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Recommend this book:
I Kept a Piece of You
Joanna Wolford
2023 Finalist
270 Pages
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Fiction - Horror
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
I Kept a Piece of You is a work of fiction in the horror and suspense subgenres. It is aimed at the young adult and adult reading audiences and was penned by author Joanna Wolford. The work is best suited for the mature end of the reading spectrum owing to some sexual content and scenes of graphic violence. Our story follows Alex, who loses his mother at a young age and is haunted by visions of her everywhere. Years later, when two women go missing in the town where Alex now lives, he attracts the attention of local detective Howard Tamblin, and a whole new mystery unfolds.
Fans of modern horror will adore the instability of this novel, where you never know whose side you’re supposed to be on, and the next shocking revelation could come from any direction. Such is the narrative skill of author Joanna Wolford that you never feel like anything in the plot is random despite the level of surprise and intrigue, for the author has you in safe hands even if the horror elements make your spine tingle. I also found the general atmosphere of the novel to be engrossing, with the small-town dialogue of whispers and rumors, and cinematic touches that really fill in the surroundings and the scenery where the scariest moments occur. For a tale filled with tension, suspense, and plenty of thrilling horror moments, readers need to look no further than I Kept a Piece of You. Quality storytelling at its best.
I Kept a Piece of You is a work of fiction in the horror and suspense subgenres. It is aimed at the young adult and adult reading audiences and was penned by author Joanna Wolford. The work is best suited for the mature end of the reading spectrum owing to some sexual content and scenes of graphic violence. Our story follows Alex, who loses his mother at a young age and is haunted by visions of her everywhere. Years later, when two women go missing in the town where Alex now lives, he attracts the attention of local detective Howard Tamblin, and a whole new mystery unfolds.
Fans of modern horror will adore the instability of this novel, where you never know whose side you’re supposed to be on, and the next shocking revelation could come from any direction. Such is the narrative skill of author Joanna Wolford that you never feel like anything in the plot is random despite the level of surprise and intrigue, for the author has you in safe hands even if the horror elements make your spine tingle. I also found the general atmosphere of the novel to be engrossing, with the small-town dialogue of whispers and rumors, and cinematic touches that really fill in the surroundings and the scenery where the scariest moments occur. For a tale filled with tension, suspense, and plenty of thrilling horror moments, readers need to look no further than I Kept a Piece of You. Quality storytelling at its best.
Recommend this book:
Crimson King: The Seven Hungers Book 1
An Urban Fantasy Novel
Morgan Quaid
2023 Honorable Mention
359 Pages
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Fiction - Horror
Reviewed by JC Minnaar for Readers' Favorite
In The Seven Hungers, the first book of Rise of the Crimson King, by Morgan Quaid, the world is on the brink of pandemonium. An emergence has appeared in Brisbane, Australia. The emergence draws in and consumes all living matter, including humans and animals. It is up to Ambrose Drake, a Crown-certified sorcerer, to investigate this matter. The investigation is of such importance that the Crown has lifted the shackles binding Ambrose’s etheric power as well as the powerful Sovereign residing within. The threat escalates further when Ambrose discovers the emergence is a marker – the war banner of a demonic Sovereign and gateway to our world. Ambrose must traverse the Seven Hungers once again to find a way to stop the Crimson King from invading our Hallowed World.
Morgan Quaid’s The Seven Hungers was a story I found equally amusing and intriguing. Ambrose, Rook, Janus, and Winter are all written fantastically with relationships ranging from close friends, former lovers grown cold, to the animosity of working with a glorified snitch within your team - all of which are conveyed perfectly by Morgan Quaid. I especially enjoyed the constant world-building that took place as I learned of the realms of the Seven Hungers, Ambrose’s history with the Crown, and the paranormal abilities on display. I had more than a few good laughs when Ambrose had his bones broken and his body ripped apart but brushes it off as an ordinary day at the office. The Seven Hungers is a wonderful read reminiscent of movies such as Men In Black and R.I.P.D.
