IN PARNERSHIP WITH MICHAEL OKON

This post is sponsored by Michael Okon. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Dragged Down Deep

Written by Michael Okon

Ages: 15+ | 286 Pages

Publisher: Chelshire Inc (2024) | ISBN: 978-1-950080-14-4

Publisher’s Book Summary: Logan Osborne has spent his life chasing the shadows of the past.

As a child, he watched helplessly as his father was snatched from a fishing boat by what he swore was a mermaid. No one believed him then. No one believes him now.

Determined to prove that mythical creatures exist, Logan is drawn back to the small coastal town where his nightmares began after another mysterious disappearance stirs the waters.

Teaming up with his pragmatic colleague Elliot Sheppard and his fiercely loyal friend Penny Swanson, Logan dives headfirst into an adventure packed with danger and deception. As they dig deeper, the trio faces resistance at every turn—a secretive agency with its own agenda, a suspiciously unhelpful police force, and Logan’s old flame, who may know more than she’s letting on.

What they uncover is far darker and more terrifying than Logan ever imagined: the truth about his father, the secrets of Minatuck, and the horrifying reality of the Mermaid of the Hamptons.

Will Logan and his friends expose the lies that have haunted him for years, or will they be Dragged Down Deep into the swampy, secretive underbelly of a town that guards its mysteries with deadly intent?

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Bookshop.org

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michael Okon is an award-winning and best-selling author of multiple genres, including paranormal, thriller, horror, action/adventure, and self-help. He graduated from Long Island University with an English degree and later received his MBA in business and finance. Coming from a family of writers, he has storytelling in his DNA. Michael has been writing from as far back as he can remember, his inspiration being his love for films and their impact on his life. From the time he saw The Goonies, he was hooked on the idea of entertaining people through unforgettable characters.

Michael is a lifelong movie buff, a music playlist aficionado, and a sucker for self-help books. He lives on the North Shore of Long Island with his wife and children.

For more information, visit www.michaelokon.com.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

Logan Osbourne struggles to recover from a childhood trauma. When his father was dragged from a small boat and drowned by what he insisted was a mermaid, no one believed the tale. Now an adult scientist, Logan is determined to prove that a mythological creature called The Thunderbird exists. Together with his partner Elliot and the support of his university, Logan sets off to prove that the Native legend is true.

No one in the small town seems willing to talk, and Aimee, a former girlfriend, is out to beat him to the punch in finding the creature. Deception and deceit lurk around every corner. Logan faces physical danger, mental anguish, and socal ridicule. Will he succeed in uncovering the mystery surrounding his father’s death and the secrets of Minatuk? Why is everyone afraid of the answers?

From the intriguing quotes that introduce the adventure to the final chapter, readers are drawn into the complex characters and the twists and turns of the thriller. Another wonderful tale by a talented author that does not disappoint.

GIVEAWAY

Readers who join us on this tour can enter the giveaway below for a chance to win a copy of Dragged Down Deep, signed by Michael Okon. The grand prize winner will also take home a $100 Amazon gift card!

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/8Ziz3/dragged-down-deep-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, January 20, 2025The Children’s Book ReviewBook Tour Kick-Off

Wednesday, January 22, 2025The Fairview ReviewBook Review of Dragged Down Deep

Friday, January 24, 2025One More ExclamationBook Review of Dragged Down Deep

Monday, January 27, 2025Country Mamas With KidsBook Review of Dragged Down Deep

Wednesday, January 29, 2025Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogBook Review of Dragged Down Deep

Friday, January 31, 2025Deliciously SavvyBook Review of Dragged Down Deep

Monday, February 3, 2025Q&As with Deborah KalbInterview with Michael Okon

Wednesday, February 5, 2025icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of Dragged Down Deep

Friday, February 7, 2025Confessions of a Book AddictBook Spotlight on Dragged Down Deep

Monday, February 10, 2025The Starlit PathBook Review of Dragged Down Deep

Wednesday, February 12, 2025Crafty Moms ShareBook Review of Dragged Down Deep

Friday, February 14, 2025The Children’s Book ReviewBook Review of Dragged Down Deep

Jake and the Gingerbread Wars ( A Gryphon Chronicles Christmas Novella)

Written by E. G. Foley

This book is part of a series. It is intended to be a stand alone read, but it would help to have some background before reading it.

Jake and his cousins are no strangers to adventure, mystery, and time travel. In this Christmas novella, they set off to find Humbug, a renegade Christmas elf who is intent on spoiling Christmas. They chase him to the North Pole. Along the way, they teach readers about myths, Santa, and even incorporate the Nativity story and bits of Shakespeare.

Middle grade and older readers enjoy a feel good nostalgic read focusing on the Christmas season. A clean read appropriate for ages ten and older.

