The Siege of Gaza

Gates of Gaza

By: Amir Tibon

 Amir Tibon’s The Gates of Gaza is a gripping and poignant account of survival, resilience, and the complex history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, centered on the harrowing events of October 7, 2023. On that day, over 1,200 Israelis were brutally killed, with atrocities including rape, burning, and executions in front of families, while hundreds were taken hostage into Gaza. Tibon, a journalist from Tel Aviv living on Kibbutz Nahal Oz, survived this attack and weaves together a deeply personal narrative with a broader historical context.

Tibon’s storytelling excels in its vivid recounting of his experience during the attack, where he and his family were trapped in a safe room until rescued by his father and soldiers from the Maglan unit, who evacuated them to Kibbutz Mishmar HaEmek. The intensity of this ordeal reads like a cinematic thriller, yet it is grounded in raw human emotion. Beyond his personal story, Tibon provides a detailed history of Kibbutz Nahal Oz, established in 1951 by pioneers near the Gaza border, then under Egyptian control. The name Nahal Oz, meaning "Strength of the Pioneers" in Hebrew, reflects the kibbutz’s enduring spirit despite decades of violence, from Palestinian cross-border attacks in the 1950s to constant rocket fire after Hamas took control of Gaza in 2006. Tibon notes the kibbutz’s proximity to Gaza left it vulnerable, unprotected by Israel’s Iron Dome system, making rocket sirens and dashes to bomb shelters a grim routine.

The book also explores the broader human toll of the conflict. Tibon reflects on Moshe Dayan’s 1956 eulogy for a slain kibbutz member, which acknowledged both Israeli heroism and Palestinian suffering. This balanced perspective permeates Tibon’s narrative, as he expresses empathy for the pain felt on both sides while condemning the brutality of the October 7 attack, when 6,000 terrorists stormed Israel. His account challenges readers to reconsider their views on the conflict’s complexities.

Tibon praises U.S. President Joe Biden’s efforts to secure the release of hostages and support Israeli survivors. However, he sharply criticizes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of prioritizing power over security. Tibon argues that Netanyahu’s policies, including facilitating billions in Qatari funds to Hamas—intended for Gaza’s infrastructure but diverted to build a terror network—contributed to the disaster.

The Gates of Gaza is a powerful read that combines personal survival, historical insight, and a call for accountability. It is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the human and political dimensions of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Be warned: this book may reshape your perspective on the region’s ongoing struggles.

Ascension of the Watchers

 

William Henry’s The Watchers and the Path to Ascension is a captivating exploration of ancient spirituality, human transformation, and the enigmatic Watchers, offering a fresh perspective that challenges conventional narratives. Known for his appearances on Ancient Aliens, Henry diverges from the show’s extraterrestrial theories, instead weaving a compelling, spiritually rich tapestry that blends mythology, biblical texts, and global meditative traditions. This book is a must-read for those intrigued by the intersections of spirituality, history, and human potential.

Henry’s central thesis reimagines the Watchers—not as aliens descending from the cosmos, but as spiritual beings from a divine realm called Sion (distinct from earthly Zion or Jerusalem). Drawing from the apocryphal Book of Enoch (preserved in the Ethiopian Bible), he posits that these entities crossed a metaphysical barrier, taking physical form and interacting with humanity. This interaction, particularly their attraction to human women, sparked profound consequences, a narrative Henry explores with nuance and depth. Rather than sensationalizing, he frames the Watchers as divine instructors sent to guide humanity toward godliness, influencing ancient spiritual practices and even Christian concepts of resurrection.

What sets this book apart is Henry’s ability to connect diverse spiritual traditions—Hindu, Tibetan, Chinese, and Jewish—to a universal quest for ascension. He introduces the concept of spiritual “technology,” meditative techniques that enable humans to access higher realms, mirroring the Watchers’ descent. Henry details three transformative states: the spiritual body, the rainbow body, and the body of pure white light, each associated with ascending to heavenly realms. His vivid descriptions of “serpent-like” movements in these transitions evoke ancient accounts of spiritual travel, grounding esoteric ideas in accessible imagery.

