D-Review

Lazarus in the Labyrinth


Title: Lazarus in the Labyrinth
Author: TR Hanes
Publisher: Outskirts Press
Genre: Fiction 



Lazarus in the Labyrinth by TR Hanes is the best psychological fiction I had came across up till now. The story revolves around Reno Antonin, a professor and a successful athlete who finds himself struggling with deep depression due to his physical injuries and mental trauma caused by an unfortunate event in the past. In an attempt to rise above this crisis he seeks help form his sister, who is a psychotherapist. But psychology fails to cure his wounds. Instead of following religion blindly as most people do, Reno decides against it and ascertain a new way to cure his trouble. He realizes that when he was under the influence of anesthesia, he had no consciousness, no feelings and no fear. He concludes his anesthetized form as death with no afterlife and no fear, just a void. 
To advance his discovery he meets members of a secret society who performs their own death drama based on Greek Eleusinian ceremonies. Reno realizes that after going through these ceremonies when one resurrects, he is free from any guilt and pain as the life and consciousness that contained it is cease to exist. 
The author strikes at the very nerve of egoistic men who proclaims the existence of Heaven and Hell. Death means a vacuum, so there cannot be an afterlife keeping an account of the rights and wrongs done with a conscious which doesn’t subsist in oblivion. Keeping the narration simple and the story flow still stimulating, author has successfully described the mental stature of his protagonist and challenged the Religion on the fear it has injected in mind of the people (in the most respectable way). Read this book to get a new definition of Death and Rebirth and to understand the complexities of human mind.

Rating: 4/5 


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author for reviewing purpose. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

The 360 Degree Leader


Title: The 360 Degree Leader 
Author: John C. Maxwell
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Genre: Non-Fiction 



There are many books claiming to improve your leadership skills but The 360 Degree Leader - Developing Your Influence from Anywhere in the Organization by John C. Maxwell is exceptional.  
In this book, Maxwell, who is widely recognized for his leadership skill techniques and motivational speeches, tells you that you don’t have to be on a top position to lead but you are a leader already. We all are submitted to the myth that leader is the one whom everyone follows and unless we reach to that position in our organization our skills won’t matter. This book shatters this misconception and makes the reader realized that leading can be done from anywhere, even from the middle of the organization. Leadership is a choice you make, not a place you sit. Different levels and demands of a leader has been explained in this book which will make the reader learn to lead down among their subordinates, lead up to their superiors and lead across their peers. A leader is made by his character and influence and not by position.
The 360 Degree Leader is not a light read like quotable quotes by John C. Maxwell but the book is properly arranged to make it an effortless read. It feels like listening to a speech with a refreshing and energizing attitude. However after a while the book does get repetitive. Though if you follow it thorough by review points and workbook exercises, it might help you achieve a leader within you.

Rating: 3/5 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Muck Blossoms


Title: Muck Blossoms
Author: Juna Jinsei
Publisher: Outskirts Press
Genre: Fiction 



Set in mid 1800’s Muck Blossoms is the story of Kathleen’s life journey. After losing her mother at a young age, Kate has to grow up fast and become the woman of the house. She lives with her widowed father on a ranch at Wyoming. Growing up in the environment of natural beauty but without law, she became aware of this scary world and continues to struggle through it. She is eager to learn and reads everything she gets her hands on. Kate believes that obstacles led the courage grow and raises her family along with developing an individuality.
She gets tricked and become pregnant out of wedlock. Her father having an abrasive behavior towards her since the beginning releases his wrath on her. The violence and suffering Kate has to put up with is heart wrenching. She has to face the ruthless consequences making her life rushed in desolation. But her outlook, predicaments and decisions make her redeem everything.
In a nutshell, this book is a portrayal of a woman’s inner strength to rise above even with unimaginable losses, emotional wounds and physical abuse. Even in today’s world things like honor killing and violence against women are not obsolete. That is what makes the connection with Kate ticks, leaving this book difficult to put down. Though being an intense story, it doesn’t inspire sadness in the reader but awe towards the protagonist and belief that hope and good always flourishes in the end. 
Juna Jinsei has done an amazing work with intriguing story flow, meticulous characterization and fussy historical references. From the picture of the environment to the life cycle of the horses, everything depicts realistic scenario. This book will work as a reference for the future writers. Already at an eminent rank in my library, Muck Blossoms is highly recommended. 

Rating: 5/5 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author for reviewing purpose. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 
 

Declaration

All the books mentioned here have been reviewed free of charge. If you want us to review your book then please contact us at dvnare@gmail.com

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