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Dagger Hill

8/17/2021

Dagger Hill
Devon Taylor
Published by: Swoon Reads
Publication date: August 17th 2021
Genres: Mystery, Paranormal, Young Adult

Stranger Things meets One of Us Is Lying in this creepy paranormal mystery about four friends who find themselves hunted by a malevolent presence in their sleepy hometown.

It knows your fear…

Summer, 1989. Four best friends—Gabe, Kimberly, Charlie, and Sonya—are preparing for their last summer together before senior year, after which they’ll all be splitting up to start college in different parts of the country. They make a promise to always find their way back to each other, no matter how far away from their sleepy Pennsylvania hometown they get.

But their plans are destroyed when a plane crashes right on top of their favorite hangout outside of town—and right on top of them.

In the catastrophic aftermath of the incident, Gabe, Sonya and Charlie are plagued by eerie visions and messages from an unknown watcher. They soon realize that the plane crash was no accident, and now they are being hunted by a sinister presence. And everyone is still searching for Kimberly, who has been missing ever since Gabe saw somebody wearing a gas mask carry her out of the woods the day the sky fell down on them…

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Review

Not much happens in the town of Windale, Pennsylvania, 1989. There are farms and the scientific agency TerraCorp. Four friends, Charlie, Gabe, Sonya and Kimberly are trying to savor their last summer together before senior year. As they picnic together on their favorite hangout spot, Dagger Hill, a plane that has taken off from TerraCorp crashes into the hill. They saw the pilot parachute out before the crash, but something else was in the plane and it took Kimberly with it. Something was unleashed on Dagger Hill that is affecting the residents of Windale. Gabe, Sonya and Charlie desperately try to find Kimberly and solve the mystery of Dagger Hill.

Dagger Hill is a young adult paranormal mystery that kept me guessing. Told from the alternating viewpoints of three of the teens, I was pulled into the suspense of the forces at play as well as having a great insight into Windale and the different views of the people who lived there. Each of the teens had a different background and economic situation and it was nice to see them have a meaningful relationship and truly care for each other. At times, the viewpoints overlapped and I felt like I was reading a bit of what I had just read. The setting of 1989 was not only nostalgic for me, but created a great atmosphere with emerging technology, but not a technologically savvy population. The mystery of Dagger Hill was well crafted as we learned little by little from different sources. The Bug Man kept me guessing as to what the force could be and its purpose, combined with the strange happenings at TerraCorp there was a perfect recipe for strange and malicious occurrences. I enjoyed watching Gabe, Charlie and Sonya band together to find Kimberly and figure out the purpose of the Bug Man. With an unexpected ending , Dagger Hill creates a perfect summer adventure.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

Author Bio:

Devon Taylor was born in Las Vegas, Nevada and currently lives in Pennsylvania with his wife and two daughters. His day job consists of sneaking around the house with ninja-like stealth to avoid waking up his kids. When not writing, reading, or tediously typing out text messages with all the correct spelling and punctuation, he spends his time with his family. THE SOUL KEEPERS is his debut novel.

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Then Came the Thunder

8/7/2021

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About the Book:
THEN CAME THE THUNDER BY RACHAEL HUSZAR
Publication Date: July 2, 2021
eBook; 160 pages
Series: Three Willows, Book 1
Genre: Historical Fantasy

Jessalyn Joy loves her husband, but she can’t help the feelings that arose when he volunteered for the Union army. When he comes back to her in a box instead of on his feet, those feelings complicate even more.

Jessalyn’s mourning period is cut short when something begins to attack the livestock in their small town, and greater dangers begin to threaten their provincial life. Thrown together with the new reverend, one of her own students, and a strange man somehow related to her husband’s passing, Jessalyn must find a way to stop the evils that threaten her husband’s first and ultimately last home.

Set in the Southwestern home front, Huszar blends a taste of fantasy into a startling down-to-earth world, creating a high stakes adventure for this strong female protagonist and her band of amateur sleuths.