In The Seven Hungers, the first book of Rise of the Crimson King, by Morgan Quaid, the world is on the brink of pandemonium. An emergence has appeared in Brisbane, Australia. The emergence draws in and consumes all living matter, including humans and animals. It is up to Ambrose Drake, a Crown-certified sorcerer, to investigate this matter. The investigation is of such importance that the Crown has lifted the shackles binding Ambrose’s etheric power as well as the powerful Sovereign residing within. The threat escalates further when Ambrose discovers the emergence is a marker – the war banner of a demonic Sovereign and gateway to our world. Ambrose must traverse the Seven Hungers once again to find a way to stop the Crimson King from invading our Hallowed World.
Morgan Quaid’s The Seven Hungers was a story I found equally amusing and intriguing. Ambrose, Rook, Janus, and Winter are all written fantastically with relationships ranging from close friends, former lovers grown cold, to the animosity of working with a glorified snitch within your team - all of which are conveyed perfectly by Morgan Quaid. I especially enjoyed the constant world-building that took place as I learned of the realms of the Seven Hungers, Ambrose’s history with the Crown, and the paranormal abilities on display. I had more than a few good laughs when Ambrose had his bones broken and his body ripped apart but brushes it off as an ordinary day at the office. The Seven Hungers is a wonderful read reminiscent of movies such as Men In Black and R.I.P.D.
Recommend this book:
Totem of Terror
An Eidola Project Novel
Robert Herold
2023 Bronze Medal
272 Pages
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Fiction - Horror
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Totem of Terror is yet another supernatural horror thriller from the Eidola Project Novel series by Robert Herold. It's the year 1885. When a wicked entity terrorizes the village of a Quilieute community on the shores of the Washington Coast, the Eidola paranormal investigative group is called upon to solve the mystery and stop the brutal killings. However, the group members have their own issues to confront. Dr. Edgar Gilpin has recently lost his new wife to a freak accident, while Nigel Pickford deals with a werewolf curse. After arriving at the Quilieute village of La Push, the Eidola members realize that they are dealing with a shape-shifting fiend hell-bent on killing off the villagers individually. With the help of Shaman Sam and one of their own, the group must now confront the evil once and for all.
Totem of Terror is the second book I've read from Robert Herold, and one of my key takeaways is that the author excels in creating gripping moments of tension and intrigue that are indispensable in the horror genre. Herold also has a knack for crafting multi-layered characters with complex personalities and inner conflicts that make them riveting to follow. I also enjoyed the interpersonal dynamics between the Eidola group members. The plot is nicely paced, with a couple of well-placed twists and turns that will take you by surprise. Nigel's storyline was probably my favorite among the Eidola members. I also liked the burgeoning friendship between Nigel and Edgar. All in all, it is a fantastic book for sleuth mystery thriller and paranormal horror aficionados.
Totem of Terror is yet another supernatural horror thriller from the Eidola Project Novel series by Robert Herold. It's the year 1885. When a wicked entity terrorizes the village of a Quilieute community on the shores of the Washington Coast, the Eidola paranormal investigative group is called upon to solve the mystery and stop the brutal killings. However, the group members have their own issues to confront. Dr. Edgar Gilpin has recently lost his new wife to a freak accident, while Nigel Pickford deals with a werewolf curse. After arriving at the Quilieute village of La Push, the Eidola members realize that they are dealing with a shape-shifting fiend hell-bent on killing off the villagers individually. With the help of Shaman Sam and one of their own, the group must now confront the evil once and for all.
Totem of Terror is the second book I've read from Robert Herold, and one of my key takeaways is that the author excels in creating gripping moments of tension and intrigue that are indispensable in the horror genre. Herold also has a knack for crafting multi-layered characters with complex personalities and inner conflicts that make them riveting to follow. I also enjoyed the interpersonal dynamics between the Eidola group members. The plot is nicely paced, with a couple of well-placed twists and turns that will take you by surprise. Nigel's storyline was probably my favorite among the Eidola members. I also liked the burgeoning friendship between Nigel and Edgar. All in all, it is a fantastic book for sleuth mystery thriller and paranormal horror aficionados.
