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Review of Einstein’s Compass a YA Time Traveler Adventure – 4 out of 4 Stars

Review of Einstein’s Compass
Post by Jessie Gus » 22 Mar 2022, 19:20

[Following is a volunteer review of “Einstein’s Compass” by Grace Blair.]
Book Cover
4 out of 4 stars
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Join a young Albert Einstein on his fantastical journey. It all begins when young Albert’s father gives him a compass. Little did his Father know the jewel encrusted compass would take Albert far away in place and time. With guidance from Johann, Albert’s best friend, they discover the secrets of the remarkable compass, not only the help it can be, but also the hidden peril it carries. Albert is experiencing what he believes are vivid dreams where he speaks with brilliant thinkers of the past but, are they just dreams? Is he truly seeing and speaking with them? Accompany him into the realms of myth, legend, and prophets. What do the Shamir Stone, the Firestone, a dragon, Moses, alien DNA and Akhenaten have to do with Albert? Will he ever rid himself of Raka, the evil force pursuing him? How is he connected to this Raka and why does he hunt him? All of this, and much more, awaits you in this mesmerizing tale of fiction.

Together, Grace Blair and Laren Bright have produced an outstanding work that binds many diverse elements into a cohesive tale. They have made an easy flowing piece with a unique way of looking at the world. Their use of guides and/or prophets adds a new dimension. I like the small details, like Albert putting on his lederhosen and the way his music makes him feel. The dragon is a creative touch that should not work, but the authors skillfully make it suit the story. I also enjoyed the evolving trail of his theories. The picture of young Einstein that they paint is faithful to the non-fiction books that I have read about his habit and quirks.

The only two drawbacks to this work; were few font size problems that might be due to transferring the work to Kindle, and I would have liked to know more about how the compass was made.

I give the book 4 out of 4 stars. Einstein’s Compass A Ya Time Traveler Adventure certainly earns it. The use of historically accurate culture and the start of the Nazi political machine are spot on. The addition of charters is almost seamless, never leaving one to wonder where that person came from.

I would recommend this book not only for young adult readers and for people who enjoy a fictional tale with a little fantasy thrown in. This is a splendid book for those that are young of heart.

“Einstein’s Compass a YA Time Traveler Adventure”wins Silver in 2019 eLit Awards in the Juvenile YA Fiction Category

—with credit to D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

How did Albert Einstein come up with his wondrous theories of light and time?

What if Einstein’s remarkable theories came from his personal journeys through space and time? Einstein’s Compass: a YA Time Traveler Adventure blends this premise into a broader examination of mythology as it opens with a brief glimpse of life in Atlantis and moves to the dilemmas surrounding Raka, a fallen Angel of Light.

 

 

The spiritual shudder he experienced an eon ago leads to his theft of a vial of DNA and exposes the resentment he holds for his uncle, who won’t share secrets with him.

He seeks rewards and recognition from the Council of the Sons of Belial in exchange for betraying his fellow Atlanteans, but the secret of the Firestone crystal continues to elude him.

This is a YA read, but it should be mentioned that graphic violence is part of the storyline. Such descriptions may give pause to adults seeking ‘clean’ reading for teens, but these moments are in keeping with plot development and are not excessive in appearance, nor over-emphasized.

 

Young Albert Einstein is in possession of a compass that allows him to travel in time and space. Unfortunately, he holds a coveted key to not just enlightenment, but power, and he soon discovers that dangerous supernatural forces from different eras are also searching for his prize.

 

Readers anticipating the usual timeslip saga may at first be surprised by the inclusion of and focus on these supernatural entities. As Raka stalks his unsuspecting prey, willing to pay the karmic price for assaulting the holder of the prized Shamir,  Albert faces the death of a beloved friend, an increasing awareness of his power and its danger, and a journey that embraces not just mythological forces, but Biblical times, Jesus, and Albert’s own roots in Atlantis.

 

These subplots lend complexity to Einstein’s Compass that will be intriguing and absorbing to mature YA readers; especially prior fans of timeslip sagas more used to such stories holding historical rather than fantasy backgrounds.

 

Under Grace Blair and Laren Bright’s hands, Einstein’s Compass is more than just another time travel story, but one of soul searching, enlightenment, and classic struggles between good and evil. During this journey, young Albert embraces the threat of death and world-changing perspectives.

 

Indeed, Albert will change the world, one day. But the roots of his knowledge and endeavors take a different turn in a riveting fantasy about soul-searching and growth which will keep young adult readers engrossed to the end.

“…a riveting fantasy about soul-searching and growth which will keep young adult readers engrossed to the end.”

 

Available at all online bookstores in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook.

What is a Mystic?

During the 15th Century, the Spanish Inquisition punished people who had otherworldly experiences with God. Anyone who was a healer or had intuitive knowledge of God was burned at the stake. According to the church, the only way a person could hear the word of God was through a priest or minister. Today the term “mystic” is associated with the occult, magic, astrology and tarot readings. I want to educate people to know that the mystical is not dark magic nor should you be ostracized.

