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Showing posts with label religious. Show all posts
Showing posts with label religious. Show all posts

Thursday, February 26, 2026

Religious Science Fiction: IKONA by M.D. Dixon + excerpt

The concept of interconnectedness surfaces in a vision that spans from contemporary cityscapes to a fractured future in IKONA by M.D. Dixon. 


This story follows four strangers who are unknowingly linked by an ancient, healing cross, examining how personal sacrifice and collective evolution are often intertwined. It is a contemplative look at how the choices made in the present ripple through the fabric of time.

As the resonance of the cross pulls them together, these four must navigate the shifting realities of their existence. The ultimate question becomes which future they will inhabit and what price they must pay to secure a path toward healing.

IKON
by M.D. Dixon
February 20, 2026
Genre: Religious Science Fiction & Fantasy, Genetic Engineering
A mysterious Russian Orthodox cross, a holy icon with inexplicable healing power, begins to surface across cities, lifetimes, and fractured timelines.

Four strangers find themselves drawn into its field—from the bustle of Sydney, Hong Kong, Atlanta and Berlin to the stark quiet of Siberia’s post-apocalyptic tundra.

In Atlanta, Kate Davies witnesses the icon’s strange effect on a sick child. In Sydney, Finley Minor is haunted by visions of possible futures and the quiet weight of consequence. Jia Li MacPherson, former thief and Shibari performer, holds secrets that powerful forces would kill to keep buried. Wallace Deng Moroz, a monk living a century ahead, clings to visions of a cure in a world where a genetic engineering catastrophe has nearly ended humanity, and the political landscape is dangerously polarised.

The convergence of these four heroes feels destined, yet it is shaped by choice – and the deeper they move into the cross’s resonance, the more the question shifts:

Which version of the future will they choose to inhabit?

And what must be surrendered to reach it?

IKONA is a visionary novel of shifting realities and inner reckonings—a meditation on time, memory, and healing.

Amazon-Goodreads

Excerpt
———
FINLEY & THE SEA 
MAY 2019 
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA 

Finley Minor was by his own accounts an empty man, a listless man, spiritually and emotionally sparse. Blink a thousand times and his course in life would not have shifted an inch. He was motionless like a chameleon in the presence of a threat. But this was not fact, only fear, and that of a man who knew that he’d not lived at full throttle and had succumbed to the fate of it —a slow and shallow life. He ruminated on it. He judged himself for it. He laughed at his own expense, without thinking he might ever change a thing. 

In the way one always has a beginning, a great excuse, this was Finley’s: at the age of seven, in his native England, he sat on the beach as his stick wove tessellations in the sand (almost of its own accord, it seemed in retrospect), and he looked to the horizon towards France with the open, impressionable curiosity of his young age. He wondered at the sea’s depth, its great distance, how one might (as many had) swim across the channel, what creatures might lurk there, what they might feel like against bare skin. He imagined something slimy and cold, fanged, and slithering. The waves seemed to roar at him, even though they descended in the rockpools with the gentleness of pooling cream.

He stood, determined to satisfy his curiosity. He took halting steps over the rocks and shells, straight ahead, then bearing left around a rock face that jutted into the sea. He sat on a big, flat rock and stared into the gray water. He heard his father calling out his name, but ignored him. The water rushed in again and again, and each time reached further and further, first sucking at his toes, then his heels, then his knees. His curiosity fled; he became afraid, and all sound was magnified, the dull ocean roar, the seagull squawking a few feet away, his heartbeat. He knew he had to go back to shore. He waved to his father, stood, and took a faltering step. There was a low murmur; the water fizzled once more in retreat from the rocky sand like the gasping breath of a dying man. He felt dizzy and fell to his knees. He crouched on all fours and steadied himself as the water swirled and grasped at him, and the sky looped and the clouds fell from the corner of his eyes. He felt his head winched back towards the horizon, and the sea reached for his throat. Blackness. 

When he came to, dragged back to shore by his father, he announced that his aunt would never return from her Côte D’Azur holiday. He wagged his finger towards the surf and pulled a face, “Over there, there is smooching.” 

