Tag Archives: quick read

September 12, 2025 · 7:00 am

The Greed Beneath the Empire: Vol. 7-10 by Lamar Golden and Liana Golden (4 Book Spotlight)

Volume Seven

Control the system, and you control everything.

Victor Clayton has spent his life bending the world to his will, but his latest ambition is his most dangerous yet. Manipulating elections, silencing opponents, and stacking the courts, he’s poised to become the most powerful man in America—without ever running for office. But the deeper he digs into the foundations of power, the more he risks his empire collapsing under the weight of his own greed.

Opposing him is Caroline Sawyer, a fearless activist who knows the stakes are higher than ever. As protests erupt and secrets are exposed, the battle for democracy becomes a fight for the soul of the nation.

In The Greed Beneath the Empire Vol. 7: The Puppet Master: Victor’s Political Game, the line between savior and tyrant blurs in a thrilling exploration of power, corruption, and the fight for justice.


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Volume Eight

He lost everything in his pursuit of power. Now, he’s determined to save the world—or is he?

Victor Clayton’s empire of influence once spanned industries, governments, and media. But after his political downfall, he faces his greatest challenge yet: proving he can use his wealth and power for good. From eradicating homelessness to offering free healthcare, rebuilding education systems, and leading the charge in green energy, Victor positions himself as the architect of a new world order.

But as his vision unfolds, not everyone is convinced of his motives. Is Victor Clayton a reformed hero driven by redemption, or is his new empire just another ploy to consolidate control over society?

The Greed Beneath the Empire Vol. 8: Rebuilding the Future is a thought-provoking thriller that blurs the lines between ambition and altruism, challenging readers to question the cost of progress.

 
 
 
 
 
 
Volume Nine
 
How far would you go to redeem yourself?

Victor Clayton built an empire through manipulation and greed, but it cost him everything—his family, his reputation, and his peace of mind. Now, he’s determined to use his wealth and power for good, launching global initiatives to bring clean water, education, and healthcare to the world’s most neglected regions.

But the path to redemption is anything but smooth. As Victor fights against corruption, corporate sabotage, and a scandal that threatens to destroy everything he’s worked for, he faces a question that haunts him at every turn: Can a man who once thrived on greed truly change?

With his family watching from the sidelines, Victor battles to prove that he’s no longer the villain he once was. Victor’s Redemption is a heart-pounding journey of transformation, second chances, and the price we pay for the lives we choose to lead.

 
 
 
 
 
 
Volume Ten
 
 
He built an empire on greed. Now, he must lead a nation with integrity.

Victor Clayton had it all—power, wealth, and control. But when his past catches up to him, he’s sentenced to serve time in the very luxury prison he built for men like himself. Behind the walls of The Haven, Victor begins a transformation from disgraced billionaire to unlikely reformer.

What starts as a personal journey of redemption evolves into something far greater. Victor envisions a new kind of empire—one where former power brokers, ex-cons, and forgotten communities unite to rebuild a broken nation.

When his conviction is overturned, Victor doesn’t return to comfort—he runs for president.

Faced with smear campaigns, media warfare, and political assassins with microphones, Victor fights not just for votes, but for the soul of a divided country. Can a man haunted by corruption truly change the system—or will the system crush him before he gets the chance?

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Meet the Talented Team!

Lamar and Liana Golden are a dynamic father-daughter duo on a mission to captivate hearts, inspire minds, and leave a lasting legacy through the power of storytelling. With a shared passion for imagination and creativity, they weave tales that transport readers of all ages—from whimsical children’s stories that ignite wonder to gripping YA adventures and thought-provoking novels that linger in the soul.
 
For the Goldens, storytelling is more than a craft—it’s a family tradition. Lamar brings years of life experience, wisdom, and a knack for spinning unforgettable narratives, while Liana infuses their works with youthful energy, fresh perspectives, and a deep connection to the dreams and struggles of today’s readers. Together, they create a symphony of stories that resonate across generations.
 
Beyond their writing, Lamar and Liana share a zest for life’s simple joys. They’re adventurers at heart, often found savoring delicious food, laughing over spirited games, and seeking thrills at theme parks. These moments of connection fuel their creativity, reminding them of the importance of building a legacy of love, imagination, and goodness in the world.
 
Their dream is simple yet profound: to inspire readers everywhere, one story at a time, and to leave behind a world just a little brighter for having shared their journey. Join Lamar and Liana Golden as they open the door to extraordinary worlds and unforgettable adventures—you won’t want to miss a single tale.
 
