Zea Perez's Blog

This book is published by Ukiyoto Publishing

THE ILANG-ILANG SCENT by Zea Perez - Three Featured Book Reviews

'The Ilang-Ilang Scent by children’s author, Zea Perez, is an educational read for children and is relevant to what is occurring in many areas of the world today.'

'I liked the fact that the story doesn’t offer easy answers – it acknowledges the forces that make it difficult to clean the air: people need jobs, even jobs in dirty factories; they like the modern appliances that typically run on electricity derived from fossil fuel; they want to drive cars and fly in aeroplanes. But it also offers the possibility of change!'

'This break with the conventions of fairytale gives the book an urgency which parents will feel as they read the book to their children, and children will recognise and see reflected in their daily life when they read the book for themselves.'

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The Ilang-Ilang Scent by children’s author, Zea Perez, is an educational read for children and is relevant to what is occurring in many areas of the world today. The causes and effects of deforestation and environmental pollution, and the methods used to counter them, are dealt with in a simple and charming way with delightful and colourful illustrations.

The story revolves around a group of pixies, whose job it is to collect oxygen given out by the trees – including the sweet-scented ilang-ilang trees – in their waist pouches and carry it to the humans. It starts when a pixie boy called Oto flies down to the city from his forested home on the hilltop, to find the city enveloped by an ugly grey mist. He noted the tall chimneys of factories releasing vast amounts of grey smoke into the air, adding to the smoke and fumes belching out from the many vehicles on the roads, at sea, and in the air. Flying to the park, he saw that the leaves on the trees were wilting, and as he flew on over farms, fields and gardens, he could see smoke was also rising from the burning grasses, leaves and plastics.

One day, Oto is given the task of delivering oxygen to the house of a young girl who had become sick due to the effects of atmospheric pollution. We see how Oto helps her to breathe fresh, sweet-smelling air, and a friendship develops between them. The story moves on to look at ways of preventing harmful smog from polluting the environment and we are given a glimpse of a future with a cleaner and greener world to live in.

This is a longer and more detailed book than some of Ms Perez’s other works and the text is probably better suited to children closer to the upper end of the 5 - 10 age range, who will no doubt like to discuss the more difficult words and concepts. But the idea of the main character as a pixie should greatly appeal to younger children when shared and discussed with a parent, minder or early years teacher.

All in all, a lovely little book with important messages for all young readers.

A Book Review by Millie Thom
November 12, 2024
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I loved this little book about health and pollution and the need for clean air. A little girl is sick because of the pollution round her home; she cannot get better without clean air. Happily she has friends around her who want to help – not least a little pixie who brings her parcels of fresh air from the forest, a mom and dad who are trying to help, and a kindly aunt who lives near the forest and can give her respite from the smog in the city where she lives. I liked the fact that the story doesn’t offer easy answers – it acknowledges the forces that make it difficult to clean the air: people need jobs, even jobs in dirty factories; they like the modern appliances that typically run on electricity derived from fossil fuel; they want to drive cars and fly in aeroplanes. But it also offers the possibility of change, if everyone works together (sometimes with a bit of magical help, and who doesn’t want some of that?) A captivating little book with cute little illustrations.

A Book Review by JLD
December 09, 2024
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Another gentle but thought provoking story from this talented author and illustrator. With deceptively simple images and narrative, Perez explores for children the issue of pollution and the need for a change to cleaner energy. It is suffused with the love of nature which is a keystone for all Perez’s writing, and includes magical components and a quaint little family of pixies. Unusually, however, this is not a story set in a distant and fanciful never-never land, but in the modern world of cities, appliances, traffic and political demonstrations. This break with the conventions of fairytale gives the book an urgency which parents will feel as they read the book to their children, and children will recognise and see reflected in their daily life when they read the book for themselves. An perfect little book to give as a present for younger to middle-grade readers.

A Book Review by Carly Rheilan
December 01, 2024

A BOUNDARY OF STONES
By Millie Thom
A Book Review by Zea Perez
January 2025

This book is soul cleansing!

An incisive look into a village, faith and family life when the plague struck Eyam during the mid 16O0s. At the center of the story are the characters of Reverend Mompesson, his wife, kids and household, the former rector and the village people.

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Author Millie Thom’s remarkable ‘sense and sensibility’ as manifested in this book, bravely and patiently engage in the themes of human existence, of differing views, acceptance, belongingness, compassion, kindness, understanding and unity (amidst divergence) among members of the village and the faith community; their opposing beliefs, exposing human flaws facing survival-situations, resilience amidst insurmountable anguish of many deaths of loved ones in the face of an uncontrollable and untreatable disease.

Reading this book (and like all of Millie Thom’s books) makes me meditative and I feel humbled; and urges me to always find and affirm the goodness of every human being and never forgetting to be compassionate because in the face of gargantuan natural disasters and pandemic or endemic disease-challenges, every human soul counts in order for mankind to prevail.

I love reading this book, it is soul cleansing. This line is etched in my heart: ‘Kindness must walk alongside.’