Henry’s dive into Jewish history is equally compelling. He traces how Zoroastrian influences during the Babylonian exile reshaped Jewish beliefs, introducing concepts of heaven, hell, purgatory, and a messianic savior. This shift divided Jewish thought, with traditionalists (Sadducees) clinging to older beliefs and Pharisees embracing Persian-inspired ideas. Henry’s research is meticulous, drawing from Gnostic texts, biblical sources, and ancient art to support his arguments, all enhanced by the book’s stunning illustrations.

This heavily researched yet approachable work is a visual and intellectual feast, blending mythology, spirituality, and history into a cohesive narrative. Henry’s focus on human transformation and divine connection resonates, making The Watchers and the Path to Ascension a thought-provoking read for spiritual seekers and history enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re drawn to the mysteries of the Book of Enoch or the universal quest for enlightenment, this book will leave you inspired to explore the divine potential within.

Rating: 4.5/5 – A profound, beautifully illustrated journey into ancient spirituality that challenges and enlightens.

Civilizations Hidden Origins

 

In Magicians of the Gods, Graham Hancock picks up where his groundbreaking work Fingerprints of the Gods left off, weaving a compelling narrative that challenges conventional archaeology and invites readers to reconsider humanity’s forgotten past. As an investigative journalist with a passion for unearthing hidden truths, Hancock embarks on a global quest to explore ancient sites and texts, proposing a bold hypothesis: we are a species with amnesia, heirs to a lost advanced civilization that predates recorded history.

Uncovering Ancient Mysteries

Hancock’s journey begins at Göbekli Tepe in southern Turkey, a recently excavated site buried deliberately by its builders around 12,000 years ago. This enigmatic complex, dating to the era of supposed hunter-gatherers, defies mainstream assumptions. Its massive, precisely carved monoliths—some weighing over 20 tons—feature intricate carvings that suggest a level of sophistication far beyond what conventional archaeology attributes to the period. The stones, fitted together with remarkable precision, raise a provocative question: how could a society without advanced tools create such a masterpiece? Hancock argues that Göbekli Tepe didn’t emerge in isolation but hints at a forgotten culture with advanced knowledge, a notion that challenges the academic status quo.

From Turkey, Hancock ventures to Mesopotamia, where civilizations like Sumer seem to appear fully formed, without the gradual evolution of building techniques expected by modern scholars. He delves into Sumerian mythology, particularly the Enuma Elish and the tale of Ziusudra, a righteous king warned by the god Enki to build an ark to survive a great flood—a story strikingly similar to the biblical Noah, yet predating it by potentially thousands of years. This recurring flood narrative, found across cultures, becomes a cornerstone of Hancock’s argument for a shared, ancient memory.

A Global Pattern of Anomalies

Hancock’s exploration spans continents, from the advanced stonework of South America to the enigmatic structures of Asia, revealing a pattern of architectural marvels that defy their supposed timelines. These sites, he argues, showcase techniques—such as precision stone-cutting and megalithic construction—that even modern technology struggles to replicate. Mainstream archaeology, Hancock contends, often dismisses or suppresses these anomalies because they threaten established theories, leaving critical questions unanswered.

Rejecting sensationalist claims of alien intervention, Hancock proposes a more grounded yet equally revolutionary theory: a highly advanced civilization existed before a cataclysmic event, possibly during the Younger Dryas period (circa 12,800–11,600 years ago). He points to geological evidence of a comet impact in North America, which may have triggered massive flooding and climate upheaval, submerging landmasses like the fabled Atlantis or Sundaland in Indonesia. Ancient texts, such as Egypt’s Edfu inscriptions and tales of the Sumerian Apkallu or “Watchers,” speak of wise survivors who preserved knowledge and seeded civilization anew among scattered human populations.

A Call to Heed the Past

Magicians of the Gods concludes with a sobering warning: the Younger Dryas cataclysm was not a one-time event. Hancock urges readers to take seriously the possibility of future cosmic impacts, drawing parallels between ancient warnings and modern scientific concerns about asteroid risks. By reconnecting with our forgotten past, he argues, we can better prepare for an uncertain future.