The official prognosis was that he’d had an epileptic fit, though none of the tests proved it. He must have passed out, in that case, the doctor pronounced, low blood sugar, a low-level virus, dehydration. 

But Finley knew, only he knew. 

The ocean had rent a hole in his soul, and let in the future.


About the Author:

website
M.D. Dixon is a novelist, somatic therapist, and explorer of the intersections between the psyche and the sacred, science and mysticism, trauma and transformation. Holding a Ph.D. in the social sciences with a focus on Russia and Ukraine, Dixon has spent nearly fifteen years in therapeutic practice in Sydney, Australia. Dixon’s debut novel, IKONA, weaves visionary fiction, myth, and metaphysics to illuminate the evolution of consciousness. Dixon also hosts The Shattering Place, a podcast on multidimesional healing and the awakening human story, launching in early 2026.

Tuesday, June 18, 2019

Book Review: Into Temptation by Elle Keating



by Elle Keating
June 3, 2019
361 pages
Twenty-eight-year-old Lilly Rains would settle for - no, embrace - the idea of Purgatory as atonement for her sins. The newly assigned parish priest has conjured less than righteous thoughts, forcing Lilly to question her sanity for being attracted to a man of the cloth and more importantly, whether she can perform her job as the principal of St. Robert’s Catholic School.

But the handsome and mysterious priest is not what he seems. He has been sent to retrieve Lilly’s wavering soul, preying on a faith that has been rattled by her past. But where there is darkness, there must also be light and God has decided it is time to intervene. A Guardian has been assigned to protect Lilly from the evil surrounding her. However, when the priest and the Guardian begin to pursue her for their own purposes, Lilly is left with an impossible decision.

Will she choose the forbidden man she loves or the Guardian who will be eternally devoted to her?

Into Temptation had me on the fence after reading the blurb and the cover was not anything too special TBH. I honestly didn't know what to expect, but wanted to give it a shot. So, to my surprise and delight, I was totally taken in by this tale. 

LOVED the multiple characters points of view on this one. You never get too much from one character's voice and it never runs on in a way that could become confusing or dull. Well thought out plot twists and some brilliantly placed pieces of heartache, I did not see a few things coming. I really thought this story would become predictable, it did not. Hats off to the author! 

Lots of romance and some big life decisions from our leading lady Lilly (love that name) in which I actually related to a lot. That was one of the main points for me, characters I could relate with on different levels. While this story doesn't have all the hard-hitting action-packed drama of butt-kicking adventure, what it does have is a big serving of heart and soul. 

I really enjoyed this one and was glad I gave it a true, refreshing and different. Recommending this as a good summer read! 

Getting 4 and 1/2 'these sheep have wings baby' Sheep





KD


Excerpt:
“Please let me walk you home.”

“It’s just two blocks,” she said.

His hand fell away from the small of her back. “Humor me?” he asked.

Lilly rolled her eyes and smiled, “Fine.”

They started to walk toward her home when he again wondered who this Ray was. Why it had looked as if Lilly had wanted to knee Ray in the groin at the pub. They were a half block in when his curiosity got the better of him. “Is Ray your ex-boyfriend?”

“Absolutely not. Obnoxious men who can’t take no for an answer have never been a turn-on. Ray is not my type.”

“What is your type?” he asked.

She pursed her lips and hesitated.

Me. I’m what you want.

“You know, I’m not sure. I guess I haven’t found it yet. But that’s my fault. I probably should start dating.”

“Start dating?” he asked. Her choice of words captivated him.

They crossed the street, bringing them to her block. He didn’t want this conversation to end. “Um… yeah,” she said, sheepishly. She looked away and focused on the gravel beneath her feet.

A thousand questions swirled through his head. “You must miss the companionship, the intimacy a relationship can bring.”

“Well, it helps when you don’t know what you’re missing.”

Stunned, he peered over at her. She did the same thing she had done in the bar when she realized that she had misspoken. She closed her eyes and shook her head. “I can’t believe I just said that.”