AMAZON

Review:
Sam Brooks has deserted the Union Army after seeing too much senseless bloodshed. He vows to make his way to the town that his regiment medic, Saint Joy, grew up in and talked about with reverence. Sam amazingly finds the well hidden oasis town of Three Willows among the deserts of the New Mexican Territory and is told he can board with the school teacher, Jessalyn Joy. Jessalyn is given this task by the Mayor, who feels that Jessalyn hasn't been fitting in especially since the death of her husband. As Sam spends time in Three Willows, he can see why Saint Joy spoke so highly of the town; however, he can't help but notice the strange storms centered above Three Willows and animal mauling that come with them.

Then Came the Thunder is a fast-paced historical fiction mixed with fantasy. From the very beginning, there is a strong sense that something is off with the town of Three Willows and its inhabitants. My interest was kept in the tensions built as the animal mauling increase and affect a child in the town as well as the well crafted secrets that Three Willows three founders seem to be keeping. Jack's presence in Three Willows seems strange, I understand his pilgrimage, but his character is not explored very deeply. I wanted to know more about his past, his time in the Army and his relationship with Sain Joy. The same goes for Jessalyn; I understand her motivation for staying in Three Willows; but I wanted to know more about her relationship with her husband, her life before Three Willows and her time in Three Willows with her husband. I liked the fantasy element that was brought in near the end, I hope it ties in with folklore of the area and is explored more in the next book. The ending wrapped up quickly and explosively, I am definitely interested in seeing where the story goes in the next book.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

About the Author

Rachael Huszar kept her life steeped in stories from a young age, and she began her own journey in story-making when she reached adulthood. In the time since, she has taken up swimming, roller skating, and consuming tabletop RPG streams. She spends the bulk of her time with her dog, Silo, and works full time as a designer in Dallas, Texas.

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Grenade Bouquets

8/5/2021

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Grenade Bouquets
Lee Matthew Goldberg
(Runaway Train, #2)
Publication date: August 5th 2021
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult

I had stars in my eyes and I couldnâ€™t see around themâ€¦

The year is 1995 and my parents have finally allowed me to take the summer to tour in a VW van across the country with my boyfriend Evan and our band. Yes, my dream to be a singer became reality. Even with Clarissa, Evanâ€™s jealous ex-girlfriend, as the lead singer, itâ€™s my presence on stage that led us to a major record deal. There are moments youâ€™ll always remember in life, but I canâ€™t imagine anything more cool than hearing your song on the radio for the first time.

But being a Rockstar isnâ€™t as easy as it sounds. Using alcohol and drugs as coping mechanisms, nothing but tension surrounded me, hurting my still blossoming relationship, and continued grieving over my sisterâ€™s death.

A love letter to the nineties and a journey of a girl becoming a woman, Grenade Bouquets charts the rollercoaster ride of a band primed to explode on the scene, as long as they keep from actually exploding.

â€œAn engaging â€™90s pastiche with an earnest heart beating at its center.â€â€“ Kirkus Reviews on Runaway Train.

Goodreads / Amazon

Review

Nico's life just became a whole lot better when her parents agreed to let her take the summer of 1995 and go on tour with her boyfriend's band, The Grenade Bouquets as a backup singer. Evan's ex-girlfriend, Clarissa is the lead singer of the band and is putting out major jealousy vibes; however, Nico's presence on stage is astounding and gets the band noticed by a record executive. Soon, Grenade Bouquets are in the recording studio and on the radio and Nico is a real life Rockstar. Life as a Rockstar isn't as easy as it sounds as Nico is dealing with issues on all sides. Grenade Bouquets is an ode to the 1990's and perfectly captures the feel of the 90's and the emerging Grunge and Alternative Rock scenes. Grenade Bouquets is the second book in the Runaway Train series, and I would recommend reading book one before to understand Nico and her past. Once again, I absolutely loved that the chapters titles were song tracks from the year that the book was set in. This led me on a deep nostalgia trip as well as perfectly setting the tone for the chapter. I felt like I was rejoining Nico's life as I read Grenade Bouquets, her life exploding suddenly in a roller coaster of new highs, lows, challenges, and feats while trying to navigate life as a teenager while in a famous band. Nico's emotions are real and raw as she deals with normal teenage issues along with the pressures of navigating stardom and a music career. I loved that she still wanted to connect with her friends at home and cared for her friend, Winter as she went through her own trauma. I was surprised by Nico's actions with Clarissa and how little consequence there was to her actions. The ending was emotional and well thought out. I can't wait to see what is in store for Nico next. This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

