Book Review: Yogi's Curse by Lars Guidnard

I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of Charisma Media Network 

About the Book:

Zoe and Zak are back in India. Again. And this time they’re attending Moonstock Himalayan Boarding School, which might seem fun except for the fact that the school is a little strange. Students ride elephants instead of school buses, snarling monkeys work as security guards, and angry parrots monitor the halls. And even when they manage to get used to the wildlife, the food is absolutely terrible.But living with a bunch of other kids their age can be a lot of fun too, or at least it seems that way until Zoe’s roommate goes missing. Following the directions written on a steamy bathroom mirror, Zoe and Zak fly through the clouds on their magic carpet to learn that the two of them have been chosen yet again. This time they’ve been asked to lift the Yogi’s Curse.It’s not going to be easy. Zoe and Zak don’t even know what the Yogi’s Curse is let alone how to lift it, but like it or not, they soon discover that a whole lot of people are depending on them. Now, if they’re going to save the day, they’re going to have to fool the monkey guards, avoid the nasty parrots, and maybe even develop a supernatural ability or two. Because lurking beneath Moonstock is a powerful new enemy. And if Zoe and Zak can’t stop him, nobody can.

My Thoughts About The Book: This book is the follow up to Zoe and Zack and the Ghost Leopard (read my review of this book here.). In my opinion, this book is every bit as good as it's predecessor. Both of these books are so well written that you do not need to read the other book to understand what is going on.   I really like how the author makes the book entertaining as well as informative. I learned lots of interesting information about India and it's culture. I read the book in one night. I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen! I love this book! I hope the author decides to continue the series.

Title: Zoe & Zak and the Yogi's Curse (Zoe & Zak Adventures #2)

Author: Lars Guignard

Genre: Children /Middle Grade

Published: Fantastic Press (July 23, 2013)

Buy Links:

Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/Zoe-Yogis-Curse-Adventures-ebook/dp/B00E4WFG2C
About the Author: 

Author Bio:

Prior to writing novels, Lars Guignard wrote for film and television. As a teenager he attended boarding school in the Indian Himalayas and his experiences there provided the inspiration for the Zoe and Zak series which now include: Zoe & Zak and the Ghost Leopard and Zoe & Zak and the Yogi's Curse.

He now makes his home in the Pacific Northwest where he is busy completing the third Zoe & Zak adventure for release in Fall 2013.

For news about new releases, please join his email list here:

http://www.larsguignard.com/contact/

He can also be reached at the following places:

Blog: http://www.larsguignard.com/contact/

Twitter: @Lars_Gu

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LarsGuignardAuthor

 Note: I'm always happy to do product reviews. If you're a company and want me to review your product, simply e-mail me at the e-mail address on the sidebar to the right.

 

Vegas and the Mob Book Review

I am reviewing this book for Charisma Public Relations. I was was given a free copy of this book in exchange for a review of it.

The truth about Las Vegas, unlike the watered-down versions you might have heard elsewhere. Sin City was the Mob’s greatest venture and most spectacular success, and through forty years of frenzy, the FBI watched, listened on phone tapes, and did virtually nothing. Thank goodness for that, because Vegas wouldn’t be what it is today without the Mob!

Two of the nation’s most powerful crime family heads went to prison in the 1930’s, Al Capone, and Lucky Luciano. Frank Nitti took over the Chicago Outfit while, Frank Costello ran things for the Luciano Family. Both men were influenced by their bosses from prison, and both sent enough gangsters onto the streets to influence loan sharking, extortion, union control, and drug sales.

Bugsy Siegel worked for both groups, handling a string of murders and opening up gaming on the west coast, and that included Las Vegas, an oasis of sin in the middle of the desert – and it was legal. Most of it. The FBI watched as the Mob took control of casino after casino, killed off the competition, and stole enough money to bribe their way to respectability back home.

New York’s “Lucky Luciano” was getting a taste of the profits in the 1930’s, Detroit, Kansas City, and Chicago weren’t far behind. By the 1940’s, nearly every crime family in the United States had a stake in a Las Vegas casino. Some did better than others. Vegas casino owners watched-over their profits while competing crime families eyed each other’s success like jealous lovers. Murder often followed.

My thoughts about the book:

 I'm a history buff. When the opportunity to review this book came up, I eagerly took it and I was not disappointed. I had no idea how much influence the Mob had in the development of Las Vegas. The book covers the 1940-1970's. This book is so engaging that once you start reading you won't be able to put it down.  Vegas and the Mob is an easy read for anyone looking to find out more about Las Vegas or the Mob. I look forward to reading more books by this author. 

Buy Links:

Amazon Paperback - http://www.amazon.com/Vegas-Mob-Al-W-Moe/dp/1483955559/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1369942756&sr=8-1

Amazon Kindle - http://www.amazon.com/Vegas-and-the-Mob-ebook/dp/B00C7YDLIU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1369942756&sr=8-1&keywords=vegas+and+the+mob

About the Author: 

Al W Moe was born in Cincinnati, Ohio and introduced to the casinos of Nevada at the age of eleven. At the time he had never seen such an amazing array of sights, sounds, and exciting games. Little has changed since that first introduction.

Moe is the author of six books and has written for Gambling Times/Poker Player, Pokernews.com and Casino and Gaming Chips Magazine. His love for casinos and the history of gambling are only exceeded by the thrill he gets learning new casino games and his desire to teach new players how to get the most for their money at the casino.

Education:

Moe attended the University of Nevada at Reno and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Marketing. He especially enjoys the disciplines of probability and statistics.

From Al W Moe:

Casinos and the games they offer have occupied my thinking most of my life. The early casino owners, especially when it involved the Mob in Las Vegas are a fascinating subject. It is amazing the Mob was able to skim the profits of clubs in Nevada for over 40 years. The story of how they did it is even more amazing!

Author websites:

Authors Den: http://www.authorsden.com/visit/author.asp?id=6870

About: http://casinogambling.about.com/

Nevada Casino History Blog: http://nevadacasinohistory.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlWMoe?ref=hl

Twitter: @ALWMoe