Thank you so much author Millie Thom and please continue writing more meaningful and enduring books!

A DEVILISH ANACHRONISM
by Paul R Stanton
A Book Review by Zea Perez
February 2025

The Devil is befuddled by mankind's attitude of ‘I couldn’t care less!’

The Devil is bemused by mankind's attitude that is prevailing nowadays: ‘I couldn’t care less one way or another!’


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In this book, the Devil tries to shake mankind and to ‘wake them up!’ from their ‘all- encompassing slumber’ through solving a mystery and graduating to a threat which entails the survival of humanity.

The narratives are eloquent and very entertaining to read. I love the humor among the scenes and in between the lines.

I am delighted once again to read and to be ushered (same with the other books of PRS - his trademark) in the tour of Old London’s curious, underrated places as the story moves forward.

The characters are endearingly devilish and never forget that at the heart of this tale are the core values of empathy, compassion, awareness of human flaws and better ways to do things, reckoning and redemption which have current social relevance to ponder!

I am currently reading one of his books, 'The Jewish Odyssey', and I must say it is indeed another unique reading experience!

BUY HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Jewish-Odyssey...

Musician, storyteller & teacher: Ray was born in Cambridge & graduated there after living in Paris during the May '68 "revolution". He and his wife of 50 years have four adult children and five grandchildren spending time in Sheffield, Birmingham, Rio de Janeiro, California and Cyprus. Author of the sister work 'Jewish Tales Untold', Ray is a dedicated short story writer. He is a featured writer in Flash Fiction North. Jewish Quarterly published one of his '30 letters to Moses'. 'Before Babel and other stories' appeared in 2023. Klezmer violinist and composer, his music is published by Mozart Edition. He has mentored and taught hundreds of people over the last 50 years and continues to enjoy sharing ideas and themes with artists and musicians in the UK and abroad.

Ray Kohn's other books are the following:


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JEWISH TALES UNTOLD: A 21st century Jewish regard for facts & fantasies' by Ray Kohn - Jewish Tales Untold gives you three books in one. The first has celebrated Biblical personalities telling us what really happened, what they did and thought. They include Noah and his family, Cain and Abel, Abraham and Isaac, Jacob's extensive family, Moses, Samson, David and Goliath, the angel Gabriel, Daniel, and the brothers Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, true Christian pilgrims, the Devil, God and the seraphim. You meet them all and are invited to see the Bible in a new light - more human, more realistic, more relevant to our everyday lives.

The second is a fantastic set of tales that reveal the hopes and fears that all of us share in imaginative accounts through sci-fi, comedy and myth. In this book we visit far-off planets with very familiar issues, astonishing angels and some who are not at all angelic, beautiful but deadly royalty, the wealthiest man on Earth, a phenomenal chef, Buddha, a recollection of ancient myths and imaginary and not-so-imaginary wars. This book contains much Jewish good humour as well as some serious subjects.

In the third we meet the enigmatic tzadik - a Jewish sage - who describes the Universe in which we live, and the issues that confront us all once we question what we are told. Conversations cover time and relativity, Plato and philosophy, music and creativity, politics and heroes, choice and free will, and the significance of the Shabbos candle. This book addresses the experiences that we think are happening and our hopes for the future.



'BEFORE BABEL & OTHER STORIES' by Ray Kohn - Kohn's witty and surreal anthology of short stories swoops and dives through a range of genres from romance, crime, and science-fiction.

The almost twenty futuristically themed narratives include an animal revolution, a chronometrically romantic tragedy, a retelling of Genesis and the lonely musings of an unpublished writer in denial. Seemingly every day characters inhabit unlikely bodies, but thoughts and conversations reveal personalities that transcend humanity, destroying prejudice and commanding a dignity altogether their own.

In an era when identity continues to shift to the centre of every issue this body of work artfully brings to the fore the extent to which our experiences of life are confined by the corporal body and the interactions of time and memory. Kohn takes us on a metaphysical whistle stop tour of timeless worlds inhabited by familiar characters, the result is both invigorating and entertaining.

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A CAT'S CRADLE by Carly Rheilan
An Updated Book Review by Zea Perez
February 2025

In the eyes of a child, the affection is real...

An enlightening, psychological thriller!

A tale of exploitation that is spattered by an unlikely friendship and affection. It is written with confidence and is very clear to its intent.

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The narratives of sensitive scenes which unfold the progression of a relationship between an adult male to a seven-year-old girl are just digestible, enough to picture out the images of how the manipulation happens.

Carly Rheilan captures marvelously the minds of two different perspectives: the lens of the adult male abuser - manipulator and the lens of an innocent, curious child.

The concluding part of the book is giving us a hint that the struggle of the child against her manipulator-abuser continues.

Reading this book is very enlightening and empowering!

'In 2024 more than 400 million people around the world are using #onlinedating sites.'

A Decade of Desire: Erotic Memoires from The Office Diaries by Charles Dyson
An Updated Book Review by Zea Perez
February 2025

Dans l'ensemble, le livre se démarque comme étant pertinent et vaut la peine d'être lu!