Author Bio:

Lee Matthew Goldberg is the author of the novels THE ANCESTOR, THE MENTOR, THE DESIRE CARD and SLOW DOWN. He has been published in multiple languages and nominated for the Prix du Polar. His first YA series RUNAWAY TRAIN is forthcoming in 2021 along with a sci-fi novel ORANGE CITY. After graduating with an MFA from the New School, his writing has also appeared in The Millions, Vol. 1 Brooklyn, LitReactor, Monkeybicycle, Fiction Writers Review, Cagibi, Necessary Fiction, the anthology Dirty Boulevard, The Montreal Review, The Adirondack Review, The New Plains Review, Underwood Press and others. He is the editor-in-chief and co-founder of Fringe, dedicated to publishing fiction thatâ€™s outside-of-the-box. His pilots and screenplays have been finalists in Script Pipeline, Book Pipeline, Stage 32, We Screenplay, the New York Screenplay, Screencraft, and the Hollywood Screenplay contests. He is the co-curator of The Guerrilla Lit Reading Series and lives in New York City. Follow him at LeeMatthewGoldberg.com

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The Second Life of Mirielle West

8/3/2021

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About the Book:

THE SECOND LIFE OF MIRIELLE WEST
BY AMANDA SKENANDORE
Publication Date: July 27, 2021
Kensington Publishing
eBook & Paperback; 304 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction

In this thought-provoking and sensitive novel, inspired by the true story of a Louisiana leprosy hospital where patients were forcibly quarantined, acclaimed author Amanda Skenandore tells an extraordinarily timely tale of resilience, hope–and the last woman who expected to find herself in such a place…

1920s Los Angeles: Socialite Mirielle West’s days are crowded with shopping, luncheons, and prepping for the myriad glittering parties she attends with her actor husband, Charlie. She’s been too busy to even notice the small patch of pale skin on the back of her hand. Other than an occasional over-indulgence in gin and champagne, which helps to numb the pain of recent tragedy, Mirielle is the picture of health. But her doctor insists on more tests, and Mirielle reluctantly agrees.

The diagnosis–leprosy–is devastating and unthinkable. Changing her name to shield Charlie and their two young children, Mirielle is exiled to rural Louisiana for what she hopes will be a swift cure. But the hospital at Carville turns out to be as much a prison as a place of healing. Deaths far outnumber the discharges, and many patients have languished for years. Some are badly afflicted, others relatively unscathed. For all, the disease’s stigma is just as insidious as its physical progress.

At first, Mirielle keeps her distance from other residents, unwilling to accept her new reality. Gradually she begins to find both a community and a purpose at Carville, helping the nurses and doctors while eagerly anticipating her return home. But even that wish is tinged with uncertainty. How can she bridge the divide between the woman, wife, and mother she was, and the stranger she has become? And what price is she willing to pay to protect the ones she loves?

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Review:
Mirielle is the carefree wife of Hollywood silent movie star Charlie West who has recently found a strange lesion that won't heal. Charlie is particularly worried about Mirielle hurting herself since the tragic death of their son. Mirielle is diagnosed with Leprosy and unceremoniously shipped off to the Carville Leprosy Colony in Louisiana. Mirielle quickly learns that her money and charm mean nothing, she is a prisoner of her disease until she receives twelve negative tests for the bacteria. Mirielle fights to get back home to her children and husband; however, as Mirielle begins to become involved in the Colony, things become more complicated between her two lives.

