The Soldier and Assyrian Queen

 

The Thread that Held by Shawn and Nahrain Taylor is a poignant memoir that weaves together two distinct yet intertwined stories of resilience, love, and perseverance. Through alternating perspectives, the authors recount their challenging upbringings, their serendipitous meeting in war-torn Baghdad, and their journey to build a life together against all odds.

Shawn's story begins in the foster care system, where he landed after enduring abuse from a brutal stepfather and neglect from an overworked mother pursuing a nursing career. Labeled a troublemaker for longing to return home, Shawn bounced between foster homes, eventually accepting that he had to forge his own path. His time in the system instilled a fierce work ethic and unyielding determination, qualities that propelled him through life's challenges. Joining the military, Shawn methodically built a stable future, overcoming obstacles with patience and grit.

In contrast, Nahrain's early life was filled with warmth and laughter in a tight-knit Assyrian Christian family in Iraq. However, growing up as a religious minority in a volatile region brought danger. At 13, Nahrain was forced to leave school due to threats from terrorists targeting young Christian girls, a stark reminder of the perilous environment she navigated.

Their paths converged in Baghdad, where Shawn, stationed to set up a military base, needed someone to manage the base's internet café. Nahrain, with her experience selling clothes and antiques, took the job. Their relationship began tentatively—Shawn, reserved, would stop by for a soft drink, exchanging few words. Over time, their conversations deepened, fostering a connection that blossomed into love. But their budding romance faced a harsh interruption when Shawn's unit was redeployed, and shortly after, Nahrain was severely injured in a devastating van explosion that killed most of her companions. Shawn, believing her dead, was heartbroken.

Two years later, a chance message on Yahoo Messenger revealed Nahrain's survival. After enduring poorly executed surgeries in Iraq and fleeing to Jordan for safety, she faced further medical challenges with inadequate procedures. Eventually, an uncle's help enabled her to emigrate to Australia, where she continued her recovery. Shawn, undeterred by distance, relocated to Australia, though his military deployments briefly kept them apart. The couple married, and Shawn established a computer repair business, laying the foundation for their shared future. After a series of twists and turns, they settled in America, where they now raise their two children.

The Thread that Held is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of love to overcome adversity. The authors' contrasting backgrounds—Shawn's solitary struggle in the foster system and Nahrain's communal yet threatened upbringing—highlight their remarkable resilience. While the narrative occasionally lingers on logistical details, the emotional core of their story shines through, offering readers an inspiring tale of hope and connection forged in the unlikeliest of circumstances. This memoir will resonate with those who appreciate stories of triumph over hardship and the enduring bonds that hold us together.

The Witches Place in the Resistance

A Resistance of Witches: A Novel

By Morgan Ryan

 Set against the backdrop of World War II, The Witches of World War II weaves a captivating tale of magic, intrigue, and resistance. The novel imagines a secret magical academy in Britain, training witches in high magic and housing a powerful coven. Rumors of historical figures like Gerald Gardner or Aleister Crowley leading rituals to thwart Nazi invasions inspire the story, but this narrative takes a unique approach.

The story begins with Winston Churchill enlisting the academy’s witches to protect a mystical artifact, the Grimorium Verum, a book that could grant the Nazis world domination if seized. The mission falls to Lydia, a young witch with the rare ability to astral project and locate hidden objects. Opposing her is a formidable Nazi coven, escalating the stakes of this magical arms race.

As the coven performs a ritual to locate the Grimorium Verum, they are ambushed by Nazi witches, resulting in devastating losses, including the death of their leader. Lydia, thrust into the role of grand mistress, must navigate her new responsibilities while grappling with personal tensions. Her mother, a hedgewitch, disapproves of Lydia’s pursuit of high magic, creating a compelling mother-daughter conflict that enriches the narrative.

Lydia’s quest takes her to the Louvre, where the grimoire is rumored to be hidden. There, she meets Henry, an African American witch from New Orleans with the power to see the dead. Together, they track the grimoire to a museum curator’s home, only to discover the curator has been killed by Nazis. Captured by the enemy coven, Lydia and Henry ally with Rebecca, a Jewish woman resisting the Nazis’ attempts to extract information from her. Through courage and cunning, Rebecca frees herself, and the trio unites to secure the grimoire.

Lydia returns to Britain to regroup before launching a daring rescue of her captured allies. The novel brims with suspense, unexpected plot twists, and richly drawn characters. The blend of historical fiction and fantastical witchcraft feels authentic, immersing readers in a world where magic shapes the course of war.

For fans of historical fantasy and intricate magical systems, The Witches of World War II is a thrilling read that balances high-stakes adventure with emotional depth. Highly recommended for those who enjoy speculative fiction with a touch of truth.

Legend of the Hairy Man

 

Tribal Big Foot

By David Paulides

Introduction

Since the 1850s, both settlers and Native Americans have reported sightings of giant human-like or apelike creatures in the forests of North America. These beings, often referred to as wildmen, Hermit of Siskiyou, or hairy men, are commonly known today as Bigfoot or Sasquatch. Standing approximately 8 feet tall, these creatures are described as having massive, hairy bodies with minimal facial hair, revealing a human-like face beneath. The term "Bigfoot" was coined in the mid-1950s, but sightings predate this label. The creature gained widespread attention after the 1967 Patterson-Gimlin film, which captured a purported Bigfoot crossing a riverbed. While some dismiss the film as a hoax, others consider it authentic, and the debate continues. Notably, many reported encounters describe creatures that differ from the one in the film, suggesting variations in appearance or behavior.

Preferred Habitats

Bigfoot is said to inhabit remote, forested areas with sparse human populations. These creatures are often found near water sources such as rivers and creeks, which provide drinking water and fish. They are frequently reported along ridgelines, offering vantage points to monitor the valleys below for predators or prey. Additionally, Bigfoot sightings are common near caves or abandoned mines, which may explain the sulfurous odor sometimes associated with them. The creature appears to be comfortable around women and young children and is reportedly fond of horses but hostile toward dogs and adult males. Bigfoot sightings are also noted near Native American reservations.

Native American Perspectives

Many Native American tribes view Bigfoot positively, often considering it a guardian of nature or an elder brother figure. Some tribes describe historical relationships where Bigfoot and humans coexisted as neighbors. However, these relations are not always harmonious. There are accounts of conflicts, including rare instances of Bigfoot abducting women or children, with some reports suggesting forced reproduction, raising the possibility of human-Bigfoot hybrids. Bigfoot is also said to treat deer and horses like pets, showing a gentle side in certain contexts.

Encounters and Behaviors

The book documents numerous Bigfoot encounters, most of which involve the creature observing humans briefly before retreating. Bigfoot has been known to kill livestock, harvest crops, or rummage through trash cans, though these actions are typically non-aggressive and sometimes playful. While the creature’s appearance can be frightening, reports of aggression are rare. Some witnesses describe experiencing headaches or temporary paralysis during encounters, possibly due to infrasound or a strong odor emitted by the creature. The majority of sightings documented in the book occur in Northern California.

Connection to Previous Work

Tribal Bigfoot is a follow-up to David Paulides’ earlier work, The Hoopa Project, which also explores Bigfoot phenomena, particularly in the context of Native American experiences. This book expands on those themes, offering a detailed look at encounters and cultural perspectives.

Conclusion

Tribal Bigfoot is a compelling exploration of Bigfoot lore, blending historical accounts, Native American perspectives, and modern encounters. Its detailed documentation and engaging narrative make it a standout in cryptozoology literature. The book earns a 5-star rating for its thorough research and captivating storytelling.