Lioness Lost - Susan Brinkmann - Chronicles of Ariella Book 1

Lioness Lost 

Chronicles of Ariella Book 1

Susan Brinkmann

Feminine Genius

ISBN 9781635825619

ISBN 9781635825572

eISBN 9781635825589

ASIN B0DT21N2W1

I wanted to read this book from the time I first saw the cover. I had read one non-fiction work by the author and numerous articles. It took a while for it to show up in Canada and even longer to be available digitally. With my dual form of dyslexia the eBooks make reading so much easier, my son has eye tracking issues and our deacon has low vision. eBooks help with all of these and other issues. Back to the volume at hand; the description of this book states:

“The first novel in this thrilling Christian suspense series.

When investigative reporter, Ariella "Ari" Dalton, wakes on the morning of November 29, 2021, she has no idea that the course of her life is about to change forever.

Assigned to cover a grisly murder case in her local town, Ari works to uncover the truth, but quickly finds herself deep within the macabre and violent world of a Satanic gang that holds a dark secret. Collaborating with an elite FBI squad led by the very handsome—and very Catholic—Supervisory Special Agent Jesse Sandoval, her investigations will lead her to question her own spiritual and religious beliefs.

As the stakes get higher and Ari finds herself inexplicably drawn to Jesse, her beloved grandmother decides to reveal the history of Ariella's lineage in an effort to help guide her granddaughter. Beautifully interwoven within the story of Ari is that of Ella Ward, another Ariella living during the Gilded Age of the late nineteenth century. As one Ariella fights to discover the truth about the murder case, another Ariella will help lead her down the path to find the truth of who she was meant to be.

The first in the new fiction series written by New Age and the occult expert, Susan Brinkmann, will not only open the reader's eyes to the true nature of the spiritual movements of our day, but will also open their hearts to the glory of Christianity, the critical role of women in the Church, and the Truth that sets us free.”

About the author we are informed:

“Susan Brinkmann, OCDS, is a Secular Carmelite, award-winning journalist, and author of seventeen books on the New Age and the occult, Catholic apologetics and Carmelite spirituality. She currently serves as the Director of New Age Research for Women of Grace® which houses the largest library of research on the New Age and the occult in the world. In addition to educating the public on the dangers of the New Age and counterfeit Christianity, Susan’s work will also open hearts to the glory of Christianity, the critical role of women in the Church, and the Truth that sets us free.”

The authors note states:

“As engaging as this story may be, it’s important for the reader to understand that it is not entirely fictional. Only the characters, locations, and plot are imagined. Everything else is true and based on fact. The New Age and occult activity described in these novels is based upon the documented testimony of Catholic exorcists and experts in the various disciplines associated with the study of New Age alternatives. The diverse tactics of the devil, manifestations of demonic entities, and the Satanic rituals used by the gang members is also based on real events. Although it might make for a thrilling read, this information is the result of two decades of serious research, first while serving as a reporter at the Catholic Standard and Times newspaper of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and then in my work under the leadership of Johnnette Williams of Women of Grace, the great early pioneer in the field of New Age research.

In addition, the history of the Church that is presented in the various novellas of Ariella’s ancestors is also based upon real history as documented by historians such as Warren Carroll, Jay P. Dolan, and Eusebius, to name a few. The different eras in Church history that are represented in this series were carefully chosen to correlate to current issues in the Church today—the priest abuse scandal, the seemingly out-of-touch responses to social issues, bishops who cave to politics rather than defend the teachings of Christ, the ongoing problem of poor catechesis, and the impact of persecution upon the Suffering Church.

Also to be regarded as factual are the descriptions of the various types of prayer Ari experiences in the chapel. The anointings, infused states, and use of Scripture are all part of the Catholic mystical tradition as taught by the Carmelite doctors of the Church, St. Teresa of Avila, and St. John of the Cross.

Ari’s discovery of these truths very much mirrors my own experience when reverting to Catholicism many years ago. Like her, I looked to the New Age and its Universal Mind for the kind of spiritual highs I could never seem to find in the Mass. And like her, I thought I knew what the Church taught, even though I never read a single encyclical or page of the Catechism. The only Scripture I knew was what I cherry-picked to fit my own narrative. By the time I found the courage to put aside my biases and self-imposed bigotry and really study Church teaching, I was already badly beaten and broken by a world that I thought had all the answers.

