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Sledge vs. The Labyrinth
Nick Horvath
2024 Finalist
329 Pages
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Fiction - Horror
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Sledge vs. The Labyrinth is a work of fiction in the horror, thriller, and action subgenres. It is best suited to mature adult readers owing to its many scenes of spine-chilling horror and gory action. Penned by author Nick Horvath, readers are introduced to Einarr "Sledge" Laukkanen, a modern-day gladiator on a ruthless mission to save his former lover, Kiira, from a dark web assassin network. The narrative unfolds as Sledge engages in a blood-soaked quest, unveiling the mysterious forces orchestrating the deadly game. The tagline "No one escapes the labyrinth" sets the tone for the relentless action, reminiscent of classic Hollywood noir mixed with pulpy action films of the 1980s.
Author Nick Horvath has crafted a truly relentless and jarring narrative akin to a bone-crunching action flick but with all the smooth nuance and narrative intelligence of a great noir masterpiece. Sledge emerges as the ultimate anti-hero, a throwback to gritty adventures that leave an impact but with a sharp modern attitude that readers will immediately get on board with. The novel delivers on its promise of being a tour de force of escapism, with every page resonating with bone-crushing intensity and the gory scenes offering a visceral, atmospheric reading experience. Horvath's storytelling, with dynamic dialogue reminiscent of classic action genres, offers a refreshing and unapologetic journey into the heart of darkness that you can’t stop reading once the action cranks up. Overall, if you crave action-packed narratives with a relentless protagonist, Sledge vs. The Labyrinth is a must-read for your horror noir pile that you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Sledge vs. The Labyrinth is a work of fiction in the horror, thriller, and action subgenres. It is best suited to mature adult readers owing to its many scenes of spine-chilling horror and gory action. Penned by author Nick Horvath, readers are introduced to Einarr "Sledge" Laukkanen, a modern-day gladiator on a ruthless mission to save his former lover, Kiira, from a dark web assassin network. The narrative unfolds as Sledge engages in a blood-soaked quest, unveiling the mysterious forces orchestrating the deadly game. The tagline "No one escapes the labyrinth" sets the tone for the relentless action, reminiscent of classic Hollywood noir mixed with pulpy action films of the 1980s.
Author Nick Horvath has crafted a truly relentless and jarring narrative akin to a bone-crunching action flick but with all the smooth nuance and narrative intelligence of a great noir masterpiece. Sledge emerges as the ultimate anti-hero, a throwback to gritty adventures that leave an impact but with a sharp modern attitude that readers will immediately get on board with. The novel delivers on its promise of being a tour de force of escapism, with every page resonating with bone-crushing intensity and the gory scenes offering a visceral, atmospheric reading experience. Horvath's storytelling, with dynamic dialogue reminiscent of classic action genres, offers a refreshing and unapologetic journey into the heart of darkness that you can’t stop reading once the action cranks up. Overall, if you crave action-packed narratives with a relentless protagonist, Sledge vs. The Labyrinth is a must-read for your horror noir pile that you’ll want to revisit again and again.
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Find Them
Julia Ash
2024 Honorable Mention
312 Pages
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Fiction - Horror
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
Find Them by Julia Ash is a horror story you won’t forget in a hurry. Lot 16 was never to be sold according to the estate directive, but someone has overturned it. Now Dex and Nora have bought it, with plans to build a home overlooking the wildlife reserve and a lake. But this won't be the escape they want it to be. The land is haunted, with a troubled spirit leaving clues to a 70-year-old mystery. Nora has a choice. Either she must find the clues and solve the mystery, or risk losing everything and everyone she loves. Can she discover the truth, or will she and Dex be forced out of their idyllic home?
Find Them by Julia Ash is supernatural horror at its best. It has an unusual plot packed with plenty of suspense, mystery, supernatural chills, and lots of things that do more than go bump in the night. The account is written in a way that draws you in and is easy to read and follow. It is a dark story in places, and you’ll feel that as you read. The characters are wonderful – you’ll love them or hate them, there won’t be any in-between. The suspense builds gradually, ramping up to breakneck speed as you approach the ending, with lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing. The tale is quite an emotional one, not just a ghost story. You’ll be fully invested in it as Nora tries to solve the riddle involving the land. It may be gloomy in places, but it is also a fun read, and you’ll thoroughly enjoy it. Highly recommended for anyone who loves the supernatural, with plenty of drama and suspense along the way.
Find Them by Julia Ash is a horror story you won’t forget in a hurry. Lot 16 was never to be sold according to the estate directive, but someone has overturned it. Now Dex and Nora have bought it, with plans to build a home overlooking the wildlife reserve and a lake. But this won't be the escape they want it to be. The land is haunted, with a troubled spirit leaving clues to a 70-year-old mystery. Nora has a choice. Either she must find the clues and solve the mystery, or risk losing everything and everyone she loves. Can she discover the truth, or will she and Dex be forced out of their idyllic home?