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Benjamin Impossible: The Helium Heist

Written by Timothy Root

Benjamin is blessed with a plethora of talents. He considers himself an intellectual genius, kung-fu master and jack-of-all trades, but Benjamin occasionally finds himself upstaged by his two-year-old brother.

The adventure begins when a mechanical robot steals the helium that powers the pirate airship Benjamin’s family calls home. That’s right, the setting grabs the middle-grade audience before the story starts. Benjamin promises to find the culprit. Along the way, each page presents new obstacles.

This book contains more than three hundred pages, divided into fairly short chapters that are introduced with a black and white drawing. Parents and teachers will be happy to hear there is no swearing or violence, just a sprinkling of potty humor and age-appropriate euphemisms.

The book reminded me of the Hardy Boys series popular when I was growing up; it could be likened to a modern-day Harry Potter series. As a bonus, readers are introduced to stem concepts in engineering and physics rolled into the adventure.

Recommended for ages ten and older, but a fun read for any age.

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WORD DRAGON: ( A FUN & FAST-PACED CHAPTER BOOK SERIES FOR KIDS 8-11) JUNKYARD ADVENTURES 1

Word Dragon is the first book in an interesting adventure book series for elementary and middle-grade readers. When siblings, Eli and Grace visit an antique store owned by “Uncle Larry,” a nonstop fantasy adventure ensues.

Their dad is searching for a second-hand lawnmower. Eli and Grace meet the lovable but absent minded store owner who loves telling stories to children. Larry gives them a hubcap, a length of rope, and an old Scrabble game with a missing letter. He informs the children they they can use these to go on an adventure, but once begun they cannot return until they solve the mystery to find their way back.

Challenge accepted! The brother and sister head off. They will meet a Word Dragon and avoid fireballs thrown at them along the journey. I particularly enjoyed the word vocabulary list that encourages young readers to expand their vocabulary. Readers will definitely want to sign up for a return visit to Uncle Larry’s store.

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This post is sponsored by Caron Pescatore. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Phoebe Chen Mystery: The Book Bandit

Written by Caron Pescatore

Illustrated by Amanda Neves

Ages 7+ | 136 Pages

Publisher: Pesky Books 4Kidz | ISBN-13: 9781958043097

Publisher’s Book Summary: Phoebe loves anything that involves brainstorming, like jigsaw puzzles, riddles, and word searches. Her lifelong dream is to solve mysteries like her detective father—or ND, her favorite girl detective. So when a friend’s prized autographed book disappears, Phoebe immediately offers to take on the case.

Enlisting the help of her BFF, Phoebe gets to work searching for clues, interviewing witnesses, and compiling a list of suspects. But when the evidence implicates a friend, she realizes being a detective isn’t all fun and games. Phoebe must find concrete evidence before she points the finger. Can she do it, or will the book bandit get away with the dastardly deed?

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR-ILLUSTRATOR

Caron Pescatore was born in the United Kingdom. She spent her childhood in Jamaica before migrating to the United States. After practicing as a registered nurse for several years, she entered law school, getting her J.D. in 2001. She worked as an attorney for years before leaving the profession to become a stay-at-home mom—her most challenging career to date. Ms. Pescatore recently returned to law and now works for Legal Aid. Her favorite pastimes are reading, writing, and watching true-crime shows. At present, Ms. Pescatore lives in Florida with her husband and children.

For more information, visit https://caronpescatore.com/.

https://www.instagram.com/caronpescatore/

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

NOT AS EASY AS IT SEEMS

The Book Bandit (A Phoebe Chan Mystery}

Written by Caron Pescatore

Illustrated by Amanda Neves

Eight-year-old Becky and her best friend Luana belong to a soccer team. When Becky, a teammate, loses her treasured autographed book, Becky immediately decides to follow in her father’s footsteps and become a detective to solve the mystery and find the thief. The two best friends interview all the members of the team to uncover clues as to the identity of the bandit. They soon realize that the evidence may lead to an unfortunate conclusion.

One of my favorite parts of this chapter book is that the author takes pains to present both sides of the story teaching young readers that it is important not to jump to conclusions without looking at all sides. The black and white illustrations within the chapters are fun to look at and incentivize reluctant readers to sustain interest. Characters are age appropriate and relatable.

I highly recommend the first book of this mystery series to beginning readers and middle-grade readers.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a paperback copy of The Book Bandit, autographed by Caron Pescatore.

