Today's Featured Books

Today's Spotlight is on the work of Stella Atrium, author of speculative fiction—including the three books of The Tribal Wars Series, a space colonization story about seeking independence and home rule in the face of corporate greed. 

"An emotionally intimate narrative for sci-fi fans, with broad themes that appeal to a mainstream audience, too." ~Kirkus Review

The Bush Clinic

Tribal women bind together in a war zone where they are discounted as not important enough to save or keep safe.

On Dolvia, Lt. Mike Shaw demands Dr. Greensboro’s doctoring skills at the hospital, forcing the closure of her bush clinic. She witnesses forced labor, forced migration, and the threat of an epidemic from bad water. She sees how tribal women—often wearing burkas—find solutions for saving the children in a conflict zone, and she commits to their cause for Home Rule.

Brianna Miller is an isolated girl—a mixed-blood orphan—among the Dolviet tribes. With the lessons from Dr. Greensboro, the abuse from soldiers, and the sisterhood among victims, Brianna prepares for a future she will choose for herself. But first, she must travel offworld.

Recognition and Praise for The Bush Clinic

• Distinguished Favorite from the 2023 Independent Press Award
• Winner of the Artisan Book Reviews 2022 Book Excellence Award
• BookLife Editor's Pick (Publishers Weekly, 10/31/22)
• "An honest examination of human character and creates realistic characters and powerful organizations that depict real human conflict." ~ArtisanReads
• "Far more than standard sci-fi; it is a femme-led examination of our societal ills, and a celebration of the strength found through open-mindedness and sisterhood." ~Self-Publishing Review
• "An imaginative and deeply thoughtful space opera." ~Literary Titan
• "Vivid world-building at its best, as gripping as it is poignant." ~Books Go Social

The Body Politic

Brianna Miller returns to Dolvia where tribal women protest the oppressive rule of Rabbenu Ely by self-torchings in the Cylay Square. Brianna re-establishes her tribal schools and takes on assistant Kelly Osborn who is mixed blood and also a poet.

Kelly visits the neighboring planet of Cicero where her aunt Carline Bryant takes over her education. While returning to Dolvia, Kelly meets Australian adventurer Hershel Henry who has signed on for a tour of Dolvia as a photojournalist. Henry takes an opportunity to interview the khalif on the opposing side of the tribal wars.

Recognition and Praise for The Body Politic

• "The striking second installment in Atrium's Tribal Wars series tackles exploitation and culture clashes on a newly discovered planet, with the rich intelligence, invention, and characterization that are the hallmarks of Atrium's work." ~BookLife Editor's Pick (Publishers Weekly, 1/30/23)
• "A thoroughly gripping, poignant sci-fi saga." ~Artisan Book Reviews
• "Deftly weaves together themes of war, adventure, love, politics, and unwavering determination, lending depth and resonance to the narrative." ~Literary Titan, 5-star review
• "An intelligent, powerful work of science fiction." ~Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

Home Rule

Photojournalist Hershel Henry witnesses the self-torchings of tribal women protesting the oppressive rule of Rabbenu Ely. While Brianna Miller seeks peace among the tribes, Kelly sets the bride price for a wedding at Stargate Junction.

Recognition & Praise for Home Rule

• "First-rate SF novel of revolution, oppression, and the urgent textures of life." ~BookLife Editor's Pick (Publishers Weekly, 7/3/23)
• First place: 2023 Artisan Reads Book Excellence Awards, Science Fiction and Fantasy: "A masterpiece of science fiction world-building and plotting."
• "Dramatic, passionate, and rich in detail at every turn." ~Self-Publishing Review
• "Richly detailed world-building and compelling storytelling." ~Literary Titan 5-Star Review
• "An accomplished work that will impress fans of the existing series, and I would certainly recommend the series in general for literary sci-fi fans everywhere." ~Readers' Favorite 5-Star Review

                 

Free online: Strong Women, Strange Worlds. Enjoy a "book tasting" of science fiction, fantasy, and horror stories by women and non-binary writers. The event will feature six authors, and each author reads for eight minutes followed by Q&A. The event will be fast and fun, and there will be prizes/giveaways. Thursday, July 20, 7 PM EDT.

“We read books to find out who we are. What other people, real or imaginary, do and think and feel… is an essential guide to our understanding of what we ourselves are and may become.” ~Ursula K. Le Guin

Today's Spotlight is on the work of an author known as C.O.B., whose writings include an intriguing mix of poetry, thoughts, dialogue, and graphics, as well as an award-winning thriller that has been described as "Psycho meets The Boy Next Door." If you're ready for critically acclaimed writing that's off the beaten trail, read on!

A Drinker's Poems, Thoughts and Dialogue by C.O.B.

On the anniversary of his dear friend's death, an old man enters a bar and shares a story of a time when love came at a cost. Through a collection of poems, you will experience the joy of living, loving, and crying, plus lots and lots of laughter. A merry-go-round of raw emotions, this collection of poetry is a testimony to how life was lived and is meant to be lived...from the perspective of an old drinker.