The Second Life of Mirielle West is a moving historical fiction novel about the Leprosy Epidemic in America. Now called Hansen's Disease, I did not know much about Leprosy, the epidemic in the USA or how people with Leprosy were treated. I was very interested in the Carville facility. I could easily tell that the author researched this facility as I could imagine the buildings, the staff, the residents and their activities. Mirielle's character was intriguing. As the glamorous wife of a Hollywood star, Mirielle's life is all about keeping up appearances. When Mirielle is diagnosed, everything about her diagnosis is hidden. She is whisked away in the middle of the night and her husband tells the press that she is in a psychiatric facility rather than admit the truth. As Mirielle finally gets to know the people around her at Carville, she learns that the disease treats everyone the same. I was amazed at the stigma that a Leprosy diagnosis carried. Those who were diagnosed were abandoned by their family, lost their jobs and the disease could be used as a grounds for divorce. Mirielle's journey of acceptance while in Carville was heartfelt as she juggled her needs to return to her family and the life she knew and the new life and family she created in Carville. Written with emotion and thoughtfulness, The Second Life of Mirielle West is a transformational read.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

About the Author

Amanda is the author of Between Earth and Sky, winner of the American Library Association’s 2019 Reading List Award for Best Historical Fiction, and The Undertaker’s Assistant, released from Kensington in July 2019.

She grew up in the mountains of Colorado and sang and danced her way through 68 cities on both sides of the Atlantic with the service organization Up with People before starting college. Her love of historical fiction started early with the stories of Kenneth Thomasma, Mark Twain, and Laura Ingalls Wilder.

When she’s not writing, Amanda works as an infection prevention nurse. She lives in Las Vegas with her husband and their pet turtle Lenore.

Amanda Skenandore is a historical fiction writer and registered nurse. Between Earth and Sky was her first novel. She lives in Las Vegas, Nevada. Readers can visit her website at www.amandaskenandore.com. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, BookBub, and Goodreads.

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Rachel Ignotofsky

8/2/2021

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I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the WHATâ€™S INSIDE A FLOWER?, WOMEN IN SCIENCE, and WOMEN IN SPORTS by Rachel Ignotofsky Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

About The Books:

Title: WHAT'S INSIDE A FLOWER

Author: Rachel Ignotofsky

Pub. Date: February 2, 2021

Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 48

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

From the creator of the New York Times bestseller Women in Science, comes a new nonfiction picture book series ready to grow young scientists by nurturing their curiosity about the natural world--starting with what's inside a flower.

Budding backyard scientists can start exploring their world with this stunning introduction to these flowery show-stoppers--from seeds to roots to blooms. Learning how flowers grow gives kids beautiful building blocks of science and inquiry.

In the launch of a new nonfiction picture book series, Rachel Ignotofsky's distinctive art style and engaging, informative text clearly answers any questions a child (or adult) could have about flowers.

Reviews:

"The lush, geometric illustrations are the superstars of this adventure, drawing in readers from the front endpapers to the rear . . . A beautiful bloom for the nature shelf." - Kirkus Reviews

"Thereâ€™s an abundance of detail in this attractive first work in the â€œWhatâ€™s Insideâ€ series, but itâ€™s never overwhelming . . . The pages overflow with life." - Booklist

My Review

What's Inside a Flower? is a beautifully illustrated question and answer book for young children. Each realistically drawn image is labelled for children that constantly ask "what's that?" The questions keep it simple while still answering questions using scientific facts. The illustrations help to explain the science in a fun and easy to understand manner. Answering questions about how flowers grow, why, what they need, how seeds are made, pollination and more, What's Inside a Flower? is sure to please the young budding naturalist in your life.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