According to the dictionary, a mystic is a person who seeks by contemplation and self-surrender to obtain unity with or absorption into the Deity or the absolute, or who believes in the spiritual apprehension of truths that are beyond the intellect.

Being a mystic is a spiritual, religious, and transcendental experience. St. Theresa of Avila, a former Jewess was a Catholic nun and a mystic in the 16th century. The Catholic Church venerates more than 10,000 saints with many being mystics. Patron saints are often chosen today because an interest, talent, or event in their lives overlaps with the special area. For example, St. Francis of Assisi was a mystic who loved nature and so he is the patron of ecologists. St. Francis de Sales was a mystical writer and so he is the patron of journalists and writers. St. Clare of Assisi, a mystic and the patron of television because one Christmas when she was too ill to leave her bed she saw and heard Christmas Mass — even though it was taking place miles away. Angels are also named as patron saints.

I do not claim to be a saint. However, there are saints among us who do the work of loving service. In 1973, I discovered a spiritual phenomenon called the Mystical Traveler Consciousness. The Mystical Traveler is in everyone and is the living love of the spiritual heart of Jesus Christ. Imagine having an intuitive flashlight to look into the darkness of your soul. With the Light of God and the Mystical Traveler exercising the living spirit within, you can step into an awareness that will lift and assist you in your life’s lessons.

In the “AHA” book, “Do You Have a Dream?” 140 Insights into Building Confidence, Overcoming Stress & Loving Yourself”, you will have 140 of my best insights to assist you in focusing on and discovering more of the wisdom, truth, and beauty within you.

Let go of the world around you, go inside, find your dream and follow the adventure of making it come true.

In your day-to-day learning, if you find a unique way of dreaming, pass it on. We on planet earth are students of life. Maybe you can share and become a thought leader too.

Grace Allison, http://www.gracethemystic.com Modern Mystic: I am a creative, enthusiastic, visionary who enjoys making a difference through service.

GracetheMystic, Modern Mystic Media
806-790-4845 | [email protected] | www.gracethemystic.com |
4408 14 Street Lubbock, Texas 79416

THIRD ANNUAL SHORT STORY CONTEST FOR TEXAS AUTHORS BRINGS OUT THE BEST

AUSTIN, TX – Texas Authors have once again allowed their creative minds to open up and expand the Universe in which they live with short stories that capture one’s emotions through the everlasting aspect of storytelling.

 

In this, the third volume of award-winning short stories, the reader is taken on a personal ride of growth and understanding, then through history both factual and fictional as they explore each side of wars. Then fear grabs hold of you and shakes you with terror before unleashing giggles and out-right laughs. Those are just a few of the emotions one will experience as they read these 23 short stories from all parts of Texas.

 

Texas Authors, Inc., a nonprofit organization that supports and markets Texas Authors teamed up with Texas number one eBook store EBG247.com to help promote the contest which had thousands of dollars in prizes up for grabs.

 

The winner of this year’s contest winners are:

 

Fiction/African American

1st Place – Renne Siewers – Swish, Swish – The Mistake

 

Fiction/Biography

1st Place – Ernie Lee – Heart Over Mind

2nd Place – Darlene Prescott – Early Wanderings and Unholy Revelations

 

Fiction/Contemporary

1st Place – Dale Wender – Concho Diary

 

Fiction/Fantasy

1st Place – Grace Allison – Neville’s Pond

 

Fiction/Historical

1st Place – Dick Elam – “Who’s Truman?”

2nd Place –  George Ramphrey – Texas Two Step

3rd Place – Joseph Willis – The Lesson

 

Fiction/Horror

1st Place – Larry Morris – Nightmare

 

Fiction/Humor

1st Place – Aaron Ward – Supererogate Park

2nd Place –  Curt Locklear – Bee in the Car

 

Fiction/Inspirational

(Tie) 1st Mark Allen – Plain Brown Wrapper

(Tie) 1st Julie Cosgrove – The Highway Chair

3rd Place – Ken Ingle – Never on Friday

 

Fiction/Paranormal

Sandra Fox Murphy – Passage

 

Fiction/Romance

1st Place – Jan Sikes – Broken Promises

 

Fiction/Suspense

1st Place – Joe Kilgore – Twenty-Ten

2nd Place – Robert DeLuca – Faithful Forever

 

Fiction/Science

1st Place – Aaron Ward – Panner’s Final Problem

(Tie) 2nd Place – Larry Morris – All in Good Time

(Tie) 2nd Place –  Jan Sikes – The Forgotten

 

Fiction/Techno Thriller

1st Place – Charles Breakfield & Rox Burkey – The Enigma Chronicles – Remember the Future

 

Non-Fiction/Essay

1st Place – B Alan Bourgeois – Authors Revolution

 

 