Four (4) winners receive:

– A signed paperback copy of A Phoebe Chen Mystery: The Book Bandit

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

https://gleam.io/HxYMI/the-book-bandit-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, April 10, 2023The Children’s Book ReviewThe Book Bandit Tour Kick Off

Tuesday, April 11, 2023The Fairview ReviewA book review of The Book Bandit

Wednesday, April 12, 2023Barbara Ann MojicaA book review of The Book Bandit

Thursday, April 13, 2023The Momma SpotA book review of The Book Bandit

Friday, April 14, 2023icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review of The Book Bandit

Monday, April 17, 2023Crafty Moms ShareA book review of The Book Bandit

Tuesday, April 18, 2023JoanasbookshelfA book review of The Book Bandit

Wednesday April 19, 2023Reading Is My SuperpowerA book review of The Book Bandit

Thursday, April 20, 2023Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersA book review of The Book Bandit

Friday, April 21, 2023Me Two BooksA book activity paired with The Book Bandit

Monday, April 24, 2023Cover Lover Book ReviewA book review of The Book Bandit

Tuesday, April 25, 2023Confessions of a Book AddictA book giveaway of The Book Bandit

Wednesday, April 26, 2023My Reading GetawayA book review of The Book Bandit

Thursday, April 27, 2023Twirling Book PrincessA book review of The Book Bandit

Friday, April 28, 2023Life Is What It’s CalledAuthor interview with Caron Pescatore

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What the Valley Knows

Written by Heather Christie

This novel is presented from three separate points of view. Ann, a mother, who moves into the town for a new start, her daughter, Molly, a high school senior, and Wade, the star football quarterback.

It is a coming-of-age story, touched by a budding romance, and the problems of bullying and adjusting to a new home. Each of the characters faces challenges and struggles. Drama is added with a mystery that needs to be solved.

The book will appeal particularly to young adult audiences. It is a pleasant change from the dark fantasy and paranormal often found on young adult reading shelves.

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The Magic Volcano: Molly’s Magical Adventures: Book One

Written by V. K. May

Although this book is targeted at a middle-grade reading audience with short chapters, it contains all the elements that will please young adult and adult audiences.

Molly Marsh possesses an insatiable curiosity and strong determination to get to the bottom of things. As the book opens, she has departed Australia for Papua, New Guinea. Upon landing, a blue butterfly lands on her nose assuring her things will be okay. Let the adventures begin.

Molly teams up with Michael to explore the island. The characters are well-defined, and the action is continuous. Readers discover all types of useful information. I won’t spoil the plot but will say once you start reading, you will not be able to put the book down.

A delightful chapter book for readers eight through eighty.

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Logan Scott Files: A Spoiled Brat is Missing!

Written by D.C. Spaar

This is Book One of a chapter book series that is perfect for a beginning or reluctant reader. The print size is large and the short chapters are easy to follow.

Scott possesses the talent of finding lost objects. The local police department decides they could use his help in their secret division. They recruit Scott, offering him lots of fancy tools like glasses that see-through buildings and a spray that makes him invisible.

His first case involves finding the daughter of an influential citizen. It turns out she is a spoiled brat. Will Scott follow the clues to discover her whereabouts? Can he use his smarts to close the case?

Children love a mystery to solve. This book of about fifty pages is a quick read with lots of appealing characters. Recommended especially for ages six through ten.

Looking for quality books that teach the truth? Check out http://www.LittleMissHISTORY.COM

The Flip: A Haunting on Long Island

Written by Michael Phillip Cash

A fast read with interesting characters and a nice blend of genres. Brad and his wife Julie are house flippers. Julie would love to earn enough money to quit her day job to join her husband, who is a full-time contractor.

What could go wrong when they purchase an old Victorian house named Bedlam in Cold Spring? Plenty. Turns out the original owners, Gerald and Tessa decide to put their ghostly talents to the test by torturing the new owners.

Why were Gerald and Tessa killed? Readers learn about the history and the mystery of the abandoned property as they follow the clues and become absorbed in the lives of its inhabitants, past and present.

Highly recommend this entertaining read for young adult and adult audiences.

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Thomas Templeton and the Whispers of Branson Manor

Written by Emily A. Stewart

Illustrated by Chad Stewart

Sarah, Thomas, and Evie are three orphans who have been taken in by their Aunt Gertrude. Gertrude never wanted them in her life.

When the siblings overhear that she is planning to get rid of Sarah and Thomas but keep Evie around to do her bidding, they decide to run away. How will they survive with limited resources and no one to watch out for them?

The resilient trio go on an adventure, adopt a lost pup, and meet a bunch of friendly and unfriendly characters. As Gertrude attempts to get them back for punishment, the three children find themselves in the house where their parents died. Strange things befall them. They learn about witches and curses. Will they escape their aunt and find a way to stay together? Is the house cursed? What happened to their parents?

Interesting characters, a nice blend of humor, mystery, with just enough scariness, combine to make this a middle-grade page turner.

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