Title: WOMEN IN SCIENCE

Author: Rachel Ignotofsky

Pub. Date: July 26, 2016

Publisher: Ten Speed Press

Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 126

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N Exclusive Edition, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

Women in Science highlights the contributions of fifty notable women to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) from the ancient to the modern world. Full of striking, singular art, this collection also contains infographics about relevant topics such as lab equipment, rates of women currently working in STEM fields, and an illustrated scientific glossary. The women profiled include well-known figures like primatologist Jane Goodall, as well as lesser-known pioneers such as Katherine Johnson, the African-American physicist and mathematician who calculated the trajectory of the 1969 Apollo 11 mission to the moon.

Reviews:

"With the help of eye-catching artwork, Ignotofsky celebrates not just astronauts, but also the engineers, biologists, mathematicians, and physicists whoâ€™ve blazed a trail for women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields from the ancient to modern world. The book elevates this information with beautiful and instructive infographics that delve into topics like the number of women currently working in STEM fields."â€“ Entertainment Weekly (online)

"With short, inspiring stories and the accessibility of a graphic novel. . .the perfect book to share with the science- and tech-minded people (male and female, young and old) in your life. . . .The must-read, girl-power STEM book."â€“ InStyle.com

"This book of illustrated biographies of scientific pioneers is hands-down gorgeous. . . .Kids will love paging through this, looking at all the detailed drawings, but they'll likely have to rip it out of the hands of the adults who are marveling at each new page of factoids."â€“ Sarah Mirk, Bitch Media

"The book is a beautifully curated collection of personal narratives from female scientists from a wide variety of backgrounds and disciplines, with a dash of whimsy thrown in." â€“ Upworthy

"I applaud Ignotofsky and her publisher for telling these important stories about women through such a rich, visual medium. The world needs more books like this."â€“ ScientificAmerican.com's Symbiartic

". . .an illustrated homage to some of the most influential and inspiring women in STEM. . . .Ignotofsky captures the heartbreaking inequalities that only amplify the impressiveness of these womenâ€™s feats."â€“ Maria Popova, BrainPickings.org

". . .a clever introduction to women scientists through history."â€“ Science Friday

My Review

Women in Science is a wonderful board book that features women through history and throughout the world who have contributed to science. Going chronologically through time, beginning with Hypatia, each page features a stylistically drawn scientist surrounded by tools of their trade and notes about their accomplishments and work in their field from simple to more complex. Women in Science includes women from different backgrounds, ethnicities and religions for a diverse grouping. Women in Science also showcases a variety of sciences from Math, Astronomy, Geology, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Psychiatry, Biology and Ophthalmology. Children and adults will find something to love in this book.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

Title: WOMEN IN SPORTS

Author: Rachel Ignotofsky

Pub. Date: July 18, 2017

Publisher: Ten Speed Press

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 128

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

Women in Sports highlights notable women's contributions to competitive athletics to inspire readers young and old. Keeping girls interested in sports has never been more important: research suggests that girls who play sports get better grades and have higher self-esteem--but girls are six times more likely to quit playing sports than boys and are unlikely to see female athlete role models in the media. A fascinating collection full of striking, singular art, Women in Sports features 50 profiles and illustrated portraits of women athletes from the 1800s to today including trailblazers, Olympians, and record-breakers in more than 40 different sports. The book also contains infographics about relevant topics such as muscle anatomy, a timeline of women's participation in sports, statistics about women in athletics, and influential female teams.