Recommend this book:
All Hope of Becoming Human
Lonnie Busch
2023 Bronze Medal
394 Pages
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Fiction - Horror
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
All Hope of Becoming Human by Lonnie Busch is a science fiction thriller that revolves around multiple characters who encounter dangerous unearthly occurrences following an earthquake. On a site exploration. archaeologist Rebecca Duccati uncovers a mysterious metallic object that attracts the attention of Homeland Security. In different vignettes around the world, seemingly unconnected incidents of violent murders by unknown creatures are occurring, one of which protagonist Special Agent Zach Demzey sees himself while investigating a case. When Duccati's and Demzey's paths cross, a larger narrative begins to reveal the nature of these mysterious creatures, the implications of genetic mutations, and the potential for a new civilization to emerge from the failures of the current world...due to and at the expense of humanity.
All Hope of Becoming Human is a supremely fast-moving and wholly engrossing novel that provides a mix of authentic, real-world issues and an unfolding science fiction mystery. I loved the point of view hops. The way Lonnie Busch so brilliantly weaves together disparate events that ultimately converge into a single storyline is reminiscent of the very intentional use of iterations as a formatting style in Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park, even as Busch skillfully follows characters up until the very moment of their death. The result is an exceptionally well-plotted book that, frankly, moves forward so seamlessly that I found it difficult to hit pause. The disorientation of Duccati and her almost unnatural obsession with the metallic object kind of made her feel like a red herring. She isn't, but she's good enough so that she could be. Demzey is the agent we all want on every case, ever, but he is fully fleshed and lifelike. The last third of the book is a giant 'whoosh' of excitement, although that could have just been my own panting. Overall, this is a gem of a novel and I would give it a whole bucket full of stars if I could.
All Hope of Becoming Human by Lonnie Busch is a science fiction thriller that revolves around multiple characters who encounter dangerous unearthly occurrences following an earthquake. On a site exploration. archaeologist Rebecca Duccati uncovers a mysterious metallic object that attracts the attention of Homeland Security. In different vignettes around the world, seemingly unconnected incidents of violent murders by unknown creatures are occurring, one of which protagonist Special Agent Zach Demzey sees himself while investigating a case. When Duccati's and Demzey's paths cross, a larger narrative begins to reveal the nature of these mysterious creatures, the implications of genetic mutations, and the potential for a new civilization to emerge from the failures of the current world...due to and at the expense of humanity.
All Hope of Becoming Human is a supremely fast-moving and wholly engrossing novel that provides a mix of authentic, real-world issues and an unfolding science fiction mystery. I loved the point of view hops. The way Lonnie Busch so brilliantly weaves together disparate events that ultimately converge into a single storyline is reminiscent of the very intentional use of iterations as a formatting style in Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park, even as Busch skillfully follows characters up until the very moment of their death. The result is an exceptionally well-plotted book that, frankly, moves forward so seamlessly that I found it difficult to hit pause. The disorientation of Duccati and her almost unnatural obsession with the metallic object kind of made her feel like a red herring. She isn't, but she's good enough so that she could be. Demzey is the agent we all want on every case, ever, but he is fully fleshed and lifelike. The last third of the book is a giant 'whoosh' of excitement, although that could have just been my own panting. Overall, this is a gem of a novel and I would give it a whole bucket full of stars if I could.
Recommend this book:
River of Wrath
St. Benedict Book 2
Alexandrea Weis, Lucas Astor
2023 Silver Medal
272 Pages
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Fiction - Horror
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
River of Wrath is a work of fiction in the murder mystery and suspense subgenres and it forms the second novel of the St. Benedict series. It is best suited to the mature teen and adult reading audiences and is penned by Alexandrea Weis and Lucas Astor. Following the chilling events of River of Ashes, readers are back with Leslie Moore and her boyfriend Derek, but life is far from simple as Leslie tries to finish high school. The discovery of a body at the riverside creates panic, and when a newcomer arrives in town, another girl goes missing. Is this coincidence? Leslie intends to find out.