“Are you telling me that you’ve never been…”

She stopped abruptly and turned toward him. “Yes.” Her fists were clenched at her sides. She looked mortified and pissed off at the same time. “This has been an enlightening night for you. In just under an hour, you have learned that your principal doesn’t attend Mass, which according to my contract is grounds for dismissal. And now, you’ve had the unfortunate experience of witnessing a twenty-eight-year-old admit she’s still a virgin.”

Something primal within awakened. Her subtle mannerisms, the way she bit her lip and twirled her hair around her fingers were enough to make his cock twitch. But now, knowing that she had never been with a man was enough to make him want to claim her right there on the sidewalk.

“I believe I never was given the opportunity to answer your question.”

She crossed her arms over her breasts and started walking toward her house. “What question?” she asked.

“You asked me if I thought the priesthood was what I had expected,” he said.

“William, don’t do this.”

“Do what?”

“Attempt to diffuse an embarrassing situation. I’d much rather go home and forget the past hour has ever happened. You know, before I told you that your principal is not a practicing Catholic and has a nonexistent sex life.”

She wasn’t trying to be humorous, but he couldn’t help but smile at her. They were nearing her house when he said, “I’m going to answer your question anyway.” He touched her arm and she stopped her brisk pace. “No, the priesthood is not what I had expected. I had anticipated that there would be moments when I would experience loneliness and long for companionship. But I underestimated that all-too-human need for intimacy.”

“But… but you’re happy? With t
he life you’ve chosen?” she asked. Her eyes bore into his and he could feel her searching for something.

“Yes. But each day is a struggle.” Her lips parted as if she was going to say something, and then they sealed shut. He wondered what was going through her mind. She no longer appeared embarrassed but intrigued. William was pleased that his admission, though in his mind he had swapped out ‘priesthood’ for the living hell that he was in, had stopped her from wanting to melt into the cracks of the sidewalk. Without thinking, he reached out and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. Her breathing hitched and her lips again parted. God, he wanted to taste her. “And some days are more challenging than others.”

About the Author: 
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Goodreads

Elle Keating is the author of romance novels with sexy heroes and fierce females. Her first book, Thrill of the Chase (Dangerous Love, #1), was published by Forever Romance’s digital imprint, Forever Yours, in 2015. Cut to the Chase (Dangerous Love, #2) soon followed. Most recently, Elle self-published Wanting More (Dangerous Love, #3), Back to the Start (Dangerous Love, #4) Feels Like Falling (Dangerous Love, #5) and the standalone novel, Keeping His Commandments. When Elle isn’t torturing her heroes and heroines (don’t worry, there’s always a happily ever after), she is a public school administrator and enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 children in New Jersey. For more on Elle and her books, visit ellekeating.com.

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Book Review: Hope’s Promise (Soulkeepers Reborn Book 2) by G.P. Ching

Hope’s Promise (Soulkeepers Reborn Book 2)
by G.P. Ching
March 6, 2018
Pages: 362
WHEN EVIL IS THE ENEMY, POWER IS A GIRL’S BEST FRIEND.

Book 2 of 3 in the Soulkeepers Reborn Trilogy

Now that she’s fully accepted her role, Hope takes up the mantle of Healer to lead a new team of untrained Soulkeepers. Repurposing Revelations to be a training ground won’t be easy, not when the source of its power has been disrupted, and the only woman who knows the island’s secrets is on her deathbed.

Time isn’t on Hope’s side. Lucifer is on the move, injured and unable to return to Hell. He’s found a way to amass power by consuming human souls. Worse, if he grows strong enough to get his hands on an ancient weapon before Hope does, everything the Soulkeepers fought for could be undone.

Sinister plots, unlikely allies, and old temptations plague the new team. Can Hope’s promise lead them to victory? Or will her inexperience doom them all?

Soulkeepers Reborn Trilogy:
Wager's Price
Hope's Promise
Lucifer's Pride


Hope has accepted her role as the Healer and leader of their group of Soulkeepers. She is hoping to adapt Revelations into a training ground for her group and runs into trouble when the power that keeps the island going is disrupted.

Lucifer wants to take over the world but is unable to access his power from Hell. Instead, he finds another way to consume souls, stay off the radar and build his power. Both teams are looking for a weapon that could tip the balance of power their way.

