Musings of a Restless Mind

An online writing acquaintance told me about something called The Prominent Book Club. As I’ve said before, I’m The King of Bad Marketing™, but I figured why not? I submitted Advance Guards for their consideration about featuring it in one of their events. Their admin was enthusiastic about the book. So I did an hour-long online interview/book discussion with them. There were 60 folks attending online, and I felt pretty good about that.

Then all the 5-star reviews (on Goodreads) started coming in (54 and counting). I even got a couple of 5-star reviews on Amazon. I cut out a few of the reviews for possible quotation on the back of the paperback–not that I left any room there for them. Meanwhile I’m busy stuffing my inflated head back between my ears.

Any of these you think should go on the back of the book?

“Advance Guards by Frank Hood completely captivated me.” –Isabella Hemp

“The emotional depth, especially in the family dynamics and sacrifices, really stayed with me. That opening scene alone gave me chills! This is a story that makes you reflect on where we’re headed as a society.”–Isabella Hemp

“A truly memorable read!”–Manall Joshi

“Powerful and Inspiring…. It beautifully explores what it means to be human in a world overwhelmed by technology…. It’s inspiring, emotional, and incredibly well-written!”–Burwne Joeliel

“Hood writes with a level of assurance and authenticity that invites trust from the reader. His prose is both accessible and refined, allowing for an experience that is as intellectually engaging as it is enjoyable.”–Matthew Matt

“Frank Hood has created something that stands out in both quality and impact, and we eagerly anticipate his future contributions to the literary world.”–Matthew Matt

“The characters are not just present—they are alive. They carry depth, motivation, and emotional resonance that make them linger long after you’ve put the book down.”–Rose Mary

“As an author myself, I don’t hand out praise lightly—but this is the kind of work that deserves recognition. Advance Guards is not just a good read; it’s a well-crafted piece of literature that reflects both talent and dedication.”–Rose Mary

“This is not just a book you read and set aside; it is one you revisit, reflect on, and continue to learn from. I highly commend the author for producing such a meaningful and enduring piece of work.”–James Mike

“A masterful blend of vivid storytelling, deeply relatable characters, and thought provoking themes.”–Freedy Blake

“A compelling blend of tension, strategy, and character-driven moments that keep readers invested throughout.”–Arthur Hior

“Advance Guards is a beautifully written dystopian tale that stays with you long after you’ve finished it.”–Lilly Bennett

“It’s the kind of book that doesn’t just tell a story it makes you question everything. Highly recommended.”–Thomas Sarah

“It’s more than dystopian it’s a reflection on humanity, choice, and connection. Truly captivating and worth the read.”–Stella Sam

“A thought provoking exploration of humanity’s relationship with technology, set against a haunting near future backdrop.”–Alice

“What stood out to me most was how relevant the story feels.”–Christine Hannah

“A deeply reflective and engaging read.”–Saher Benjamin

“A thought-provoking and emotionally rich dystopian novel that blends big ideas with intimate storytelling.”–Blessing Isabelle

“It’s a gripping and thought-provoking novel that stays with you long after reading. Definitely worth the five stars!”–Betty Lilly

“Looking forward to seeing what Frank Hood writes next!”–Martha Lyman