BOOK: Mississippi on Ice (2024)

by benmweilertNo Comments
Mississippi on Ice Year: 2024 Author: Joseph D. Slater Length: 268 pages Did you know Antarctica used to have bartenders? Before I read Mississippi on Ice, I hadn’t considered that the research stations on the bottom of the world would need more than just scientists to keep these outposts running. This blue-collar take on one of the harshest environments on Earth is one of the most interesting stories I have read lately. And while some of the trauma the main character must put up with is a bit intense at times (and takes a long time to recover from), seeing that there are common people who can make Antarctica work for them is an inspiration. The undercurrent in Mississippi on Ice definitely leans into the toxic traits men can have and how hard it is to escape them even at the end of the world. Most guys just want to live their lives, but when the patriarch of a family is abusive, it’s all the...
Read More

BOOK: In the Sky (2021)

by benmweilertNo Comments
In the SkyYear: 2021Author: Joseph D. SlaterLength: 456 pages As an author, I am jealous of Joseph D. Slater's fantasy adventure, In the Sky. I've read a lot of these kinds of books, but the first three chapters legitimately hooked me with their rich and well-developed main characters. I wish I could write a hook this engaging. Following three girls who are each on a journey of discovery, I was immediately drawn in by the overly confident pirate captain, the skilled dragon rider, and the sneaky cook's assistant. The world-building was so thoroughly interesting that I couldn't wait to read more. I applaud Slater's ability to craft a unique world where sky pirates do battle with government-trained dragons—and all through the lenses of these three girls. Every detail was well thought out and brought this imaginative universe vividly into my mind. Of course, sometimes these details felt a little too gory for a book that could easily be for upper middle grade...
Read More