When this series ends, Ari will have discovered exactly what I did when I finally summoned up the courage to face what I had so long refused to accept: there is such a thing as objective truth, and we dismiss it at our peril.”

I trusted the book based on the author and publisher, even though this was one of the first books from Feminine Genius, which is an imprint of Viident, which is the parent publishing house of Matthew Kelly over a number of imprints. This story really hit home on many fronts for me. First the history with the occult and new age; second Troubling issues with my mother; and third the power of a praying grandparent. Brinkmann states that in some ways the journey in this novel and series mirrors her own. It also mirrored my own. I did not know much about the story before beginning. I had not read any reviews or even the whole description. When I picked this up I was unaware it was the first in a series, or that the series was planned for 6 volumes. Book 2 was out in Canada by the time I got around to reading it, and book 3 is out in print, though not yet digitally in the US, as of the writing of this review. I discovered the plan for the 6 books arc on Brinkmann’s site while researching for this review. I already have book 2 and it has jumped to the top of me ‘to be read’ pile. And I eagerly away the rest to be available in my region.

Early on in the story are the words:

““There needn’t be any reason other than that we’re Catholic. Christianity is the most hated denomination in the world. . .and Catholics bear the brunt of it.” 

Although she dared not say so aloud, she was hardly surprised. The Church stood against modernity. It condemned everything—birth control, abortion, euthanasia, same-sex relations, gender identity. Its strict and backward dogma accomplished nothing but to make everyone feel bad about themselves for being human. In her opinion, there was no future in this church, at least none that would serve in the interest of progress.”

This story has a story within the story. We have Ariella Dalton modern day investigative reporter, who is investigating the hate crime murder at a Catholic church. We have the story of Ariella ‘Ellie’ Ward, found by Ariella’s grandmother and shared over several sections. And we have Ari beginning to question many things. Thinks about her own life, assumptions she had made, and even some of the new age practices she uses. We also have a budding relationship between her an and FBI agent. 

The story is very moving. It is inspiring, and it is encouraging. It has some great lessons, but not in a preachy way. It has amazing characters both in the modern story and in the past timeline. 

It is a book I could easily recommend for young adult and adult readers, but for teen I would be selective because of some pretty heavy themes. Some of those themes include parental neglect, the new age, and satanic cults. Brinkman handles those subjects masterfully.

I have averaged about a book a day for the last several years. This is one of the best debut fiction novels I have ever read. And one of the best Catholic novels I have read this year. It is an excellent beginning to what looks like it will be an amazing series.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan! 

Books by Susan Brinkmann:

Day by Day in the Little Way: 365 Reflections on the Teachings of St. Therese of Lisieux

Live the Little Way: A Practical Guide to Living the Little Way of Spiritual Childhood

The Kinsey Corruption

We Need to Talk: God Speaks to a Modern: God Speaks to a Modern Girl

The Kinsey Corruption

A Catholic Guide to Mindfulness

With God Alone: Contemplative Prayer for Everyday People

…

Like A Catholic Series:

Fight Like a Catholic: Spiritual Warfare in the Catholic Tradition

Live Like a Catholic: A Study of the Interior Castle by St. Teresa of Avila

Mindful Like a Catholic: A Catholic Approach to Mindful Living

Pray Like a Catholic: A Study of the Four Stages of Prayer According to the Teachings of St. Teresa of Avila

…

Learn to Discern Series:

The Learn to Discern Compendium: Is it Christian or New Age?

Learn to Discern Is it Christian or New Age Energy Medicine- Reiki

Learn to Discern Is it Christian or New Age Energy Medicine- Therapeutic Touch

Learn to Discern Is it Christian or New Age Self-Discovery - Enneagram

Learn to Discern: Is it Christian or New Age? Meditation/Prayer- Yoga

…

Chronicles of Ariella:

Lioness Lost

Falling into Place

A Higher Love

Act of God

Moment of Truth

Lioness Rising

…

Rescued II: True Stories for Catholic Kids - Kathryn Griffin Swegart

Rescued II!: True Stories for Catholic Kids

Catholic Stories for Kids Book 5

Kathryn Griffin Swegart

Casey Jackson (Illustrator) 
John Henry Folley (Illustrator) 

ISBN 9798270923846

ASIN B0GG6G88LF

ASIN B0GHPHHTD5

I was so excited when I heard about this volume. I have loved the other books in the series, and greatly enjoyed everything I have read by Kathryn Griffin Swegart. It took a while for the eBook, but it was well worth the wait. With my dual form of dyslexia the eBooks make reading so much easier, my son has eye tracking issues and our deacon has low vision. eBooks help with all of these and other issues. 