You can contact us at lamar.golden1@gmail.com or via X (Formerly Twitter) @LNLGolden
 

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September 10, 2025 · 7:00 am

The Greed Beneath the Empire: Vol. 4-6 by Lamar Golden and Liana Golden (3 Book Spotlight)

Volume Four

Victor Clayton’s empire once seemed invincible. He was the kingmaker, controlling industries, unions, and even the government itself. But when the FBI exposes the dark underbelly of his operations, Victor’s carefully constructed world begins to crumble.

Accused of money laundering, bribery, and conspiracy, Victor faces the fight of his life in a trial that could destroy everything. As flipped witnesses reveal damning secrets and his closest allies turn against him, Victor’s brilliance and ruthlessness are pushed to their limits.

Will he outsmart his enemies and reclaim his throne, or will the kingmaker finally fall?

Filled with courtroom drama, high-stakes deception, and a relentless battle for survival, The Fall of the Kingmaker is a gripping tale of power, betrayal, and the cost of ambition. Perfect for fans of House of Cards and Succession, this fourth installment in The Greed Beneath the Empire series will keep you hooked until the very last page.

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Volume Five

What if the prison system wasn’t about justice but profit?

Victor Clayton’s empire thrives on corruption, deception, and the exploitation of power. With luxury prisons that resemble country clubs and backroom deals that funnel billions into offshore accounts, Victor’s vision of justice is anything but fair.

But as investigative journalists close in and whispers of betrayal grow louder, cracks begin to show in the empire’s foundation. Can Victor stay ahead of the chaos, or will the intricate web he’s woven finally unravel?

The Greed Beneath the Empire Vol. 5: The Price of Freedom is a gripping tale of ambition, privilege, and the price paid by those who underestimate the cost of power. Perfect for readers who love morally complex characters and fast-paced political intrigue, this novel exposes the dark truths of wealth and influence.

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Volume Six

Whoever controls the food controls the world.

Victor Clayton built his empire by seizing what others deemed untouchable. Now, he’s turned his focus to the ultimate prize: agriculture. With millions of acres of farmland under his command, Victor aims to control the seeds, the harvest, and the future of food. But his path to power is littered with enemies—farmers fighting for their land, environmentalists exposing his practices, and politicians determined to break his monopoly.

As nature itself rebels against his industrial ambitions, Victor must confront challenges even his vast wealth and influence can’t solve. In a battle for power that spans fields, courtrooms, and Congress, the stakes couldn’t be higher: the future of food and the survival of an empire.

The Greed Beneath the Empire Vol. 6: Control the Harvest, Control the World is a high-stakes thriller that explores the dark side of ambition and the battle for control over humanity’s most essential resource.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 
 
 
 

Meet the Talented Team!

Lamar and Liana Golden are a dynamic father-daughter duo on a mission to captivate hearts, inspire minds, and leave a lasting legacy through the power of storytelling. With a shared passion for imagination and creativity, they weave tales that transport readers of all ages—from whimsical children’s stories that ignite wonder to gripping YA adventures and thought-provoking novels that linger in the soul.
 
For the Goldens, storytelling is more than a craft—it’s a family tradition. Lamar brings years of life experience, wisdom, and a knack for spinning unforgettable narratives, while Liana infuses their works with youthful energy, fresh perspectives, and a deep connection to the dreams and struggles of today’s readers. Together, they create a symphony of stories that resonate across generations.
 
Beyond their writing, Lamar and Liana share a zest for life’s simple joys. They’re adventurers at heart, often found savoring delicious food, laughing over spirited games, and seeking thrills at theme parks. These moments of connection fuel their creativity, reminding them of the importance of building a legacy of love, imagination, and goodness in the world.
 
Their dream is simple yet profound: to inspire readers everywhere, one story at a time, and to leave behind a world just a little brighter for having shared their journey. Join Lamar and Liana Golden as they open the door to extraordinary worlds and unforgettable adventures—you won’t want to miss a single tale.
 
You can contact us at lamar.golden1@gmail.com or via X (Formerly Twitter) @LNLGolden
 

Reedsy Author Link

 

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September 8, 2025 · 7:00 am

The Greed Beneath the Empire: Vol. 1-3 by Lamar Golden and Liana Golden (3 Book Spotlight)

Volume One

Dive into the shadowy world of power, greed, and corruption with The Greed Beneath the Empire. Victor Clayton is a self-made billionaire, but beneath his polished exterior lies a web of deceit that holds governments and economies hostage. From his humble beginnings to becoming the architect of an empire built on manipulation, Victor’s rise is matched only by the looming threat of his inevitable fall.