The second book in this trilogy brings about some new friendships and tests some old ones. Ching does a wonderful job of connecting the original Soulkeepers series with this new band of misfits. Each youth brings something to the table that you hope you have within yourself. Look for the final book in the trilogy, Lucifer’s Pride to see how it all ends.

Reviews: Wager’s Price (Soulkeepers Reborn Book 1) 


Getting 5 sheep






Denise B

About the Author:
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G.P. Ching is a USA Today bestselling author of science fiction and fantasy novels for young adults and not-so-young adults. She bakes wicked cookies, is commonly believed to be raised by wolves, and thinks both the ocean and the North Woods hold magical healing powers. G.P.'s idea of the perfect day involves several cups of coffee and a heavy dose of nature. She splits her time between central Illinois and Hilton Head Island with her husband, two children, and a Brittany spaniel named Jack, who is always ready for the next adventure. Learn more about G.P. Ching and her work at gpching.com.

Thursday, March 1, 2018

Anime Review: Devilman Crybaby (Netflix)

Devilman Crybaby
January 5, 2018
Director: Masaaki Yuasa
Written by: Ichirō Ōkouchi
Music by: Kensuke Ushio
Studio: Science Saru
Netflix
Season 1: 10 episodes
Akira's best friend tells him that ancient demons have returned to take back the world from humans and suggests that he unite with a demon. Akira successfully does that, transforming into Devilman, a being with a demon's powers but who retains the soul of a human. This sends Akira into a brutal, degenerate war against evil. With fear of demons gripping the world, humanity devolves into paranoia and violence and Akira sets out to save other demon-human hybrids like himself.


A little background on the Netflix-exclusive Devilman Crybaby anime. Devilman originated as the manga, Demon Lord Dante by Go Nagai. Toei Animation wanted to turn Dante into a television series (anime). But a toned down version. The 39 episode long anime called Devilman ran from July 1972-April 1973. Around the same time as the anime, Nagai created the Devilman manga that was released through Kodansha's Weekly Shōnen* Magazine. It had a dark tone with graphic violence, casual blasphemy, and theme of using evil itself to fight evil.
Shōnen manga is aimed at boys between the ages of 12 to 18.
Source - wiki


Akira (becomes Devilman), Miki (Akira's best friend, who he secretly loves) and Miko (best friend to Miki)
I love a good horror story and this one was making a lot of noise online. Most people resonding with "What did I just watch?" So, I HAD to see it.
Ryo (mystery) and Akira (Devilman)
I binged all 10 episode (only takes about 3 1/2 hours to do) a few weeks ago and I still haven't gotten over it. It is definitely a tragedy through and through, but on you can't stop watching. If you find yourself thinking "They won't go there." Don't. They go there!

It is exteamly violent, but we are talking demons that eat people. And there is a lot of sex...boobs everywhere! Not something you want to let young kids see. It would cause nightmares for a long time. At this point you are either afraid to watch Devilman Crybaby or running to watch it.

The animation is strange. With weird drawing perspectives sometimes. But don't let that deter you. The series does sag a bit in the middle but those last three episodes will blow you away emotionally. There is a lot of symbolism and metaphores. Some took me days of thinking about the ending to realize. According to the creator, Nagai, it is an anti-war message.
 "There is no justice in war, any war, nor is there any justification for human beings killing one another. Devilman carries a message of warning, as we step toward a bright future." - Nagai ( "Devilman Revelations". devilworld.org. Archived from the original on 2006-06-20.)

If you are looking for something to make you think and kick you in the feels then check this one out.






There were things I thought about lowering my rating for, but the fact that it delivered such a gut punch that I still think about it...it deserves all 5 Sheep.

5 "Devil" Sheep




SharonS

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

TV Series Review: Damien: The Beast Rises Season 1- Episode 1

Damien: The Beast Rises
A&E

TV-14 V, LS 1 -E 1
Mar 07, 2016
Duration: 43m 9s
Staring: Bradley James
After experiencing a traumatic event while on assignment in Syria, acclaimed war photographer Damien Thorn is forced to confront his past and face the fact that he is the Antichrist.