Find Them by Julia Ash is supernatural horror at its best. It has an unusual plot packed with plenty of suspense, mystery, supernatural chills, and lots of things that do more than go bump in the night. The account is written in a way that draws you in and is easy to read and follow. It is a dark story in places, and you’ll feel that as you read. The characters are wonderful – you’ll love them or hate them, there won’t be any in-between. The suspense builds gradually, ramping up to breakneck speed as you approach the ending, with lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing. The tale is quite an emotional one, not just a ghost story. You’ll be fully invested in it as Nora tries to solve the riddle involving the land. It may be gloomy in places, but it is also a fun read, and you’ll thoroughly enjoy it. Highly recommended for anyone who loves the supernatural, with plenty of drama and suspense along the way.
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Necrosis
C. L. Schneider
2024 Bronze Medal
127 Pages
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Fiction - Horror
Reviewed by Nino Lobiladze for Readers' Favorite
A horrible virus turns people into violent zombie-like creatures, causing necrosis in a matter of hours or days. Amy brings her boyfriend, Rusty, and her nine-year-old daughter, Lila, to her childhood home, hoping her elderly mother is not infected. But she realizes that she made a terrible mistake going there. The undead attack them, Rusty is dying, and Amy vows to save her daughter at any cost. The mother and daughter are on their own while the world collapses around them. Rusty's truck is parked a couple of blocks away. Amy and Lila must reach the truck to escape from the crowds of the undead. On their way to the truck, Amy stops at a destroyed shop to replenish their supplies. She hears the voice of a man trapped under the shelves, begging for help. Should Amy trust him? Necrosis by C. L. Schneider is an enthralling read for horror, dystopia, drama, and thriller fans.
C. L. Schneider's Necrosis is a captivating story of survival and the challenges of motherhood in extreme conditions. This is a page-turner thanks to the intensity of the narrative and the action-packed scenes. The beginning of the story is intriguing. Amy faces a pivotal moment in her mother's house. Our hearts race as she makes nearly impossible decisions to keep Lila safe. The virus spreads fast; Amy must adapt to the changing conditions even faster. Her race against time keeps us engrossed as we follow the events and the development of her character. The flashbacks show us a different Amy: weak and indecisive. The author explores the moral justifications behind decisions in dire or stressful circumstances in crafting this character. The twists and turns leave us numb. This book exceeds the expectations of horror and dystopia fans, and I highly recommend it.
A horrible virus turns people into violent zombie-like creatures, causing necrosis in a matter of hours or days. Amy brings her boyfriend, Rusty, and her nine-year-old daughter, Lila, to her childhood home, hoping her elderly mother is not infected. But she realizes that she made a terrible mistake going there. The undead attack them, Rusty is dying, and Amy vows to save her daughter at any cost. The mother and daughter are on their own while the world collapses around them. Rusty's truck is parked a couple of blocks away. Amy and Lila must reach the truck to escape from the crowds of the undead. On their way to the truck, Amy stops at a destroyed shop to replenish their supplies. She hears the voice of a man trapped under the shelves, begging for help. Should Amy trust him? Necrosis by C. L. Schneider is an enthralling read for horror, dystopia, drama, and thriller fans.
C. L. Schneider's Necrosis is a captivating story of survival and the challenges of motherhood in extreme conditions. This is a page-turner thanks to the intensity of the narrative and the action-packed scenes. The beginning of the story is intriguing. Amy faces a pivotal moment in her mother's house. Our hearts race as she makes nearly impossible decisions to keep Lila safe. The virus spreads fast; Amy must adapt to the changing conditions even faster. Her race against time keeps us engrossed as we follow the events and the development of her character. The flashbacks show us a different Amy: weak and indecisive. The author explores the moral justifications behind decisions in dire or stressful circumstances in crafting this character. The twists and turns leave us numb. This book exceeds the expectations of horror and dystopia fans, and I highly recommend it.
Recommend this book:
The Wolf Esprit
Joseph Stone
2024 Silver Medal
540 Pages
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Fiction - Horror
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Wolf Esprit is a work of fiction penned by author Joseph Stone in the dark fantasy, adventure, and suspense subgenres. It is part of the Lykanos Chronicles collection but can be read as a standalone novel. The work is best suited to mature readers owing to scenes of sexual violence. This darkly enchanting journey through time and identity is set in 18th-century France. At its heart, the story follows Esprit Lenoir, a seventeen-year-old carnival performer hiding a profound secret: his queer desires that defy societal norms. His journey unfolds as he navigates the intricacies of love, magic, and self-discovery, all against the backdrop of a repressive society. The narrative takes an unexpected turn when Esprit crosses paths with the enigmatic Baron and Baroness du Roussade, who help him embrace his dormant werewolf nature. This transformation allows him to break free from the constraints of human fear and embark on a unique journey through history, driven by love and a profound longing for freedom.