I picked this book up without reading the description of any review. I have so enjoyed other books from Kathryn that I had no doubt this would be excellent, and it exceeded all expectations. This is the eighth volume by Kathryn that I read and most of them have been read multiple times. This book is a fantastic read. I absolutely loved this book and this series. To be honest both series I have read by Kathryn are excellent. I picked this book up to read even though my children are now passed the reading range. My son loved the other so much he wants to read it after I talked about how great it is. 

So right off the top, even though this book was written with children as the target audience it can be enjoyed by readers of any age. And it will inspire an, encourage, and stoke up the faith of any believer. In our house it is being enjoyed by readers from 15 to 53 years of age.

In the introduction Kathryn states:

“Rescued II takes you all around the world to the top of the Andes Mountains in Chile to the Wild West, where an intrepid nun confronts stagecoach robbers and lynch mobs. Be ready to read an incredible dog story in which teams of dog sleds save the children of an Alaskan town from a deadly epidemic. You will learn about the greatest sea disaster in history: the sinking of the Titanic, and the strange twist of fate that saved the life of an Irish seminarian. On September 11, 2001, terrorists crashed planes into skyscrapers in New York City. Be amazed by the heroic rescue of a woman from the burning World Trade Center tower.”

The chapters are:

Introduction

Giant Killer – 1025 BC

St. George And The Dragon – 200s AD

Trinidad, Colorado – December 10, 1872

Mother Cabrini - South America, 1879

Southhampton, England - April 10, 1912

Pilsen, Kansas - Spring of 1922

Nome, Alaska - January 21, 1925

The Adventures Of Mother Angelica - Canton, Ohio, 1934

Hero Of 9/11 - New York, Sept 11, 2001

The Facts Behind the Stories

The chapter on the facts behind the stories is almost as fascinating as the stories themselves. The stories appear in chronological order as they appear in the book. Each story begins with an illustration, and even though Casey Jackson illustrated them all they are done in a wide range of styles. The illustrations help to set up each story in the book. The 9 stories of rescues not only span time but also take place around the world and in a wide variety of circumstances. Kathry states in the introduction:

“Are you ready to read some thrilling stories? Well, buckle your seatbelts. Here we go!”

It is sound advice. I could hardly put the book down. And even after turning out the lights for the night, I ended up picking it up again and reading a 2 more chapters. I just could not put it down.

You could easily read one story a night until the book is completed. And Maybe pair that story with the fact section at the end of the book. If you have that much self-control, I did not! Or you can race through it like I did. But I guarantee it will fascinate and amaze the children in your life, and maybe you as well.

This is another wonderful book from Kathryn’s pen, a great read for readers of all ages!

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2022 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Kathryn Griffin Swegart:
Brave Hearts Series:
Perilous Days
Martyrs
Lucia of Fatima

...

Catholic Stories for Kids Series:
Heavenly Hosts: Eucharistic Miracles for Kids
Miraculous! Catholic Mysteries for Kids
Rescued! True Stories for Catholic Kids

Miraculous II Catholic Mysteries for Kids

Rescued II: True Stories for Catholic Kids

...

Other Books:
The Wreck of the Essex: The Story of Thomas Nickerson
…

Author profile and interview with Kathryn Griffin Swegart.

Prayer of the Day A Prayer to Saint Agatha

A Prayer to Saint Agatha   

Prayer of the Day  

Saint Agatha of Sicily, you who were miraculously healed by the grace of God, look upon those facing illness and ask for your intercession for healing. Grant us the strength of your spirit and the blessing of a miraculous recovery. Through Christ our Lord. 

Amen.

  

Note: Every so often I post a prayer I use as part of my daily prayers. I started praying this one earlier this year. We moved last year and I have started attending Saint Agatha Catholic Church, I had visited pervious and even done a Photo Essay of the church, Saint Agatha Catholic Church A Photo Essay. It is one of two prayers to Saint Agatha I am trying to pray daily.  

 Saint Agatha Catholic Church

1839 Notre Dame Drive, 

St. Agatha, Ontario, 

N0B 2L0

Relates posts and links:

Prayer of the Day Posts

Prayer Book Reviews

My Prayer Notebook. 