Alexandrea Weis and Lucas Astor have delivered a superb follow-up that does the impossible; it is more chilling and thrilling than the first in this eerie, highly engaging series. Although the plot contains many standard and procedural elements, the twists and turns surrounding the discovery of clues and their revelations are handled deftly and feel genuine; there are no hints about the next lead. When you combine this with the detailed description of the macabre Bogue Falaya River, the gothic elements get a chance to shine, creating an atmosphere to chill readers to the bone. I admired the emotional journey charted for Leslie, which felt natural and was narrated precisely with emotion. I would not hesitate to recommend River of Wrath to fans of the series and mystery fans everywhere.
River of Wrath is a work of fiction in the murder mystery and suspense subgenres and it forms the second novel of the St. Benedict series. It is best suited to the mature teen and adult reading audiences and is penned by Alexandrea Weis and Lucas Astor. Following the chilling events of River of Ashes, readers are back with Leslie Moore and her boyfriend Derek, but life is far from simple as Leslie tries to finish high school. The discovery of a body at the riverside creates panic, and when a newcomer arrives in town, another girl goes missing. Is this coincidence? Leslie intends to find out.
Alexandrea Weis and Lucas Astor have delivered a superb follow-up that does the impossible; it is more chilling and thrilling than the first in this eerie, highly engaging series. Although the plot contains many standard and procedural elements, the twists and turns surrounding the discovery of clues and their revelations are handled deftly and feel genuine; there are no hints about the next lead. When you combine this with the detailed description of the macabre Bogue Falaya River, the gothic elements get a chance to shine, creating an atmosphere to chill readers to the bone. I admired the emotional journey charted for Leslie, which felt natural and was narrated precisely with emotion. I would not hesitate to recommend River of Wrath to fans of the series and mystery fans everywhere.
Recommend this book:
Darkness Below
Barbara Cottrell
2023 Silver Medal
330 Pages
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Fiction - Horror
Reviewed by Melanie Kennedy for Readers' Favorite
Darkness Below by Barbara Cottrell is one of the best paranormal horror stories I’ve read in a while. Ellen Logan is a psychic. And where’s the best place for a psychic to gain higher learning but Miskatonic University? With its history of being built on the remnants of an insane asylum, it only makes sense that the university is dedicated to investigating the supernatural. A desperate plea from one of her fellow students forces Ellen into the most dangerous investigation of her life. Someone is trying to summon a monstrous entity to harness its power and will stop at nothing to get their way. With the help of her mysterious professor, uncle, and fellow psychics, Ellen must step up to the plate to save not only herself but potentially the whole world from the evil lurking below.
I absolutely loved Darkness Below. No words could do it justice, but I’ll try my best. It is so incredibly well-written and captivating. Barbara Cottrell has created a magnificent world steeped in art, emotions, and the supernatural. I loved her references to real art pieces and artists as I found myself Googling them and marveling at how beautiful their horror and absurdity could be – much like the Shadows of Miskatonic universe. I was so happy to read that Barbara will be continuing the series, as I need to read more about Ellen and her will-they-won’t-they relationship with a certain gentleman. I would highly recommend Darkness Below to anyone that wants to read a well-written, enticing story with fleshed-out characters and loads of suspense.
Darkness Below by Barbara Cottrell is one of the best paranormal horror stories I’ve read in a while. Ellen Logan is a psychic. And where’s the best place for a psychic to gain higher learning but Miskatonic University? With its history of being built on the remnants of an insane asylum, it only makes sense that the university is dedicated to investigating the supernatural. A desperate plea from one of her fellow students forces Ellen into the most dangerous investigation of her life. Someone is trying to summon a monstrous entity to harness its power and will stop at nothing to get their way. With the help of her mysterious professor, uncle, and fellow psychics, Ellen must step up to the plate to save not only herself but potentially the whole world from the evil lurking below.