“I loved the author’s raw, uncensored, and genuine voice... It’s a must-read book to take to a bar!” ~Reader Views

“Experimental in its own way, this collection will appeal to poetry readers who appreciate Bukowski-like verses fueled by a Baudelaire-like existence.” ~The U.S. Review of Books

"Each piece feels like a note written in a bottle found ashore... C.O.B. shows that, no matter what form it’ll take, a gut-wrenching piece of writing awaits." ~Independent Book Review

“Ideal for meditating on time and life.” ~Readers’ Favorite

Words & Graphics - The Four Seasons of Love

The Four Seasons of Love is the final installment in the Words and Graphics concept series that tells a coming-of-age story—of an adult who unexpectedly becomes a dad and then reverts to a childlike state of being. Growing into manhood—rather, a responsible father, after his childish journey causes him to lose a life—the four seasons that we all must endure reveal why all the colorful loves that entered this man-child’s life triggered the fallout between him and his one pure love, his daughter.

With the mixed use of different forms of writing that include poems, short stories, and simple observations, in addition to its provocative images, The Four Seasons of Love is a fitting end to the series, yet it also stands alone, as the best and most compelling of introductions.

"A powerful and brutally honest look at the impact of drugs and alcohol on the psyche of one's mind and life...a must-read for anyone who enjoys experimental storytelling and creative narrative styles." ~Readers' Favorite, 5 Stars

“The sometimes surreal leaps in tone or subject matter are masterful enough to recall Brautigan's Trout Fishing in America. Indeed, the writing evokes other Beat writers like Kerouac or Burroughs, bringing their style into the twenty-first century.” ~The US Review of Books

The Beauty in Ms. White

What happens when fantasy crosses over into reality? For Carlos Castillo, a lonely store manager, it creates a twisted story, a convolution of the truth that lies behind most fairytales: Love is real, but at times, it is concealed by a veil of mischief. 

The Beauty in Ms. White is a chilling, suspenseful love story that rips apart, then re-creates the meaning of star-crossed lovers.

"Psychological...compelling...powerful...and highly recommended." ~Midwest Book Review

“Psycho meets The Boy Next Door. Filled with suspense and intrigue.” ~Readers’ Favorite, 5 Stars

"If you enjoy being on the edge of your seat, read this not-to-be-missed novella." ~BookTrib

“A striking novel about the power of delusional assumptions... An intriguing mixture of dark romance and thriller.” ~Self-Publishing Review

       

Poet & Artist Reading: Black Sunflower Poetry Press invites you to an enchanted hour of art and poetry in the company of extraordinary black women poets and artists. Poet Harryette Mullen will read from Open Leaves - poems from earth. Artist Tiffanie Delune will present and discuss some of her artworks. Poet Morgan Christie will read from à genoux. And artist Virginia Chihota will present some of her artworks and ideas. Tickets from £5.00. (Note: Normally, LitNuts only recommends free online events, but this sounds like a wonderful event--and admission is free if you buy a copy of Open Leaves.) Tuesday, July 18, 12:00 CDT.

“There is always light. If only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.” ~Amanda Gorman

Psychologist Maddie Swallows’ decision to return to New Mexico seemed like a good idea at the time. But that was before the New Year’s Eve party she was guilt-tripped into attending. Before a member of the town council wound up dead and everyone at the party became a suspect. And before she was forced to unravel the secrets of her former hometown in order to clear her name. Book 1 in the Maddie Swallows series. If you love small towns, quirky characters, and an intriguing whodunit, you’ll love this cozy mystery. 4.2 stars, 1600+ ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

Brittany would have been a lot happier discovering her magic powers if it hadn't happened during the deaths of her classmates. "She couldn't think of a good enough comment. RIP just didn't sound right. They should've be partying in heaven, not resting in peace." As if the bus crash wasn't bad enough, her inability to contain her powers has her sent to a world of dangerous monsters and evil foes, a world that separates her from her friends, parents and everything she's ever known. From $2.99 SHOP NOW / 

A dashing battle poet. A girl with a dragon inside her. Together they race to stop an immortal witch and her dragon army. Drifter will appeal to fans of paranormal fantasy, where romance and adventure unfold in harmony. Fans of epic fantasy in the vein of The Earthsea Cycle will enjoy the lyrical style and ineffable magic system. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

Wellness In Style is about consciousness of body, mind, spirit, peace, love, and happiness for whatever one defines for themselves...coping, managing, living, and enjoying ways of life on one's own terms...motivation, counsel, and encouragement to self-betterment...and harmonic alignment in personal environment promotes physical comfort, mental stimulation, and a spiritual peace which creates balance. It is not about what is so-called "normal" as much as it is about what is healthy when going about individual wellness. From $5.00 SHOP NOW / 

Harmonic Inspirations was written with passages that include creative poetic messages of meaning...poetic motivation and literary writings of counsel and encouragement through creative self-expression...and is about positively journeying through life, in general, and through self expression of knowledge. Observe, and be inspired, and aspire to originate your own. Direct your attention on building within your creation-and do not be afraid to take risks. From $5.00 SHOP NOW /