but lean towards reincarnation. I found the religion fascinating and used it for my plot.

"Here's some advice. Stay Alive," says Haymitch, and then bursts out laughing.

I exchange a look with Peeta before I remember I'm having nothing more to do with him.

I'm surprised to see the hardness in his eyes. He generally seems so mild.

 
Return to Finkleton
BY: KC Hilton
PUBLISHED BY: CreateSpace
PUBLISHED IN: 2012
ISBN: 978-1-4699-0108-4
Pages: 210
Reviewed by Billy Burgess



In this sequel to The Magic of Finkleton, taking place two years later, the Finkle children, Jack, Lizzy, and Robert have adjusted to living in the town of Finkleton. The family is still running their late uncle’s shop, in which the children discover a secret room full of mysterious books. Robert sneaks into the room and pulls a magical lever that causes lighting to strike a nearby home. Feeling guilty, Robert is determined to change his mistake, and with the help a magical clock, he might be able to do so. First, he accidentally travels to the future, where he sees the outcome of his actions.

I thoroughly enjoyed the first book and eagerly waited for the second book to be released. I read the book in one sitting! Just like the original, the sequel has a dazzling cover but this time with a magical clock. The sequel focuses more on the youngest child Robert as he travels through time to undo a fire that he caused. My favorite character still has to be Lizzy, as she and I have a love for books. This time around, we meet some new characters and get to explore some of the other shops in Finkleton. Mr. Lowsley returns as the villain, even more determined to find out what or who is responsible for the magical occurrences in Finkleton. KC Hilton has once again created a wonderfully original fantasy that both children and adults will love. I like how the author leaves a few unanswered questions for the reader to think about. Who is Mrs. Caroline? Luckily we don‘t have to wait long because we get a sneak peak at the third book Saving Finkleton, in which I cannot wait to read, in the back of the book. I recommend the book to everyone!

*I would like to thank the author for sending me a copy to review!

Picking up where book one left off, we find Meagan and her magical horse, Promise, barely escaping being executed for witchcraft in 1616 Western Europe. Promise takes her back in time, this time landing on a ship, but not just any ship. They land on the Spanish Conquistador Hernan Cortés’s ship in the year 1519 where Meagan becomes in charge of taking care of the captain’s horse. Then, Promise takes her to the court of Louis XIV of France, the Sun King, where she poses as a stable-hand. Last, the Great Horse takes Meagan to Regency, England in 1816.

The Legend of the Great Horse series is unlike any other horse series written for young adults. Just like book one, the author has gone to great lengths to add historical accuracies to this fantasy tale. Young readers will find the time traveling horse to be interesting, but there is so much more to young Meagan’s quest. You will learn about the hardships that horses went through in each period that Meagan visits. In addition, you will learn fun fact about historical figures like Louis XIV and Hernan Cortes. There are some scenes of violence in The Golden Spark especially during the Spaniards’ battle with the Aztecs, that some horse lovers may not care for, but as I said, the author is going for historical accuracies. I would have to say my favorite part of the book was the amazing descriptions of the foxhunt during Meagan’s visit to England. Both fantasy and history readers will enjoy reading about The Great Horse. I recommend it to everyone.


*I would like to thank the author for sending me a copy to review!

 
Growing Up Ziglar
BY: Julie Ziglar Norman
PUBLISHED BY: Guidepost
PUBLISHED IN: May 1, 2012
ISBN: 978-0-8249-4531-2
Pages: 187




    Growing Up Ziglar is by author Julie Ziglar Norman, the daughter of the writer and motivator speaker Zig Ziglar. In this motivational and inspirational book, Julie tells us her life story. Obviously, one would think living in the Ziglar household she would be the perfect daughter, following by the rules, but just like everyone else, she is not perfect. In the book, you will read about her trouble marriages, what is like to be a single parent, and finally finding God’s grace and forgiveness.

    When I received this complementary copy from Summerside Press/Guidepost, I did not know what to think, as it was not my normal read. Late one night, and since the book is under 200 pages, I picked up the book and started reading about Julie. Honestly, I have never heard of the Ziglar family before, and after a few chapters, I was hooked. Julie has been through many rough patches in her life and you instantly feel for as she struggled to find grace. There is a lot of heartache, but there are also moments of joy and happiness through Growing Up Ziglar.  I recommend the book to all.




About the Author: 

Julie Ziglar Norman is the daughter of Zig Ziglar and worked for twenty years as his personal editor. With a background in sales and business management, she has become a dynamic international motivational speaker. Julie lives in Texas with her husband, Jim, and continues the Ziglar legacy of encouragement through The Ziglar Woman Faith and Family Conferences.