As the stakes escalate, Victor must outmaneuver the system he’s mastered, facing enemies in the highest echelons of power and the demons of his own creation. Will his ambition secure his legacy—or destroy everything he’s built?

Fans of dark, morally complex stories like House of Cards and The Wolf of Wall Street will be captivated by this gripping tale of ambition, betrayal, and the cost of unrelenting power.

 
 
 
 
 
Volume Two
 
 
Betrayed. Convicted. Imprisoned. But Derek Harper’s story is just beginning.

A high-stakes heist meant to secure freedom becomes a nightmare when Derek’s best friend betrays him, framing him as the mastermind of the operation. Sentenced to 217 years in a ruthless prison system, Derek learns that survival demands more than strength—it requires courage, cunning, and the will to fight for a better future.

Amid brutal beatings and racial tension, Derek discovers a sanctuary in the prison library. What begins as an escape from chaos evolves into a mission to uplift others trapped in the same vicious cycle. With knowledge as his weapon, Derek refuses to let the system break him.

After a decade behind bars, Derek steps into freedom, determined to rebuild his life. But the shadows of his past resurface when the empire he once tried to steal from comes knocking—with an offer too tempting and dangerous to ignore. Can Derek navigate a path to redemption without losing himself, or will the greed beneath the empire destroy him once and for all?

For fans of gritty crime dramas and stories of hope against all odds, The Greed Beneath the Empire, Vol. 2 delivers an unforgettable journey of resilience and redemption.

 
 
 
 
 
Volume Three

In The Greed Beneath the Empire Vol. 3: Kingmaker: The Rise of Victor Clayton, the world of power and corruption reaches new heights. Victor Clayton has mastered the game, transforming himself from a shrewd businessman into a political kingmaker who holds America’s industries, unions, and politicians in his grip. But as his empire expands, so do the risks—and the enemies lurking in the shadows.

As the FBI closes in on his web of deceit, Victor plays a dangerous game of manipulation, blackmail, and power moves to secure his legacy. Can Victor outsmart his enemies, or will the empire he built on corruption crumble under the weight of its own lies?

Filled with high-stakes intrigue, political machinations, and a complex anti-hero, Kingmaker is a gripping tale of ambition, betrayal, and the ultimate cost of greed. Perfect for fans of House of Cards and The Wolf of Wall Street, this installment in the Greed Beneath the Empire series will leave you breathless and eager for more.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Meet the Talented Team!

Lamar and Liana Golden are a dynamic father-daughter duo on a mission to captivate hearts, inspire minds, and leave a lasting legacy through the power of storytelling. With a shared passion for imagination and creativity, they weave tales that transport readers of all ages—from whimsical children’s stories that ignite wonder to gripping YA adventures and thought-provoking novels that linger in the soul.
 
For the Goldens, storytelling is more than a craft—it’s a family tradition. Lamar brings years of life experience, wisdom, and a knack for spinning unforgettable narratives, while Liana infuses their works with youthful energy, fresh perspectives, and a deep connection to the dreams and struggles of today’s readers. Together, they create a symphony of stories that resonate across generations.
 
Beyond their writing, Lamar and Liana share a zest for life’s simple joys. They’re adventurers at heart, often found savoring delicious food, laughing over spirited games, and seeking thrills at theme parks. These moments of connection fuel their creativity, reminding them of the importance of building a legacy of love, imagination, and goodness in the world.
 
Their dream is simple yet profound: to inspire readers everywhere, one story at a time, and to leave behind a world just a little brighter for having shared their journey. Join Lamar and Liana Golden as they open the door to extraordinary worlds and unforgettable adventures—you won’t want to miss a single tale.
 
You can contact us at lamar.golden1@gmail.com or via X (Formerly Twitter) @LNLGolden
 

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January 10, 2025 · 7:00 am

Flyting 101: Poetic Justice by William Eckley (Book Spotlight)

Flyting 101: Poetic Justice is a lively and engaging guide to the ancient art of flyting—verbal duels of wit, rhyme, and humor. Blending history, technique, and modern applications, this book takes readers on a journey from the mead halls of the Norse gods to today’s rap battles and comedy roasts.

Packed with practical exercises, examples, and inspiration, it equips both beginners and seasoned wordsmiths to craft sharp, clever insults while honoring the ethics and creativity that define the tradition. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your rhetorical skills, entertain an audience, or simply enjoy the poetic magic of a well-placed jab, Flyting 101 offers everything you need to master the art of poetic justice.

Amazon Purchase Link

Read My Review on Reedsy

 

 

Meet the Author

William Arthur Eckley Jr., born in Riverside, California, is the visionary founder of the Three Haven Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering community and spiritual growth.