My Daily Prayer List April 2024

My Daily Prayer List October 2025

...

A Healing Prayer to Saint Agatha

A Prayer to Saint Agatha

Saint Agatha Catholic Church A Photo Essay

...

Letter to a Friend on the Prayer of the Heart - Dom André Poisson and Erik Varden - CTS Books

Letter to a Friend on the Prayer of the Heart 

Dom André Poisson 

Bishop Erik Varden (Translator)

Catholic Truth Society

ISBN 9781784699277

eISBN 9781784698898

ASIN B0GZ6T494P

CTS Booklet D860

To be honest I pick up any new title available from the Catholic Truth Society. With my dual form of dyslexia the eBooks make reading so much easier. Over the last several years, I have read many books from the Catholic Truth Society, in fact over 465 of them as of the reading of this volume; many read more than once; this all since the spring of 2018. And I have about half that many on my ‘to be read’ pile. Most were good reads; some were great reads; and a few are exceptional. And this is an excellent little volume.

The description of this volume is:

“If you wish to learn the prayer of the heart: “I want to point you in a certain direction, to indicate a path you must follow, without knowing in advance exactly where it will lead. The prayer of the heart is not a goal to be reached. It is a manner of being, a manner of listening and moving forward.”

"The prayer of the heart is not a goal to be reached. It is a manner of being, a manner of listening and moving forward."

"Lord, teach us to pray!" is a cry that stirs in the heart of every believer. Yet for those of us who wish to practise a deepening of prayer responsibly, we need an experienced guide, someone who has already passed through the landscape we are preparing to enter and knows its paths and pitfalls. Such guides are hard to find, however, which is why reliable books are such a blessing.

Bishop Erik Varden, himself a renowned spiritual writer, found this beautiful book in a Parisian bookshop. What was then a poorly bound edition has long since come apart. Yet no single text, he says, had helped him to pray more. Now translated into English by Bishop Varden, this brief treatise by a Carthusian monk offers an excellent guide to the "prayer of the heart", a prayer that breaks open our hearts and transforms our being as we dare to aspire to "become participants of the divine nature".

"I rejoice, simply, to recommend with all my heart this little book. It opened my eyes to ‘the boundless riches of Christ’; it pierced my heart with the light of a trust I had previously only known notionally … because its author speaks with authority, of things he knows." (Bishop Varden)”

About the author’s we are informed:

“Dom André Poisson was born Étienne Poisson at Douce, in Maine-et-Loire, on 28 February 1923. He made his first profession at La Grande Chartreuse on 2 February 1948 and his solemn profession on 6 October 1953. He was ordained a priest on 13 March 1954. In 1967 he was elected Prior and General of the Order, dedicating himself to the aggiornamento of the Order following the indications of the Second Vatican Council. He resigned in 1997 and was sent to be Prior at the Charterhouse of the Transfiguration (in the USA). In 1999 he went to Vedana, Italy as Chaplain to Carthusian nuns. He returned to La Grande Chartreuse in May 2001, and died there on 20 April 2005.”

and

“Bishop Erik Varden OCSO is a monk and bishop, born in Norway in 1974. In 2002, after ten years at the University of Cambridge, he joined Mount Saint Bernard Abbey in Charnwood Forest. Pope Francis named him bishop of Trondheim in 2019.”

The chapters and sections in the book are:

‘Lord, Teach Us to Pray’

Introduction

Abba, Hallowed Be Thy Name

Seeing with the Heart

Towards Purity of Heart

My Body as Place of Encounter with the Word

The Spirit Prays Within Me

Discovering the Father’s Love in My Weakness

Entering Silence

I highlighted a few passages while reading this volume, some of them are:

“The seventy-two were conscious that the peace they carried exceeded them. Its source lay outside themselves. It sprang from the presence in their midst of Jesus, who alarmed them all the more with predictions of his imminent departure. How might they continue to pursue his peace, and remain within its orbit, with him no longer there?”

“He not only taught, but showed, what utter attention to the Father’s will looks like. This was how the disciples, too, wished to ground their existence.”

“Jesus’s response was immediate and precise. He gave his disciples the formula we know as the Our Father. It constitutes the core of Christian prayer. From the beginning of the Church, great teachers of the faith have expounded it, drawing out its various aspects.”

“And how can I practise a deepening of prayer responsibly, on guard against both self-delusion and the illusions of the devil, who tries to trip up those who seek to grow in godliness?”