Why It’s a Must-Read

Hancock’s work is a thrilling blend of meticulous research, vivid storytelling, and bold speculation. While some may dismiss his theories as unorthodox, his ability to weave together archaeology, mythology, and science makes for a thought-provoking read. Magicians of the Gods challenges us to question the narrative of human progress and consider the possibility that our ancestors knew more than we give them credit for. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, Hancock’s global odyssey will leave you pondering the mysteries of our past—and the fragility of our future.

Ronnie Jame Dio : A Life

Rainbow in the Dark : The AutoBiography

By Ronnie James Dio

 Rainbow in the Dark is a riveting dive into the life of one of heavy metal’s most iconic voices, Ronnie James Dio. This book, with its vivid storytelling and meticulous detail, captures the essence of a man whose powerful vocals and larger-than-life presence shaped the genre. From his humble beginnings to his legendary tenure with Rainbow, Black Sabbath, and his solo career, the biography paints a compelling portrait of a musical titan.

The narrative begins with a personal anecdote that many fans will relate to: the author’s discovery of Dio through Rainbow’s Man on the Silver Mountain, mistakenly sought on the Holy Diver album. This sets a nostalgic tone, inviting readers into the journey of becoming a Dio devotee. The book quickly hooks you with its account of Dio’s early life as Ronnie James Padavona, born in 1942 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to hardworking Italian parents. A charming detail is how his father’s insistence on learning an instrument—starting with the tuba or trombone—laid the foundation for Dio’s vocal prowess through disciplined breathwork. This glimpse into his childhood, from playing baseball in Italian neighborhoods to embracing music, humanizes the legend.

The biography shines in chronicling Dio’s musical evolution. From pickup bands like the Vegas Kings and Ronnie and the Redcaps, where he honed his trumpet skills, to the formation of Elf, the book vividly recounts his rise. Stories of rowdy tours—though Dio himself stayed relatively tame—add a gritty authenticity. The pivotal moment comes when Dio meets Ritchie Blackmore and Roger Glover, leading to Elf opening for Deep Purple’s Mark II lineup. This connection births Rainbow, and the book doesn’t shy away from Blackmore’s moody temperament or the band’s chaotic dynamics. Songs like Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll cemented Dio’s status, and readers feel the weight of his decision to leave Rainbow, driving to California in a pickup truck to chase new horizons.

The narrative crescendos with Dio’s time in Black Sabbath, where his collaboration with Tony Iommi produced the seminal Heaven and Hell and Mob Rules. The book deftly explores the tensions that led to his departure, setting the stage for the creation of Holy Diver, a masterpiece that defined his solo career. Anecdotes about his wife and manager, Wendy Galaxiola, and connections with figures like Sharon Arden (later Osbourne) and Jake E. Lee enrich the story, showing Dio’s influence rippling through the metal world.

What makes this biography exceptional is its balance of technical detail and heartfelt admiration. It’s not just a timeline of albums and tours but a celebration of Dio’s resilience, work ethic, and vocal innovation. The prose is engaging, peppered with vivid imagery—like Dio’s cross-country trek or the chaos of trashed hotel rooms—that brings the era to life. While the book occasionally glosses over personal struggles, it excels in showcasing Dio’s impact on heavy metal.

For fans and newcomers alike, Rainbow in the Dark  is a must-read. It’s a love letter to a voice that still echoes in arenas and a testament to a man who turned a tuba lesson into a legacy of metal anthems. This book will leave you cranking Holy Diver and marveling at the journey of a true rock ‘n’ roll icon.

Hunt for the Skin Walker

 

Hunt for the Skin Walker

By Colm A. Kelleher and George Knapp

Haunting Setting and Unsettling Events

The book centers on Skinwalker Ranch, a place steeped in mystery and cursed, according to Ute tribal lore, which forbids tribe members from setting foot on its grounds. Purchased by the Gorman family in the 1990s after decades of abandonment, the ranch came with peculiar stipulations—no digging without the previous owner’s permission and double-deadbolted doors hinting at a troubled past. Almost immediately, the Gormans were thrust into a nightmare of inexplicable events: a massive wolf-like creature, impervious to gunfire, attacked their cattle; glowing orbs darted across the sky; UFOs landed in their fields; and mysterious RVs appeared on their fenced-off property, manned by military-like figures. The relentless phenomena—missing cattle, eerie noises, and sightings of bizarre creatures—eventually drove the family to sell the ranch to the National Institute for Discovery Science (NIDS), founded by billionaire Bob Bigelow, who spent years studying the site’s mysteries.