Reviews:

"Exhaustive and enlighteningâ€”don't miss it."â€“ Kirkus Reviews

"This is one of the books we've been waiting forâ€”a compendium of great women athletes and the struggles they faced. As Billie Jean King taught us, â€˜Pressure is a privilege.â€™"â€“ Lesley Visser, Hall of Fame sportscaster

"This luminescent book tells the stories of women and girls who have not only excelled in athletics, but also often changed the world by doing so. I was agog at these lively biographies, and dazzled by the accompanying illustrations that seem to cartwheel, swim, pole vault, and double flip off the page. This is a book for girls who want inspiration on the field, in the pool, or down the track. Itâ€™s also for girls who arenâ€™t sporty at all, but love stories of courage, perseverance, sass, doggedness, and fun. And donâ€™t forget the boys, who will be riveted by these rollicking tales and who need to see that girl power has been alive and well for many years, and is alive and well today."â€“ Caroline Paul, author of The Gutsy Girl

"Rachel Ignotofsky's delightful book renders the healthy pleasure of sports for girls and women in buoyant color and formâ€”from Bloomer Girls to Skate Bettys, in calf length skirts or disguised as menâ€”reminding us that no matter if you are nine or ninety-eight, the question to ask is, â€˜What is my next victory?â€™"â€“ Mina Samuels, author of Run Like a Girl

"What an inspiring book! These beautifully drawn portraits cover the triumphs and troubles of fifty athletesâ€”some you've heard of and many you haven't. There's a familiar pattern to these stories: A woman sets her mind on something, someone tells her it can't be done, and she goes ahead and does it anyway, setting records along the way. You'll cheer for these ladies, and for author Rachel Ignotofsky."â€“ Lisa Taggart, author of Women Who Win

MY REVIEW

Women in Sports is an illustrated board book that features stylized illustrations of women in sports from the early 20th century through present day. Each page showcases women of different ethnicities, ability and sexuality for a well-rounded grouping. With each illustration is a simple explanation of their accomplishments and what they are known for including breaking records and breaking gender barriers. A wide variety of sports are also featured including swimming, archery, roller derby, mushing, figure skating and ping pong. Women in Sports is an inspiring illustrated guide for women everywhere.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

About Rachel Ignotofsky:

Rachel Ignotofsky is a New York Times Best Selling author and illustrator, based in beautiful Santa Barbara. She grew up in New Jersey on a healthy diet of cartoons and pudding and graduated from Tyler School of Art in 2011.

Now Rachel works for herself and spends all day and night drawing, writing and learning as much as she can. Rachel is a published author with 10 Speed Press and Random House Kids. She is always thinking up new ideas.

Check out her books:

Whatâ€™s Inside A Flower?
The Wondrous Workings of Planet Earth
Women In Science
Women in Art
Women In Sports

Her work is inspired by history and science. She believes that illustration is a powerful tool that can make learning exciting. She has a passion for taking dense information and making it fun and accessible. Rachel hopes to use her work to spread her message about scientific literacy and feminism.

If you like what you see and would like to have it for yourself, please visit her shop.

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will win a finished copy of WHATâ€™S INSIDE A FLOWER?, WOMEN IN SCIENCE, and WOMEN IN SPORTS, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

7/26/2021	BookHounds YA	Excerpt
7/26/2021	Two Chicks on Books	Excerpt
7/27/2021	#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog	Excerpt
7/27/2021	Kait Plus Books	Excerpt
7/28/2021	pagesofyellow	Review or Spotlight
7/28/2021	The Phantom Paragrapher	Review or Spotlight
7/29/2021	Feed Your Fiction Addiction	Review
7/29/2021	@ChristenKrumm	Review or Spotlight
7/30/2021	Do You Dog-ear?	Review
7/30/2021	Lifestyle of Me	Review

Week Two:

8/2/2021	100 Pages A Day	Review
8/2/2021	Locks, Hooks and Books	Review
8/3/2021	Jazzy Book Reviews	Review
8/3/2021	The Momma Spot	Review
8/4/2021	Nerdophiles	Review
8/4/2021	Two Points of Interest	Review
8/5/2021	Everyone's Librarian	Review
8/5/2021	Midnightbooklover	IG Post
8/6/2021	onemused	Review or Excerpt
8/6/2021	booksaremagictoo	Review

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