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March 26, 2021 · 7:00 am

Cassandra’s Time Yarns (Time Yarns Anthologies Book 1) by Erin Lale, Plus 4 More Contributing Authors (Anthology Review)

Print length: 92 pages

Contents:

The End of History by Gordon Yaswen
Choice by Ralph Ewig
Noble Northern Spirit by Erin Lale
Testing Time by Tony Thorne MBE
The Artist Formerly Known as G-d by Erin Lale
The Beginning by J.L. Toscano

Art Contents:

Paradise Lost by Maria Arango
Mandalas by Lisa Yount

Kindle Purchase Link



(review request submitted by Erin Lale, contributing author/editor, for an honest critique) 

 


(Story One) The End of History by Gordon Yaswen explored TIME in the manners of science and philosophy. In doing so, Yaswen reached a broader audience. The more individuals who can debate/explore a topic = more readers, more press. That is the goal of most writers. To get people talking about their work! 

 

(Story Two) Space is majestic, but it also comes with obstacles and fears. Every time a person explores space and the unknown, they are essentially gambling with their life. If something life-threatening happens in space, there is no 9-1-1. You and your comrades only have yourselves to rely on and no one else. All of this was emphasized in Choice by Ralph Ewig.

 

(Story Three) Noble Northern Spirit by Erin Lale was vastly different from its predecessors in this anthology. Erin Lale did not venture out into space. Her adventures took place on Earth. Hers centered almost entirely around magic.

Through the fourteen chapters, Erin Lale mentioned witches, the mob, drug smuggling, Jesus, Satan, and (deep breath) THOR!

There were several mythical beings discussed, in-depth or in passing. She really threw everything into the story except the kitchen sink. 😀

Speaking of kitchen sink, if I had magical powers, I’d used them to tackle the dishes in my sink. 😛

 

(Story Four) Testing Time by Tony Thorne MBE could be plausible in one aspect. If any citizen created a working time machine or force field, the military would be all over them. They’d confiscate the tech and the person. 

The interesting part of Testing Time came millions of (Earth) years later. I wished this section was explored more. Yes, I want about another 10-20 more pages. Why? Because there was so much more Tony Thorne could’ve said. Testing Time felt like it was just getting started when the story was (technically) wrapping up. 

Tony, I would love for you to expand this tale. I’d read it if you did. 🙂

 

(Story Five) The Artist Formerly Known as G-d by Erin Lale discussion of time travel, disruption of events, changing history, and warnings about when/where not to travel got me thinking. If I could travel to any period, where would I blast off to first?

I don’t know about Aunti Cassie and her opinion of her time spent with da Vinci. It might be an unforgettable experience to witness the creation of one of his genius inventions.

The only thing I know for sure…I would limit my time in any place which didn’t have indoor plumbing. I’m a bit spoiled in that way. 😀

 

(Story Six) The Beginning by J.L. Toscano would appeal to anyone who works in the sciences or is fascinated by science as a hobby. My hubby and his friends regularly discuss, and debate topics brought up in The Beginning. There’s also a theory that we (Earthlings) are merely puppets, and someone is pulling our strings. After reading The Beginning, you’ll wonder if this theory could be plausible. I’m sure many will debate this question. 🙂

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤

Kindle Purchase Link

 

 

Gordon Yaswen, a college professor in California.

Ralph Ewig, from Western Europe, a rocket scientist at SpaceX.

Tony Thorne MBE, awarded a chivalric order by the Queen of England for advances in cryosurgery tools and carbon fiber furnaces, resides in the Canary Islands.

J.L. Toscano, a teacher at the Scarsdale Schools in New York.

Maria Arango, from Cuba, a woodcut artist.

Lisa Yount, from California, an artist and jeweller.

 

Erin Lale

Erin Lale, invented technical processes in iDEN and CDMA wireless communications technology.

Erin Lale writes fiction, nonfiction, poetry, etc. She published Berserkrgangr Magazine, owned The Science Fiction Store in Las Vegas, was Acquisitions Editor at Eternal Press / Damnation Books, reviews books for Eternal Haunted Summer Magazine, writes an official blog for Witches and Pagans Magazine, and is the originator of the Time Yarns shared world universe. She lives in Nevada with her black cat, Happy.


Author website:  

https://www.erinlaleauthor.com/  

 

Author social media links:  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erin.lale  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinlale/  

MeWe: https://mewe.com/i-front/erinlale  

Minds: https://www.minds.com/erinlale/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/erinlale  

 

 

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