Religion has always had a contentious place in the mindset of the masses. Some accept the scriptures as gospel truth, never stopping for once to analyze the various anomalies that categorize every Christian miracle, Islamic conquest, or any of the other religions that the majority of the citizens of this big planet partake in. Then there are the skeptics, individuals whose every word and thought are products of the twin pillars of unassailable logic and cold, hard facts. This group believes the signs are there to dispel any conversations of an omnipotent power guiding the acts of men. Rich DiSilvio reawakens this debate using five thought-provoking short stories. Read along and be entertained as you take a side in this unending debate in Taboo & Transcending Tales.

Rich DiSilvio takes on a topic few attempt in Taboo & Transcending Tales. He combines expansive origin stories with breathtaking mid-air battles and very believable otherworldly creatures, using a narrative style that emphasizes attention to detail and strategically placed clues. The dialogue focuses on the myriad reasons why logic should reign over faith, with DiSilvio cleverly presenting each argument in an organized sequence, each punctuated by poignant examples. One instance that stands out is when Alidore and his colleagues attempt to re-educate Sadam and Evelyn in Adam's Atom. The masterstroke of this collection is the seamless infusion of popular historical figures, offering their take on this subject, alongside masterfully crafted works of the author's imagination. These elements come together in a riveting, fast-paced narrative that will immerse perceptive readers as they appreciate an anthology in a class of its own.

Taboo and Transcending Tales by Rich DiSilvio is a fascinating collection of short stories. In The Aura of St. Francis, Franz Liszt is working on a song in honor of St. Francis of Assisi when the mayor informs Liszt of his intention to demolish the statue of the saint, which has not met expectations. Liszt pleads against it. How will things unfold as we see the saint's life through him, especially during the crusade called by Pope Innocent III? In Adam’s Atom, we meet Evelyn and Sadam. The couple is trying to survive in Antarctica after humans had destroyed most of Earth. What will they discover about human nature? Conquests, Coups, and Collapse introduces us to Walter, who had once been incarcerated in the Tower of London. Currently, he is on an expedition on behalf of the crown, but the expedition is not going very well after an encounter with the Spanish. How will things turn out for him and his crew after surviving a storm that leaves them in an unknown port with the statue of Emperor Claudius?

Taboo and Transcending Tales by Rich DiSilvio is a unique and interesting collection that captured my imagination from the first page to the last. I loved the amazing narratives and the crisp, engaging writing style. This is a thought-provoking work that gets one thinking not only about various historical figures but also about issues important to our current existence, such as caring for Mother Earth. The author is very effective in conveying the intended message without alienating anyone, and the work can also serve as a stepping stone for further reading on various issues. All the events and places are vividly captured, and the reader will also appreciate the easy-to-understand language used, which makes the work accessible to all audiences. I look forward to reading something else by Rich DiSilvio.