This wonderful collection of short stories can be purchased for $14.95 at one of the sponsor’s websites.  $2.00 from the sale of each book is donated to the DEAR Texas literacy programs, which helps get books into the schools, libraries, and readers who may not otherwise afford them. The book is available in paperback, eBook and soon as an audiobook.  You may also purchase last year’s book at http://Vol3.TxShorts.com

 

To learn more about DEAR Texas and it’s Book Festival Network, or its Literacy programs, please visit their website athttp://DearTexas.info

 

Sponsor/Member Organizations:

EBG247.com

GateKeeperPress.com

TxAuthors.com

The Good and Evil of Amazon.com

Since March 1, 2017, Amazon has changed its policy to allow third party sellers in its book division. When I wrote to Jeff Bezo’s at Amazon on May 27, 2017, I received this response from Amazon:

 Martin Costa, Executive Customer Relations  

Author Central https://authorcentral.amazon.com/ 

Thank you for your email. I understand you’d like to discuss this matter with Jeff Bezos, but regrettably, his schedule doesn’t allow him to answer directly, and my team responds on his behalf. We have seen that allowing third-party sellers to compete for buy box creates a better overall experience for customers around features they value, and we have recently extended this policy to print books. We appreciate your feedback and concerns around this change. If you have further comments or need to contact me directly, please email me at [email protected].
My last email, “Stakeholders” to Amazon’s Author Central has gone unanswered. My point was why Amazon is opening up to offer third-party sellers when they could make money as a Kindle Direct Printing as well as from authors.
I discovered I had to see the new third party policy from how the company makes more profits.
I have a friend who worked at Amazon in the warehouse pushing the carts around and filling orders. She said that Amazon could make more money by having third-party bookstores. The third party bookstores could sell more books in volume than we self-published authors could.
The big picture is that not only can a third-party seller sell books they can sell anything else in Amazon’s warehouse. For example, I could pay $39.99 a month and set up a professional account obtain a Buy Button on Amazon’s Marketplace and sell not only my book but any other book or product listed in Amazon’s warehouse. Amazon is responsible for fulfilling the orders. I do not have to provide the inventory for anything that Amazon offer.
From Amazon’s website: 
Since 2000, selling on Amazon has been helping individuals and businesses increase sales and reach new customers. Today, more than 40% of Amazon’s total unit sales come from third-party selection. All sellers can list products in more than 20 categories. Professional Sellers can apply to sell in at least 10 additional categories. If you plan to sell more than 40 items a month its $39.99/month + other selling fees. You plan to sell fewer than 40 items a month $0.99 per sale + other selling fees.
 
Therefore, the warehouse worker who pushed the cart down the warehouse aisle puts a copy of your book in the cart then adds toothpaste, skin care products, toilet paper, and a dress. If I am set-up to sell all those products through my third-party store I receive a profit from the sale minus the initial set-up fee and other charges.
A sale of my “Do You Have a Dream Workbook 5 Key to Realize Your Dream”, I discovered  I would make only $.69 if I allowed third-party sellers to sell my book on Amazon.
I found I could make $1.90 per book if I set-up my own bookstore. For on-line sales, as an indie author, I have set-up my bookstore through Ingram-Spark called Aer.io. It’s free to any Ingram author. I can sell my books as well as any other book that Ingram has in its inventory. On my website, www.gracethemystic.com I direct people to buy my book https://aerbook.com/store/ModernMysticMedia from my bookstore instead of Amazon’s bookstore. I make more money with selling my book. Moreover, I can sell any other book in my bookstore that Ingram carries. In addition, I can use the social media buttons provided by Aer.io to advertise the website or any book in my bookstore. I have complete control over the pricing and discounts of the books. Ingram provides the fulfillment, taxes and shipping.
In conclusion, authors and our books are just things not works of art that require special handling. Our books sit next to breakfast cereal or toothpaste.   I know my friend who was pushing carts in Amazon is now an author. She plans to have a Buy Button and become an Amazon Marketplace third party seller. Who knows maybe she will be selling your book next to hers with the toothpaste, breakfast cereal and dress.
I sent the above-mentioned email you just read to Mr. Costa on June 9, 2017:

June 10, 2017

Dear Grace,
We appreciate your feedback on our bookstore, and I want to assure you that your voice has been heard by our team. Feedback from our authors is always welcome as it’s fundamental to help us maintain a great experience for both customers and authors.
Thank you
Martin Costa
Executive Customer Relations
Author Central

If you have a situation that you want to address with Mr. Costa please make your comment/question here.

[Grace The Mystic, Award Winning Author] The Good and Evil of Amazon.com
Grace, it is wonderful that you have found someone to answer your questions and that you are passing it along to authors everywhere. Thank you for the information. An addition: authors often use Amazon’s Profile page as a place to be seen by their readers. It won’t fix the royalty problem, but if they are not using that feature, they should look into it. Here is my page as an example: http://bit.ly/CarolynsAmznProfile. your readers will find a lot more information on how to set up a profile page and what it can do for them in my multi award- winning book , #TheFrugalBookPromoter.