I absolutely loved Darkness Below. No words could do it justice, but I’ll try my best. It is so incredibly well-written and captivating. Barbara Cottrell has created a magnificent world steeped in art, emotions, and the supernatural. I loved her references to real art pieces and artists as I found myself Googling them and marveling at how beautiful their horror and absurdity could be – much like the Shadows of Miskatonic universe. I was so happy to read that Barbara will be continuing the series, as I need to read more about Ellen and her will-they-won’t-they relationship with a certain gentleman. I would highly recommend Darkness Below to anyone that wants to read a well-written, enticing story with fleshed-out characters and loads of suspense.
Recommend this book:
Digger
Arjay Lewis
2023 Gold Medal
412 Pages
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Fiction - Horror
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Digger is a work of fiction penned by author Arjay Lewis in the horror, thriller, and mystery subgenres. It is best suited to the mature adult reading audience for its dark storytelling and monstrous themes. In this spine-tingling work, we find ourselves following African American journalist Joshua Bennet as he quits everything he’s ever known to set off on a quest into his late father’s death and tales of the undead he used to talk about. A search for a legendary gravedigger takes our investigative hero into a dangerous battle where monsters of unimaginable terror await him and all those unlucky enough to be caught up in the quest.
Author Arjay Lewis blends supernatural horror with psychological thriller elements incredibly well to deliver a double dose of atmosphere and suspense from cover to cover. I was enraptured from the earliest moments of the work by the nightmarish promises of the legends and tall tales, and the ensuing journey of mystery and discovery delivers on every chilling promise. As one should expect from a horror novel, the descriptive talent of the author is vivid and visceral, giving readers a multi-sensory experience to really put us in Joshua’s shoes as he experiences sudden twists and horrible turns whilst the ultimate fight for survival storms into being all around him. I really enjoyed the quiet moments, too, and the skillful ways in which dialogue and narrative keep you involved and looking over your shoulder for the next attack. Overall, if you’re looking for a novel to keep you awake at night for a week after reading it, I can highly recommend the dark delights of Digger as your next read.
Digger is a work of fiction penned by author Arjay Lewis in the horror, thriller, and mystery subgenres. It is best suited to the mature adult reading audience for its dark storytelling and monstrous themes. In this spine-tingling work, we find ourselves following African American journalist Joshua Bennet as he quits everything he’s ever known to set off on a quest into his late father’s death and tales of the undead he used to talk about. A search for a legendary gravedigger takes our investigative hero into a dangerous battle where monsters of unimaginable terror await him and all those unlucky enough to be caught up in the quest.
Author Arjay Lewis blends supernatural horror with psychological thriller elements incredibly well to deliver a double dose of atmosphere and suspense from cover to cover. I was enraptured from the earliest moments of the work by the nightmarish promises of the legends and tall tales, and the ensuing journey of mystery and discovery delivers on every chilling promise. As one should expect from a horror novel, the descriptive talent of the author is vivid and visceral, giving readers a multi-sensory experience to really put us in Joshua’s shoes as he experiences sudden twists and horrible turns whilst the ultimate fight for survival storms into being all around him. I really enjoyed the quiet moments, too, and the skillful ways in which dialogue and narrative keep you involved and looking over your shoulder for the next attack. Overall, if you’re looking for a novel to keep you awake at night for a week after reading it, I can highly recommend the dark delights of Digger as your next read.
Recommend this book:
Restoration
Sharon Mikeworth
2022 Finalist
269 Pages
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Fiction - Horror
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Restoration by Sharon Mikeworth is a thriller/horror novel that will have you holding your breath until the end. Cliff Phillip’s world was shaken to its core when his wife Tricia left him for another man. Devastated by the end of his marriage and the loss of his job, Cliff packed his bags, booked a cabin in the Blue Ridge mountains, and took that as an opportunity to rethink and restart his life. At first, everything was perfect, until it wasn’t. It didn’t take too long for Cliff to witness something strange in the lake. As if the strange movement and lights in the lake weren’t enough, people started to disappear. Before he knew it, Cliff was stuck in a horrible circle of suspicion, tragic accidents, and intense drama that he could not shake off. Everything led back to the lake and the mystery it held in its depth. It would take everything Cliff had to solve the mystery and get out of the Blue Ridge mountains alive.