“There is no lack of persons with diplomas in “spiritual direction”: they are two a penny. But a true spiritual father or mother is a rarity. It was ever thus; but perhaps the sparseness is especially acute in our day.”

“That is why reliable books are such a blessing. A book can never replace a conversation; but immersion in the testimony of a man or woman of God can become conversation.”

“I do not intend to draw up a rigid framework or fixed structure. Rather, I want to point you in a certain direction, to indicate a path you must follow, without knowing in advance exactly where it will lead. The prayer of the heart is not a goal to be reached. It is a manner of being, a manner of listening and moving forward.”

“When I pray, I do not address the God of the philosophers, nor even, you might say, the God of the theologians. I speak to my Father, or rather, our Father. To be more precise still, I speak to him whom Jesus so intimately called Abba.”

“That is what I mean when I pray, ‘Abba, hallowed be thy name’. May you, Abba, be perfectly yourself in me. May your name of Father become perfect reality in the relation that is growing between us.”

“In order really to know God, I must relinquish all my securities. I must eliminate the distance which thoughts and preconceptions have let me keep with regard to him. I must own my vulnerability. However well I have kept it hidden, I must, in the clear light of day, accept it and live through it, which is to say: I must permit my heart’s true responses to express themselves.”

“If I want to cleanse my being, to remove its blemish, I must begin by purifying my heart.”

“Proceeding in this way, we gradually develop the habit of returning to him ceaselessly, above all when faced with the shadowy, dark, and troubling sides of ourselves.”

“We cannot enter the prayer of the heart unless we accept to live deliberately and determinedly at the level of our body.”

“Our sin is not cleansed symbolically, but by bloodshed, by blood gushing from the Body of Jesus. In his flesh he truly died and rose again. Both our bodies and our souls are saved by his material resurrection.”

“We stop thinking of prayer as something that goes on in the head, in imaginings or systems of thought. We enter into our heart. There we find a disordered world of feelings and wounds. They spring from our heart and need purification. We then discover the effective possibility of integrating all these wounds of our heart into the flow of the Redemption by exposing them to the light and by offering them deliberately to the redemptive work of Jesus.”

“We also need silence in the depth of our heart, in so far as it overlaps with our will: any desire other than that of doing the Father’s will must be pacified. Instead of reaching out to impose itself on the rest of my being, my will, too, must remain utterly at God’s disposal, in a state of listening and welcome.”

I hope those quotes give you a feel for this excellent volume. The first third is the introduction and some excellent background. This book was very moving. It would have been worth it for the introduction alone. This book was so good that as soon as I finished it I put it back in my ‘to be read’ list. I can understand why Bishop Erik Varden has read it so many times. 

This book is an excellent read. I am thankful for the work that the CTS does, and for their effort to stay up to date on eBook editions. With my dual form of dyslexia and my son having eye tracking issues I consider them essential, especially with adaptive technology. I am thankful for this volume, and would pick up any future offerings from the pen of Bishop Erik Varden. I do so hope we are blessed with many more volumes in this series. This is a great read, I can easily recommend it! This is an amazing read!

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan! For other reviews of books from the Catholic Truth Society click here.

Books by Erik Varden:

Alight with Hidden Glory 

Chastity: Reconciliation of the Senses 

Entering the Twofold Mystery: On Christian Conversion 

Healing Wounds 

Letter to a Friend on the Prayer of the Heart 

Redeeming Freedom: The Principle of Servitude in Berulle 

The Shattering of Loneliness: On Christian Remembrance 

Towards Dawn: Essays in Hopefulness 

...

Book of Prayers with St. Pier Giorgio Frassati - Frassati Society Philippines

Book of Prayers with St. Pier Giorgio Frassati

Karlos Cruz Garcia, T.OCarm (Editor)

Herb Vincent Hernandez (Editor)

Christian Decena (Editor)

Angelene Alejano (Editor)

Frassati Society Philippines

I became aware of this volume through an email from the Frassati Society USA. I downloaded a copy right away. And worked through it over a couple of days. I have long had a personal devotion to Pier Giorgio Frassati, and my youngest two children do as well, especially after taking part in the Frassati Leadership Program, in the Diocese of Hamilton. The volume begins with a statement:

“This Book of Prayers in Honor of Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati is compiled for the use of the Frassati Society Philippines, its collaborators, friends, benefactors, and fellow devotees.