Author Joseph Stone masterfully combines elements of history, the supernatural, and the complexities of identity and queer expression to craft a gorgeous tale with darkness at its edge. As Esprit's wolf awakens, readers are drawn into a captivating tale that explores the timeless quest for belonging and the transformative power of love. One of the features I especially enjoyed was how relatable the LGBTQIA+ experience still is to modern audiences and how well it draws a parallel with the supernatural elements of the tale. Overall, The Wolf Esprit is a testament to the enduring appeal of stories that transcend time and place to delve into the depths of human experience and emotion, and I would not hesitate to recommend it to readers.
The Wolf Esprit is a work of fiction penned by author Joseph Stone in the dark fantasy, adventure, and suspense subgenres. It is part of the Lykanos Chronicles collection but can be read as a standalone novel. The work is best suited to mature readers owing to scenes of sexual violence. This darkly enchanting journey through time and identity is set in 18th-century France. At its heart, the story follows Esprit Lenoir, a seventeen-year-old carnival performer hiding a profound secret: his queer desires that defy societal norms. His journey unfolds as he navigates the intricacies of love, magic, and self-discovery, all against the backdrop of a repressive society. The narrative takes an unexpected turn when Esprit crosses paths with the enigmatic Baron and Baroness du Roussade, who help him embrace his dormant werewolf nature. This transformation allows him to break free from the constraints of human fear and embark on a unique journey through history, driven by love and a profound longing for freedom.
Author Joseph Stone masterfully combines elements of history, the supernatural, and the complexities of identity and queer expression to craft a gorgeous tale with darkness at its edge. As Esprit's wolf awakens, readers are drawn into a captivating tale that explores the timeless quest for belonging and the transformative power of love. One of the features I especially enjoyed was how relatable the LGBTQIA+ experience still is to modern audiences and how well it draws a parallel with the supernatural elements of the tale. Overall, The Wolf Esprit is a testament to the enduring appeal of stories that transcend time and place to delve into the depths of human experience and emotion, and I would not hesitate to recommend it to readers.
Recommend this book:
Formosan Vampire
From the Chronicles of Seth Ardelean the Cro-Magnon Vampire
Amadeus Rockefeller
2024 Gold Medal
548 Pages
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Fiction - Horror
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Formosan Vampire: From the Chronicles of Seth Ardelean the Cro-Magnon Vampire is a work of fiction in the historical, fantasy, horror, and thriller subgenres. It is best suited to mature adult readers owing to graphic content concerning violence, cannibalism, and fantasy horror. Penned by author Amadeus Rockefeller, this darkly fascinating work immerses readers in a unique blend of horror, history, and the supernatural. Set on Taiwan's death row, the novel introduces a foreign prisoner believed to be the leader of a vampire legion. The mystery deepens when the creature willingly faces execution. Eunice Wang, a young paralegal, unravels the enigma as the prisoner recounts a historical epic of his life as the Formosan vampire king.
Author Amadeus Rockefeller has crafted a smoothly-penned mix of horror and historical intrigue, creating a fascinating journey into a richly woven narrative. The storytelling prowess is evident in every moment of the confident narration, which seeks to delve deep into the human psyche as the protagonist recounts his immortal existence and the civilization he ruled. The historical backdrop, intertwined with vampiric lore, is really well-constructed with great detail, offering an eerily convincing look at history from an otherworldly perspective that fits in seamlessly. The vivid descriptions and well-developed characters populate the novel with interesting figures and strong presences, and I was impressed with the unique turns of phrase and dialogue of different people that we encounter. Rockefeller delivers a captivating story that transcends genres, making this novel a standout in the realm of vampire fiction. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend Formosan Vampire as one of the best historical horror fantasies I’ve read this year.
Formosan Vampire: From the Chronicles of Seth Ardelean the Cro-Magnon Vampire is a work of fiction in the historical, fantasy, horror, and thriller subgenres. It is best suited to mature adult readers owing to graphic content concerning violence, cannibalism, and fantasy horror. Penned by author Amadeus Rockefeller, this darkly fascinating work immerses readers in a unique blend of horror, history, and the supernatural. Set on Taiwan's death row, the novel introduces a foreign prisoner believed to be the leader of a vampire legion. The mystery deepens when the creature willingly faces execution. Eunice Wang, a young paralegal, unravels the enigma as the prisoner recounts a historical epic of his life as the Formosan vampire king.
Author Amadeus Rockefeller has crafted a smoothly-penned mix of horror and historical intrigue, creating a fascinating journey into a richly woven narrative. The storytelling prowess is evident in every moment of the confident narration, which seeks to delve deep into the human psyche as the protagonist recounts his immortal existence and the civilization he ruled. The historical backdrop, intertwined with vampiric lore, is really well-constructed with great detail, offering an eerily convincing look at history from an otherworldly perspective that fits in seamlessly. The vivid descriptions and well-developed characters populate the novel with interesting figures and strong presences, and I was impressed with the unique turns of phrase and dialogue of different people that we encounter. Rockefeller delivers a captivating story that transcends genres, making this novel a standout in the realm of vampire fiction. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend Formosan Vampire as one of the best historical horror fantasies I’ve read this year.
Recommend this book:
I Kept a Piece of You
Joanna Wolford
2023 Finalist
268 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
378 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
278 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.
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