Kelleher and Knapp masterfully document these events with a blend of journalistic precision and narrative flair, drawing readers into the Gormans’ harrowing experiences. The authors don’t shy away from the strangeness, presenting firsthand accounts and scientific observations from the NIDS team, who struggled to pin down the elusive phenomena despite years of investigation.

Theories That Stretch the Imagination

What makes Hunt for the Skinwalker so compelling is its refusal to provide easy answers. The authors explore a range of theories to explain the ranch’s phenomena, each more provocative than the last. Is Skinwalker Ranch a wormhole connecting Earth to distant corners of the universe, allowing extraterrestrial visitors to slip through? Could it be a portal to another dimension, altering the very fabric of reality? Or perhaps an underground civilization or secretive government experiments are at play. The book also delves into Native American lore, connecting the phenomena to the Ute and Navajo concept of the skinwalker—an evil shapeshifting witch who embodies pure malevolence—and Bigfoot, a figure some view as a metaphysical guardian of nature’s balance. These cultural ties add depth, grounding the otherworldly events in centuries-old traditions while amplifying their eerie resonance.

The book also touches on chilling reports of radioactive rays causing illness and even death, drawing parallels to similar incidents in Brazil and South America. These accounts elevate the stakes, suggesting that whatever lurks at Skinwalker Ranch isn’t just strange—it’s potentially deadly.

A Balanced and Engrossing Narrative

Kelleher, a scientist, and Knapp, an investigative journalist, strike a perfect balance between skepticism and open-mindedness. They present the facts—eyewitness testimonies, physical evidence, and NIDS findings—while acknowledging the limits of current scientific understanding. The book doesn’t force conclusions but invites readers to grapple with the mysteries themselves. This approach, combined with vivid descriptions of the ranch’s desolate beauty and the Gormans’ escalating terror, makes for  page-turner that’s hard to put down.

Why It Stands Out

Hunt for the Skinwalker is more than a paranormal tale; it’s a meditation on the boundaries of human knowledge and the courage it takes to confront the unknown. The authors’ ability to contextualize the ranch’s phenomena within a broader landscape of paranormal hotspots—often near Native American lands—adds a layer of intrigue, suggesting these events are part of a larger, unexplained pattern. Whether you’re a skeptic, a believer, or simply a lover of a good story, this book delivers a thought-provoking and spine-chilling experience.

Final Thoughts

Though the phenomena at Skinwalker Ranch eventually faded, and NIDS sold the property without definitive answers, the story lingers like a shadow in the mind. Kelleher and Knapp have crafted a riveting account that captures the allure and terror of the unexplained. Hunt for the Skinwalker is a gripping read that will leave you questioning what lies beyond the veil of our reality—and wondering what secrets the ranch still holds.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Perfect for fans of paranormal mysteries, UFO lore, and Native American mythology, this book is a haunting journey into a world where the impossible feels all too real.

Lilth : Prophet of Ashira

 

Lilith: a Novel

By Nikki Marmery

She was there at the beginning of time. She is the one who saw it all. She who was once on the inside is now on the outside. Lilith is never mentioned in the bible but in the talmud she is noted as Adam's first wife. She flees from the garden when she refuses to submit to Adam's authority. Lilith was once portrayed as a demoness but lately she is being portrayed as a shero. That is right she is now a symbol of freedom for female as she is teh one who through off the yoke of male oppression. As she flees the garden she is pursued by three vicious angels. Her journey reveals that there is a whole world outside of the garden of Eden.

There are others who are out there worshipping different gods. 

Lilith embarks on a rebellion against the unfairness of male authority. First it started with Adams but soon she is rebelling against this upstart male chauvinistic god. The divine mother was around long before Yahwah.  In fact Yahwah is the latest of Ashira's consorts. But the upstart has usurped the great mother's role and has driven her away. Lilith goes out searching for her. It was her respeonsiblility to spread teh great mother's truth. After Lilith is driven from the garden she look on Eve, Adams wife who came from his rib, is toiling under the labors Adam has set before her. Lilith wants to wake Eve up. After she fled the garden Lilith was no longer a mortal. Rather she became immortal and sprouted wings. This immortal could shape shift. Now we know the  identity of the serpent in the garden.  Once even eats o the fruit al o mankind are chased from the garden of Eden.