The original movie, The Omen, was released in 1976. I was 9 years old and the commercials with that dog scene scared the bejeebus out of me. It was years later when I read the book and saw the movie.

The A&E TV series picks up 25 years after the first movie. It is Damien Thorn's 30th birthday and we find out he has no memory of his childhood. He is now a photo journalist working on a story in the Middle East. An old lady touches him and brings back flashes of memory. He has always felt like a dark cloud hung over him and he pushed away people who got too close. He tries to find answers and people start dying. The dogs are back too! This time 3 Rottweilers. The episode ends with Damien realizing who he really is.

I liked it. There will be no acting awards or script writing awards, but they nailed the horror and foreboding atmosphere. Bradley James plays Damien and he is mighty nice to look at. The music score is reminiscent of the original movie, but updated. I'll be keeping up with this one. If stories of the Antichrist and the religious connection with it make you nervous or unsettled, you might want to skip this one.

4 AntiSheep 


SharonS





Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Comic Review: The Devil You Know #1-4 by Frank Mula with AA88Press

The Devil You Know #1
Written by Frank Mula
Pencils Kellik M Iskandar
Inks Nunun Nurjannah
Colored by Victoria Pittman
Lettered by Victoria Pittman
Edited by Sal Brucculeri

AA88Press

Genres: Fantasy, Horror, Religious,
Supernatural/Occult
26 Pages
Digital Release Date
November 19 2014
Age Rating 17+ Only
Sold by comiXology $.99
One late night, Greydon Cross comes home to find his family slaughtered and Satan himself standing before him. Fueled with rage, he rushes towards Satan but is struck down before he could have his revenge. Upon his death, God appears before Greydon and gives him a choice. He could choose to go to heaven and enjoy eternity in Gods kingdom, or he could choose to go to Hell, where God would grant him powers to seek out Satan and destroy him. There was one catch however; once Satan was destroyed Greydon would have to become Satan himself.

His desire for revenge too strong to ignore, Greydon agrees to Gods terms and descends to hell on a mission to assassinate the devil and avenge his family. Upon finding himself in hell, Greydon must battle his way through an army of demons, all the while discovering the limitations of his new powers.
Issues #2-4


The Devil You Know is about the age old question: If given the power to do Good or Evil, what choices would you make. Many biblical stories and adventure fantasies play with this idea and Frank Mula combines the two, creating a fast moving action adventure. The main character, Greydon Cross, makes his first choice when God gives him a chance to live in peace in heaven or go to hell to for revenge. Issue #1 introduces us to Greydon Cross and the beginning of his journey into hell with the powers to destroy Satan and take his place. At the end of issue #1 is an interesting afterword by Mula. He explains where the idea for this story came from and some of the themes explored, like the need to become a monster to defeat one.

I love the premise, who doesn't love a good vs evil story? It moves at a quick pace with plenty of bloody battles, friendships forged and even an evil queen. The story is easy to follow and the digital artwork complements the dialogue. I I thought it was clever to make the cyclopes' speech bubbles shaped like their one eye. There is also plenty of sarcastic humor from our hero/anti-hero and a new twist on the heaven vs hell dynamic.

Overall this is an interesting comic and worth the great price of $.99 an issue. And I am curious to see what choice Greydon will make once he becomes the leader of hell.

3.5 "Destroyer" Sheep





SharonS

About the Author:
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I am a thirty-seven year old father of three, living in central New Jersey. I have been reading comics as long as I could read, mostly the Big two with Marvel being my favorite, but in recent years I have become a big fan of creator owned comics. Outside of comics I love almost everything geek culture. Huge Star Wars fan, love video games (PlayStation), sports (Mets and Jets), TV (BtVS, BGS, and The Wire are my favorites), and books (Song of Fire and Ice, Sirens of Titan, The Stand).

A graduate of the New York Film Academy, Frank is the creator and writer of the action/fantasy comic book, The Devil You Know. Taking techniques such as character dialogue and shot compositions learned in film school and blending them with a comic format and a solid knowledge of comic book history, Frank has put together The Devil You Know with his loyal comic team. Co-President along with Sal Brucculeri, Frank is one of the two faces of AA88 Press