Fantastic Book Review

 

I do not have many book reviews on Amazon, but not because I haven't sold a lot books; it's just that Amazon doesn't allow a book to be reviewed unless it was purchased from Amazon. Nevertheless, I am eternally grateful and humbled by the wonderful reviews I have received. 

Reviewed in Australia on January 28, 2026

Format: KindleVerified Purchase

Vanguard is a fantasy story namely about a naïve boy named Wajue. His world falls apart after he and his father is attacked by a monstrous bear and when tragedy strikes, leaving him injured and fighting for survival, he finds himself brought away from the safety of his hidden homeland and into the unforgiving land of Bovatha. Saved and healed by a mysterious half-elf woman who inadvertently brings down a fate upon him that was set since the day of his birth, Wajue must navigate a world filled with things he is truly unaccustomed to or understands - deceit and greed - and as he discovers more about himself, his companions and the world he is now part of, danger surrounds him.

The Good

Vanguard is surprisingly brutal. No character is safe, and the writer has the incredible ability to introduce you to many characters unique and likable before ending their lives. Some die of old age while others meet their demise suddenly in an attack. The most haunting was so unforeseen it was jarring, and at the hands of the Wajue himself - although through possession.

The narrative is compelling drawing you deeply into the worlds history and lore, and not shy to take the time to explain historic significance without falling into the pitfall of lore dumps. Kafka is skilled at writing dialogue and inner monologue and at times making me chuckle, especially when he describes men's thoughts on why some female characters act the way they do. What is highlighted is his ability to create complex characters’ ones that truly stay with you, even if they only remain for a few pages he takes the time to make you want to interact with them more, making their loss more heartbreaking.

The Bad

I don't really have much criticism. I have two more books within the series to read and I can see that Kafka has taken the time with editing and formatting. Even though the writing was fantastic and well thought out there were several part (namely Wajue's possession) that came out of nowhere and I was shocked the sudden transition of murder of his companion.

Overall

The Vanguard is a fantastic example of the quality you would find in an indie title. Why his work has not been picked up by a traditional publisher is beyond me but the setting, characters and the overall writing was a joy to read.

Wajue is the MVP of this tale and I haven't really had a main character whom I liked more than any other supporting character. His innocence is endearing with his ability as a warrior. Janus however is a close second and I love the relationship between the two. I was very surprised by her backstory.

If you have a love for a fantasy setting and enjoy a great beginning for a multi-book saga, Vanguard (Broke Fiction Book 1) is for you and I can't recommend it enough.

j/k

Meaningful Intent

Books are awake dreams that take us to far-away places.

Words and their narratives are the extensions of a writer’s vision, destined to be experienced by an eager audience. Embrace the wonder of the words you read, welcome the mysteries they provide, and delight in endless tales of the unexpected.

      Be a gentle reader.

The pages of a book are the pavement your imagination walks upon; turn them with care so others may follow in your path.

Bewilderment surrounds each chapter read, and swelling enthusiasm ignites spirited anticipation of hopeful outcomes. Plots twist. Hero’s rise. Villain's fall. And love is lost and found.

If at story's end brings a tender tear or despair of the final outcome, rejoice and be content. Conclusion of the last word read should neither be happy nor sad, a book blissfully consents you read another and another.

Only when stars cease to shine and inflamed inspiration dims will books be silenced. Until such time, the written word will forever have meaningful intent.

-jk-

On the journey taken, sometimes a memory is not enough, therefore a souvenir is a must – perhaps a book, written for all of us. 

Forever keep your books safe from harm. 

Previously Published

1/8/15 11:58 AM

Christmas Present Miracle

 

It’s that time of the year again, when I head over to the home of the Old Man on the Porch for a Christmas Story.

 

“Hey, Old Man, I sure would like to hear one of your famous Christmas Stories.”

“I reckon I could tell you one, ‘cause I be knowing you won’t leave until I do,” he stated with a slight smile.

 

The Old Man took a deep breath, exhaled, and then commenced, . . .

 

Many years ago, there was this young boy, who went to the grocery store every day after school, rain, or shine. He would stand by the door and ask folks for the pennies in their pockets or coin purses.

Some folks obliged, others did not. On a good day he would collect between five and ten pennies. Occasionally, a person would ask him what he wanted to buy with the pennies. The boy always answered, “I want to buy my sister a present for Christmas.”

Most folks thought he was lying to con them into giving him more money, but a few would give him an extra nickel or dime.

Now, I know you’re wondering why the boy was so committed to the task of buying his sister a Christmas present. Well, truth be told, the boy, along with his mother and father live in an old two room house on the edge of town. His father worked in the coal mines and barely made enough money to feed the family. The boy’s sister, Mary, was diagnosed with incurable cancer and was in the hospital-and there was a strong chance she would not live to see another Christmas.

The Love Bear

When Mary and her brother used to walk to and from school each day, they always walk by the drug store, because in the display window, there was a large, stuffed pink bear. Mary loved seeing the bear and every day, her brother told Mary that he would buy it for her someday. Mary knew he couldn’t, but she liked imaging that he could.

Summer came and gone and Christmas was fast approaching. The boy, as he had done every day after asking for pennies at the grocery store, went by the drug store window to make sure the bear was still there, before visiting his sister.

He always told Mary he saw the bear, knowing it would make her smile.

On the day before Christmas Eve, the boy counted all the money he had collected and when he was done, he smiled – finally, he had enough to buy the bear! He hurried to the store and bought the bear.

Christmas morning, the boy, anxious to give the bear to his sister, woke up early and rushed to the hospital. When he arrived, he was surprised to see his father and mother were already there. His mother was crying and his father was talking to a priest. Mary, . . .

Now, I know what you’re thinking; you’re thinking Mary died. Quite the contrary. She was alive and sitting up in the bed, with a big smile on her face. The reason why she was smiling was because the doctor had just told her the cancer in her body was completely gone, and she was looking at her brother, Thomas, who was holding the Large Pink Bear.

I reckon some folks will tell you Mary’s amazing recovery was a Miracle, but I prefer to believe it was a brother’s love for his sister that cured her.

 

“Isn’t your name, Thomas?” I asked the Old Man.

“It is,” he replied with a smile.

 

Merry Christmas!

Love is the best present you can give.

j/k