Reading Restoration was a roller coaster ride with unending twists and turns. The story had me hooked from the very beginning, and it has a lot to do with Cliff. Cliff had my sympathies right from the start, and I was interested in how he would reshape his life after Tricia’s betrayal. However, author Sharon Mikeworth added in just the right twists and turns to make the story interesting. The mystery about what lived beneath the lake, why people started to disappear, and why they were targeted had me hooked. The descriptions were goosebump-inducing, the imagery created was perfect, and the dialogues were fantastic. There was never a moment when I felt something was missing. I was looking for answers and hoping that Cliff got those answers before it was too late. Fans of Joe Hill will enjoy this novel. Entertaining and terrifying at the same time!
Restoration by Sharon Mikeworth is a thriller/horror novel that will have you holding your breath until the end. Cliff Phillip’s world was shaken to its core when his wife Tricia left him for another man. Devastated by the end of his marriage and the loss of his job, Cliff packed his bags, booked a cabin in the Blue Ridge mountains, and took that as an opportunity to rethink and restart his life. At first, everything was perfect, until it wasn’t. It didn’t take too long for Cliff to witness something strange in the lake. As if the strange movement and lights in the lake weren’t enough, people started to disappear. Before he knew it, Cliff was stuck in a horrible circle of suspicion, tragic accidents, and intense drama that he could not shake off. Everything led back to the lake and the mystery it held in its depth. It would take everything Cliff had to solve the mystery and get out of the Blue Ridge mountains alive.
Reading Restoration was a roller coaster ride with unending twists and turns. The story had me hooked from the very beginning, and it has a lot to do with Cliff. Cliff had my sympathies right from the start, and I was interested in how he would reshape his life after Tricia’s betrayal. However, author Sharon Mikeworth added in just the right twists and turns to make the story interesting. The mystery about what lived beneath the lake, why people started to disappear, and why they were targeted had me hooked. The descriptions were goosebump-inducing, the imagery created was perfect, and the dialogues were fantastic. There was never a moment when I felt something was missing. I was looking for answers and hoping that Cliff got those answers before it was too late. Fans of Joe Hill will enjoy this novel. Entertaining and terrifying at the same time!
Recommend this book:
Bloodline Gypsy
Jook and Gypsies, Vol. 1
Shirley A. Martin
2022 Finalist
436 Pages
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Fiction - Horror
Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite
Bloodline Gypsy by Shirley A. Martin is the first volume in the Jook and Gypsies series, following Susannah after her mother and grandparents die, leaving her in the custody of a father she's never met. She thought this would be a fresh start for her, but when she meets her stepmother, she realizes she has to give up everything she was just to fit in with her new family. Keeping her gift of healing secret, Susannah manages to please her new parents, but when she meets a mysterious neighbor, her life starts looking up. That is until she learns she's part of an ancient and secret group of people, with a dangerous werewolf hunting her. With few options, and feelings she doesn't quite understand, she's forced to trust two strangers who claim to be protecting her.
I don't really read novels that are classified as 'horror,' but the premise was intriguing and I couldn't resist seeing what adventure Bloodline Gypsy would have in store. It was worth it! Bloodline Gypsy is well-written, creative, unique, and frightening. A fast-paced page turner that you can't stop reading until you reach the end. Bloodline Gypsy is grotesque horror at its finest, with a villainous werewolf that is truly disturbing, and it will leave you anxious for Susannah and her friends' safety. Shirley A. Martin craftily weaves rich mythology into a modern setting, immersing you in the story. Susannah is a strong heroine who garners much sympathy when she's forced to leave herself behind because her stepmother is in every way 'wicked.' There's the classic spin of her meeting mysterious strangers and belonging to an ancient mythology, but Martin takes a unique approach to the idea of a werewolf that leaves you guessing, and wanting more.