Lilith is on a quest, a quest to find the divine mother, Ashira. Her journey takes her to different land.  On her journey she meets up with Samael one of the fallen angels. They become lovers. There jorney take them to the underworld where they confront Ershkigal. Once she finds Ashira Lilith's journey takes her to Noah's Ark where he meets his wife Nooreya.  After the let down of Ashira's death she spends time with them both on the ark and after they disembark. Nooreya prophecies that Lilith will meet a great prophetess of Ashira and she must find her .

Lilith's Journey takes her to the land of Phoenicia where she meets Jezebel. Jezebel is a priestess of the goddess and a princess. She is given to king Ahab of Northern Israel.  King Ahab and his prophet Obadia are hostile to the goddess and other deities. It is a conflict that ends with a contest. A contest where the angels cheat and help Obadia.  From there things go bad for the Goddess and her followers. Lilith disappears again. She looks after the babies who bear her mark. She will not resurface again until after the crucifixion of  Jesus. 

The prophet she is supposed to meet is Miriam of Magdalene. She preaches the word of the goddess. Miriam is reviled by the male follower of Jesus. Lilith keeps Miriam's scriptures unitl the time has come to reveal them.  In modern times there will be an earthquake that reveal them but no one takes them seriously. Her last adventure involves the Tree of Life.

The Witch of Auldearn

 

Bitter Magic

Nancy Kilgore

In Audearn  Scotland around the 1800's when catholics and protestant were still at each other's throat there lived in Scotland a certain cunning woman named Isobel Gowdie. This women had commerce wit the faery queen and king. Her charms would heal just about an sickness. In the end she was accused of practicing witchcraft and using baneful magic to harm her neighbors. Held in a tower witches were imprisoned, denied food and sleep and ultimately tortured. In the end everyone confesses just o escapre the torture, because once one was accused they were automatically considered guilty. The people of Auldearn were beyond dirt poor. they lived in hovels with mud as a floor. Oftentimes there was not enough food to feed the starving children. In each of these villages there was a lord who sort of owned everything. If there was a shortage they would often plunder from the peasants. the peasants were often oppressed by the lords and their only recourse was magic.

Nancy Kilgore did some serious research for this book, she researched Isobel Gowdie and Scottish witchcraft. She also studied the coventers who were part of the reformation. People's view on faeries and magic was in the process of change. Some of the religous people felt that the only power on earth was that of god and that devils and faeries was the stuff of mere fantasy. Other moched both religion and magic. Many of the Lutherans and presbyterians believed that Catholicism was filled wit superstition and the magic was a result of that. During this time there was much upheaval and the English had nominal control over scotland.

The story itself centers around three women. The first and most obvious  is Isobal Gowdie. Next is Margaret she is the eldest daughter of the Hays family.  Third is Katherine Collerace who is a deeply religious and compassionate woman who believes strongly in god and in kindness. For Margaret this is a journey into another world. Meeting with her friend Henrietta is a meeting that will change her life forever. As she was riding wit her horse she has a chance encounter with Isobel Gowdie. they exchange a few words and then as she is about to go back to her castle she hears the rustle of hooves . The MacDonald's raid the village an steal  plenty of crops and cattle. At this point Margaret's life will change drastically. Her friend Henrietta is kidnapped and she meets and English soldier named Andrew.  The English soldiers are tasked wit rescuing Henrietta but cannot find her. As the search progresses the soldier and Henrietta develop a courtship.   No one can find her until Isobel gowdie uses her second sight. That is when her friend is found. This prompts more meeting between Isobl and Margarete. Margarete explores the reals of magic with Isobel. She learn charms to heal sick people and she gets great insight into the world of magic. But things come to end when isobel is accused of witchcraft and confesses. No one knows for sure the ultimate fate of the accused witch but the ending does put a more positive spin on things.