The prayers contained herein arc taken from various liturgical books and texts approved by competent ecclesiastical authorities. unless otherwise stated.”

We are also informed that the text is based on that composed by Rev. Timothy Deeter, with modifications for this edition. The introduction states:

“With great joy, we present this digital prayer book in honor of Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati, patron of our Frassati Society and a shining example of youthful holiness in the modern world.

Saint Pier Giorgio teaches us that sanctity is not reserved for a few extraordinary souls, but is a calling for all. As a devoted son faithful friend, lover of the Eucharist, servant of the poor, and courageous witness to the Catholic Faith, he lived the Gospel with remarkable joy and authenticity. His life reminds us that it is possible to love God wholeheartedly while fully engaging in the duties, friendships, studies, work, and challenges of everyday life.

This book of prayers is inspired by the Beatitudes, which Saint John Paul II called the spiritual portrait of Pier Giorgio. Through nine days of prayer, various prayers and reflections, may we learn from his example to embrace humility, mercy, puity, courage charity, and perseverance in our own journey toward holiness.

As we entrust our intentions to his powerful intercession, let us ask the Lord to kindle within us the same love for the Holy Eucharist, devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary,  zeal for the salvation of souls, and generous service to those most in need that characterized the life of Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati.

May this prayer book draw us closer to Christ and inspire us to live the Gospel with conviction, joy, and hope.

Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati, pray for us.”

The chapters and sections in this volume state:

Introduction

Novena Prayers

Litany of Saint Pier Giorgio

Triduum Prayers

Holy Mass in honor of St. Pier Giorgio Frassati

     Presidential Prayers

     Proper of Readings

     Prayers of the Faithful

Liturgy of the Hours

     Morning Prayer (Lauds)

     Evening Prayer (Vesper)

Devotional Prayer

     Prayer for the poor and the sick

     Prayer of those who serve the poor and the sick

     Intercessory Prayers in English

     Intercessory Prayers in Filipino

     Intercessory Prayers in Espafiol

     Prayer of Total Submission to God

     St. Bernard's Hymn to Our Lady

     Prayer to Our Lady of Loreto de Sampaloc

     Prayer of a Student

     Frassati Society Prayer

     Prayer for the Pope

     Prayer for the Dead

This is a wonderful collection of prayers. Great for youth and for adults. This is an excellent little volume. It is free. I have not been able to determine if there are print editions. But the PDF is available for free. I do wish it was available as an ePUB file for greater accessibility use, such as text to speech, or to change colour of page and font or even changing font to make reading easier.

An excellent book I can easily recommend.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan!

This book available free online here.

Book about Pier Giorgio Frassati:

Pier Giorgio Frassati Inspiration for Students -  Glynn MacNiven-Johnston

Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati: An Ordinary Christian by Maria Amata Di Lorenzo

Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati: Journey to the Summit - Ana María Vázquez

Finding Frassati: And Following His Path to Holiness - Christine M Wohar

A Book of Prayers in Honour of Pier Giorgio Frassati - Fr. Timothy E Deeter

The Frassati Field Guide: An 8-Day Ascent to Heroic Virtue - Bobby Angel

The Higher We Go Pier Giorgio Frassati - Corinna Turner - Friends in High Places Book 5

15 Days of Prayer with Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati - Père Charles Desjobert, OP 

Book of Prayers with St. Pier Giorgio Frassati - Frassati Society Philippines  

... 

Prayer to Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati

Prayer for the Courage to be Great

Prayer for the Canonization of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati

Sermon Trinity Sunday Year A Frassati Leadership Program Commissioning Most Reverend Wayne Lobsinger, VG

... 

Conspiracy 365 August - Gabrielle Lord

Conspiracy 365 August
Gabrielle Lord
Scholastic
ISBN 9781443104753

Scholastic Australia

eISBN 9781921988608

ASIN B00BFV1GQ0

The story just continues to get better and better, each offering is more intense than the previous. I read the first two volumes in this series back in 2011; I had planned on reading them one a month as they were released. But that did not happen. My son started reading them in 2026 and he is in his late teens so I decided to pick them back up and finish the series. I have read one a month over the last several.

When I read the first 2 it was a new series from Scholastic, Conspiracy 365, is another unique approach to books that will draw readers in and keep them addicted. Much like the 39 Clues or Skeleton Creek books, it approaches storytelling in a new and different way that with draw an addicted following of readers. The story is about the life of Callum (Cal) Ormond. Almost like a year-long version of the TV series 24. The story was originally told over 12 books, one released each month for a year. And we now know the story continued with a shorter follow up series.

The description of this volume states:

“Now I was completely alone. There was nothing but silence and the ghosts of the dead. Cal Ormond has escaped death several times and deceived enemies in the most unlikely situations. All this to discover what the Ormond Singularity is, a secret that transformed the young man's routine and that can change history as we know it. However, an unexpected event ended Cal's search and he ended up in the hands of the police. Now he risks spending the rest of his life in prison. But something gave him a good reason not to give up on his plans and prove he was not a criminal: the kidnapping of one of his family members. Cal needed to return to the streets to propose a rescue: to exchange everything he had gathered about the riddle for that person's life - and even offer himself, if necessary.”

The Australian description states:

“Buried alive in a coffin, Cal's chances of survival are running out as fast as the air around him. Thanks to his unknown attackers, he's lost the Jewel and the Riddle, and now his life hangs in the balance. Six feet under. Boges and Winter are frantically trying to find him before it's too late. Meanwhile, Gabbi-Cal's comatose little sister-has been kidnapped, and he is the prime suspect! Some seriously daring and dangerous tactics are needed to save her this time...”

About the author we are informed:

“Gabrielle Lord is one of Australia's bestselling crime writers for adults. Following the Conspiracy 365 series, she already has plans for another three adult novels and two more young adult books. Research is everything, Gabrielle says. 'Out of my contacts with experts (who are always far too modest to describe themselves that way) I get not only the fine-tuning necessary for today's savvy readers, but also wonderful incidents and images that enrich and enlarge my books.”

The Australian description gives a lot more away about events in this volume in the series than the Canadian one. This eighth instalment keeps up the intense plot. This one starts with:

“Thud … 

The thudding was becoming duller, more distant.

Thud … 

The grave was being filled in, fast. The earth raining down on the lid of the coffin was building up an unbreakable barrier between me and the world of the living above. 

I broke out in a cold sweat. I was being buried alive!

Thud … 

I strained and struggled, terror and panic finally starting to overcome the effects of the drug they’d used to immobilise me. I tried to scream and kick and claw at the wooden walls, but it was useless. Fear destroyed all rationality, as I kept on thrashing–smashing my knees, elbows, fingers and head against the unyielding tomb. 

Think, Cal, think.”

Soon Cal is back in cuffs and in the hospital. Though this time what he is told surprises him even more than he ever expected. The stakes are higher, the risks more dangerous, and only luck and a bit of grace might get him through.

To find out, read this and the other instalments in this great series!

These books were originally published in Australia and North America by Scholastic, unfortunately it appears eBook editions were never released in Canada. This is another great instalment in a thrilling series.

These books have a few cool features. In each book, the page numbers start at the highest and count down. The chapter and section headings are Dates and Time. This was an excellent eighth instalment in the series. Give them a try you will not be disappointed.

Books by Gabrielle Lord:
Conspiracy 365:
Series Overview
January (2011)
February (2011)

March (2011)
April (2011)
May (2011)
June (2011)
July (2011)
August (2011)
September (2011)
October (2011)
November (2011)
December (2011)

…

Conspiracy 365 Black Ops:

Missing (2013)

Hunted (2013)

Endgame (2013)

…

48 Hours Series:

The Vanishing (2017)

The Medusa Curse (2017)

…

Gemma Lincoln:

Feeding the Demons (1999)

Baby Did a Bad Thing (2002)

Spiking the Girl (2004)

Shattered (2007)

Death by Beauty (2012)

…

Jack McCain:

Death Delights (2001)

Lethal Factor (2003)

Dirty Weekend (2005)

…

Other Books:

Fortress (1980)

Tooth and Claw (1983)

Jumbo (1986)

Salt (1990)

Whipping Boy (1992)

The Stranger Inside: An Erotic Adventure (1994)

Bones (1995)

The Sharp End (1998)

Monkey Undercover (2006)

…

Elon Musk The Prophet of the Star Ark: Why Becoming A Multiplanetary Species Is A Divine Obligation - Simone Nespolo

Elon Musk The Prophet of the Star Ark

Why Becoming A Multiplanetary Species Is A Divine Obligation

Simone Nespolo

ASIN B0FCD1YQ23

This is the fourth volume I have read by Simone, and I have picked up 8 others, almost all his fiction that is available in English. After reading The Baptism of Lucid: A Sacrament in the Red Silence of Mars I became fascinated with Simone’s works and wanted to dig deep. At the time of reading that first one, this was listed as the second in the Astrodiesm series. But he has since been reworking how his books connect and the series break downs. Currently it is not linked to any others. Before reading that first one the author had reached out asking for a review of a different volume, one of his non-fiction offerings. But some of these fiction titles really grabbed my attention. It is hard to categorize this volume. Some would claim it is Science fiction, some philosophy; some would go so far and state it is theology. On Amazon it is listed as Political Science, Social Science, and Religion & Spirituality.