Bloodline Gypsy by Shirley A. Martin is the first volume in the Jook and Gypsies series, following Susannah after her mother and grandparents die, leaving her in the custody of a father she's never met. She thought this would be a fresh start for her, but when she meets her stepmother, she realizes she has to give up everything she was just to fit in with her new family. Keeping her gift of healing secret, Susannah manages to please her new parents, but when she meets a mysterious neighbor, her life starts looking up. That is until she learns she's part of an ancient and secret group of people, with a dangerous werewolf hunting her. With few options, and feelings she doesn't quite understand, she's forced to trust two strangers who claim to be protecting her.
I don't really read novels that are classified as 'horror,' but the premise was intriguing and I couldn't resist seeing what adventure Bloodline Gypsy would have in store. It was worth it! Bloodline Gypsy is well-written, creative, unique, and frightening. A fast-paced page turner that you can't stop reading until you reach the end. Bloodline Gypsy is grotesque horror at its finest, with a villainous werewolf that is truly disturbing, and it will leave you anxious for Susannah and her friends' safety. Shirley A. Martin craftily weaves rich mythology into a modern setting, immersing you in the story. Susannah is a strong heroine who garners much sympathy when she's forced to leave herself behind because her stepmother is in every way 'wicked.' There's the classic spin of her meeting mysterious strangers and belonging to an ancient mythology, but Martin takes a unique approach to the idea of a werewolf that leaves you guessing, and wanting more.
Recommend this book:
The Tooth Fairy
Davide Tarsitano
2022 Honorable Mention
278 Pages
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Fiction - Horror
Reviewed by Ankita Shukla for Readers' Favorite
If the idea of a tooth fairy warms your heart, then Davide Tarsitano's psychological thriller The Tooth Fairy will replace the feeling with a biting cold sensation that will haunt you for a long time. When Johnny Hawk caught his wife cheating on him, it triggered something inside him: the need to escape from everything. Pushing aside all rational and practical thoughts, he decided to quit his business and move far away. However, his escape led him to Wendy, a stunning dentist, albeit disturbed beyond his wildest imagination. From the first moment he laid eyes on her, he was smitten. As for Wendy, their encounter awakened an evil side of her that only knew cruelty, torture, and all things sadistic.
Even though The Tooth Fairy is Davide Tarsitano's debut novel, the narration shows the panache of a seasoned author. The story goes back and forth between different timelines, past and present, but the plot never gets confusing. Each character, whether a side player or main protagonist, has a unique personality and a backstory to help build a connection with them. An excellent psychological thriller is one in which readers are sitting in anticipation. They want to know more about this complex character whose mind keeps switching gears. The scenes of sexual abuse, though not too graphic, may disturb some readers. By creating an engaging thriller with relatable characters that readers will care about, Tarsitano has given fans of psychological thrillers a compulsive read. I highly recommend this book and challenge readers to dare put it down before finishing it.
If the idea of a tooth fairy warms your heart, then Davide Tarsitano's psychological thriller The Tooth Fairy will replace the feeling with a biting cold sensation that will haunt you for a long time. When Johnny Hawk caught his wife cheating on him, it triggered something inside him: the need to escape from everything. Pushing aside all rational and practical thoughts, he decided to quit his business and move far away. However, his escape led him to Wendy, a stunning dentist, albeit disturbed beyond his wildest imagination. From the first moment he laid eyes on her, he was smitten. As for Wendy, their encounter awakened an evil side of her that only knew cruelty, torture, and all things sadistic.
Even though The Tooth Fairy is Davide Tarsitano's debut novel, the narration shows the panache of a seasoned author. The story goes back and forth between different timelines, past and present, but the plot never gets confusing. Each character, whether a side player or main protagonist, has a unique personality and a backstory to help build a connection with them. An excellent psychological thriller is one in which readers are sitting in anticipation. They want to know more about this complex character whose mind keeps switching gears. The scenes of sexual abuse, though not too graphic, may disturb some readers. By creating an engaging thriller with relatable characters that readers will care about, Tarsitano has given fans of psychological thrillers a compulsive read. I highly recommend this book and challenge readers to dare put it down before finishing it.
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