This is a new thing for me reviewing an erotica genre which is partly a memoir of the author and partly an inspirational fiction novel.

BUY HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Decade-Desire-...

To my astonishment, I am learning and entertained! My curious mind is catered. No doubt, the theme of the book broadens my understanding to one of the most controversial, ‘less talked openly in public topic’ and one of the most sensitive concerns on this planet - that is about sex and lovemaking; sex life and sexual satisfaction; sex and its implication to the human psyche and in human relationship; sex and marriage, sex and human wellness, growth and development and sex as part of human life.

The book focuses and explores on Charlie’s particular experience in online dating and engagement; and eventually ‘meeting up’ with these women on different occasions; who were ‘open’ and ‘in sync’ with Charlie’s sexual fantasies and desires.

What I distinctly learned while reading is that - Charlie and these women - he’s engaged with are just your ordinary people who have day work, who have children to take care of, who have monthly bills and families to worry with and to provide for; and who have dreams and well-meaning aspirations in life. There was no prevalent mention among the tales of a psychological problem; traumatic sexual encounter or problematic childhood background. Charlie as the main character is a decent man and is by core a good soul himself as well as the women.

The book narratives employ actual, online chat encounters; followed by candid descriptions of the actual meet-ups and the summary of the acting out of the sexual fantasy as agreed – (the actual role-playing encounter). It’s written in a fashion that is light, crisp, and realistic. Enough to enliven and titillate a reader’s imagination and sensibilities.

Overall, the book stands out as relevant and must be given attention. Something to be read, to be dissected, and to be pondered upon. It is trying to say ‘something’ that mankind must give time to reflect on and to deeply understand – all for the betterment of our acceptance and understanding as humans in the aspect that we are social being and by nature is sexual and have sexual needs (could be desires and fantasies) under the given circumstances, changes in our lives and the ever-changing landscape of human existence alongside with the advancement of high-technology.

I am truly humbled to read this book because I for one as an author cannot even write a single narrative about erotica. Congratulations, Charles Dyson for imparting bravely this curious content and your brilliance and creativity in writing on this genre.


#FIFTYSHADESOFGREY by #ELJames and #ADECADEOFDESIRE #ADOD by #CharlesDyson
#romance #steamy #steamy #spicy #erotic #alphamale #bdsm #sexualfantasies #kinks

Diverse, Engrossing & with Distinct Themes!

I have read lots of John Caulton's short tales and they all have diverse, engrossing and distinct themes. His prose is succinctly poignant, genuine and exquisitely written - making his writing unique and his trademark.

In his debut book entitled 'The Grass Whistle' - a compilation of 44 fiction tales and slices of life experiences, a reader will get to laugh, to cry, be sad, be anxious, be scared, be wary, and most of all, will get to have the feeling of being inspired!

BUY HERE: https://t.co/Z2qUj1zUmm

Most of the stories mirror real life challenges. Other times, they are tales expressing absurdities, and sometimes in an uncomfortable or unconventional setting reflecting edgy human psyche, emotion and human nature, for instance, the 'Cadaver Episodes' and the 'Fox Cemetery'.

My favorites are 'The Grass Whistle', 'Sing Lodit!', 'Hillside Village', and 'Cactus', among others. They are heartwarming tales.

Over all, the collection is a fiesta of reading. Each page is a hype and drives one to ponder, and each story is different. The book manifests the nonsensical and beauty of life. It is quite enjoyable and a pleasurable read.

I highly recommend it! Congratulations, Editor John! Please write more books for us to read!

The book is published by Ukiyoto Publishing.

Zea Perez
Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2024

This is the beauty and wonder of this book: it has twenty worth pondering, haunting tales! It requires me to pause for each tale done reading - to absorb and to reflect before proceeding to the next one.

They are short and quick reading. However, its content poses some philosophical questions as well as a challenge, situating the reader to a spotlight query of ‘What if these things shall happen to me, to my family and to my community? How will I take it and what will I do?’

There are tales in the book that left me astounded; some in wonderment; other tales make me reread them in order to check if I am correctly understanding about how it goes and ends.

Most of the stories have something to do with war: its gory reality in the battlefields and the inevitability of cold deaths; in another tale, it shows about a peculiar birthing of a community of monsters brought about by curious children; furthermore, there is the story of pregnancies of a clueless lady and then her denial of birthing them because of a miscarriage curse during the conception period. These are strong images for me and I cannot help associating them to the present challenges and social ills of times. Hence, they are becoming profound tales mirroring the darkest recesses of the human experiences portrayed to its horrible extremes and absurdities.

Indeed, these tales will test the borderlines of one’s fear threshold and are of no doubt, preparing an individual's psyche to prevail and to take a leap - all for survival and for the betterment of human existence.

The women of Millie Thom's books are very capable and resilient! They inspire their kings and people! And even challenge them for the better and harmony! One of King Alfred's daughter is an archimandrite!

HAVE A READ AND BE EMPOWERED ONCE AGAIN!

BUY THE BOOKS HERE: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=millie+tho...