The description of this volume states:

“Elon Musk does not just pray: he is building, brick by brick, a refuge for humanity — the bridge that links the present to the future and the escape from the cracks that threaten our history.”

About the author we are informed:

“Simone Nespolo is the author of practical guides focused on artificial intelligence, digital marketing, and automation for small and medium-sized businesses. He holds a degree in Economics and has developed solid experience in professional training, customer service, and the creation of strategic, results-driven content.

Occasionally, he devotes time to writing fantasy short stories and to analyzing contemporary geopolitics, approached with a critical and accessible perspective.”

I was unaware of the brevity of this volume when I purchased it. It is listed as 10 pages, but it packs a lot to think about. I highlighted a few passages in this work, some of them are:

“This is a work of theological and philosophical speculation, protected by freedom of expression and the right to freedom of the press. Elon Musk is portrayed solely as an entrepreneur of extraordinary foresight whose technological vision, according to one literary interpretation, may fit into a larger providential design. At no point does Musk present himself as a sacred figure or a prophet, and all biblical quotations are purely symbolic and not intended to be predictive or doctrinal.”

“This is where Elon Musk comes in: not as a prophet inscribed in the sacred pages, but as a visionary engineer designing a modern ark in the form of the Starship. This project will carry not just tons of metal, but also the dream and the need to make humanity a multiplanetary species capable of surviving the most extreme challenges and writing a new chapter in its cosmic adventure.”

“Musk presents himself as a saviour without making any divine claims: he eschews the rhetoric of ostentatious power, referring to himself instead as an 'architect of possibility'. The setbacks and failures of the initial launches mirror the trials of Job (Job 1:21), teaching us that every defeat can be a seed of rebirth. On this visionary journey, every mistake is a lesson and every criticism an incentive to improve.”

“Mars, with its absolute silence and red expanses, appears as an inhospitable desert today, but it may be transformed into a garden of life tomorrow.”

“New laws, cultures and alliances will emerge from the Martian domes, forming a true interplanetary Sinai. 'The desert shall blossom and rejoice...' promises Isaiah 35:1-2, and it is through this wondrous transformation that the Starship will become the bridge between our past and our future.”

This is another volume by Nespolo that really got me thinking. It was very easy to read and every engaging. I have a hard time categorizing it.   

The sections in this volume are:

Disclaimer:

Prologue: The Last Lesson of the Giants

Vision I: Looming Threats

Vision II: The Steel Ark

Vision III: The Unexpected Servant

Vision IV: The Desert That Will Bloom

Epilogue: The Lyric of Star Seeds

What is Astrodeism?

This was an intriguing piece. It was a great read but I wish it was longer. These same themes could be explored in a novel and have much greater depth. If you are willing to take the risk on it, I am certain it will inspire some questions. An interesting read!

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan! 

Books by Simone Nespolo:

A Collection of Three Film Plots

Ancient Maps for New Journeys

Local autonomy: The Natural Antidote to Fascism and Communism

Praying for Money

The Imperial Revival and Japan’s Demographic Crisis

The Necessary Schism of the American Catholic Church

…

Books of Guided Prompts:

10 Prompts to Sell with ChatGPT

15 AI Prompts for Small and Medium Enterprises

20 AI Prompts Ready for eBook Writers

…

Fiction:

Doge – Martian Colonial Ship

The Garden of Ashes

The Last Venetian Painter

The Prophet of the Star Ark: Elon Musk

…

Dark Futures Series:

Selfie

Whales

…

Catholic Science Fiction Series: 

1. The Baptism of Lucid: A Sacrament in the Red Silence of Mars

2. I AM: Historical Chronicles of the Birth of Artificial Consciousness

3. Astrodeist Manifesto: Manifesto for a Christian Spirituality in Space

…