As I peruse my uncle Zahra's lengthy missive, I find myself at the bottom of the third and final page. The parchment contains two peculiar requests from the eBook author, Michael Conrad. My eyes skim over the first request, which asks for a five-star review accompanied by insightful comments about my adventuring experience.
"Really, Mr. Conrad?" I mutter to myself, feigning indignation. "Is this what our noble quest has come to? A shameless plea for praise and adoration in the form of a digital pat on the back?" I can't help but chuckle at the audacity of such a request. Yet, as much as I loathe admitting it, there is a part of me that feels compelled to oblige. After all, if this Conrad fellow has managed to entertain and amuse me with his tales of daring-do, perhaps he does deserve some recognition for his efforts.
I continue reading, only to find myself confronted with the second request: a recommendation to peruse "Forgiving Judas" by Spencer Conrad, Michael's husband. I can't help but roll my eyes at this shameless bit of nepotism. However, as I ponder the matter further, I realize that I have little else to occupy my time. The allure of a new adventure, no matter how dubiously procured, is too enticing to resist.
As I mull over these two requests, I find myself at a crossroads. Should I indulge in the self-serving request for praise and accolades? Or should I take a chance on this "Forgiving Judas" fellow and see if his literary prowess can match that of his husband's?
I suppose there is only one way to find out. With a heavy sigh, I make my decision: