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Recommend this book:
Rise
C. L. Schneider
2026 Finalist
470 Pages
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Fiction - Supernatural
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
In C. L. Schneider’s Rise, Esilda lives in seventeenth-century Encastle, where suspicion of witchcraft turns deadly after her secret relationship with Marion, a woman born with magical power, is exposed. After suffering a terrible loss, Marion devotes her life to regaining what was taken from her, eventually turning to a dark spell that changes far more than one life. Centuries later, her descendant, Charlotte, endures her own tragedy and accidentally releases the vengeful force Marion created, giving it a new path to the modern world. As women begin summoning this powerful creature to punish those who have wronged them, Charlotte realizes her family's past has become a danger she may be responsible for ending, while the consequences of Marion's original spell continues reaching into another generation far beyond her control.
C. L. Schneider’s Rise takes its title from Esilda’s supernatural return, yet the idea reaches further through the women who inherit what follows, so every supernatural act has a signature. Rose proves the point through intelligence rooted in years of studying family journals, which gives her decision to summon ancestor Astrid for answers a foundation. Schneider extends that approach to Marion, whose ingenuity appears when she splits a lantern flame into false trails before borrowing a hawk’s sight to watch distant roads. With Esilda, Schneider turns to menace, shown when she appears behind Jimmy Powell before turning pavement molten beneath him. That imagination includes physical descriptions, like a cathedral where stained glass rises above underground passages leading toward relics, and forest wardings that redirect intruders before enchanted rope tightens under instruction. Readers drawn to multigenerational paranormal fiction centered on witchcraft should seek out Rise. Very highly recommended.
In C. L. Schneider’s Rise, Esilda lives in seventeenth-century Encastle, where suspicion of witchcraft turns deadly after her secret relationship with Marion, a woman born with magical power, is exposed. After suffering a terrible loss, Marion devotes her life to regaining what was taken from her, eventually turning to a dark spell that changes far more than one life. Centuries later, her descendant, Charlotte, endures her own tragedy and accidentally releases the vengeful force Marion created, giving it a new path to the modern world. As women begin summoning this powerful creature to punish those who have wronged them, Charlotte realizes her family's past has become a danger she may be responsible for ending, while the consequences of Marion's original spell continues reaching into another generation far beyond her control.
C. L. Schneider’s Rise takes its title from Esilda’s supernatural return, yet the idea reaches further through the women who inherit what follows, so every supernatural act has a signature. Rose proves the point through intelligence rooted in years of studying family journals, which gives her decision to summon ancestor Astrid for answers a foundation. Schneider extends that approach to Marion, whose ingenuity appears when she splits a lantern flame into false trails before borrowing a hawk’s sight to watch distant roads. With Esilda, Schneider turns to menace, shown when she appears behind Jimmy Powell before turning pavement molten beneath him. That imagination includes physical descriptions, like a cathedral where stained glass rises above underground passages leading toward relics, and forest wardings that redirect intruders before enchanted rope tightens under instruction. Readers drawn to multigenerational paranormal fiction centered on witchcraft should seek out Rise. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Fallen's First
Sins of the Maker Book 1
Kassidy Coursey
2026 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Supernatural
Reviewed by Keith Mbuya for Readers' Favorite
After creating seven children—Pride, Lust, Greed, Gluttony, Wrath, Envy, and Sloth—Lucifer wanted only one thing from them: that they dedicate their lives to serving and worshipping him. He sends them to the world to fetch human souls, which he devours for more strength and power. However, Pride, “Saer”, the first, and Lust, “Neyu”, fall head over heels for each other, despite such a union being forbidden in hell. When Lucifer learns about them through Envy, “Errshek”, he forces Saer to subject Neyu to a fate so terrible that Saer is torn apart with regret, resentment, and grief. Vengeful, Saer hunts down Errshek, but in the process, realizes everything was to be blamed on Lucifer’s treachery. Saer denounces his allegiance to Lucifer, launching a rebellion. Will he manage to convince his siblings to join him? Find out in Fallen’s First: Sins of the Maker Book 1 by Kassidy Coursey.
This tour de force will seize you by the scruff of your neck, propel you forward, and remain unrelentless until the final word. If you're looking for a grim fantasy flavored with drama, adventure, suspense, horror, and a gripping backstory, Fallen’s First by Kassidy Coursey is a must-read. Using cinematic depictions and an intimate, visceral prose, Coursey draws readers into the darkly intricate world of the cast marked by sin, duty, manipulation, tragic love, and rebellion. The story unfolds at a dynamic pace, balancing moments of reflection and tension with bursts of action. This provided just enough room to experience the characters’ emotions and connect with them, and still relish the succinct storyline. At first, I loathed Saer, a deceptive agent of darkness, yet as I watched his growth, shifting from cold and calculating to empathetic and even caring, I grew to like him. This page turner is an incredible debut in the Sins of the Maker series. I loved it. I can’t wait to read the next installment.
After creating seven children—Pride, Lust, Greed, Gluttony, Wrath, Envy, and Sloth—Lucifer wanted only one thing from them: that they dedicate their lives to serving and worshipping him. He sends them to the world to fetch human souls, which he devours for more strength and power. However, Pride, “Saer”, the first, and Lust, “Neyu”, fall head over heels for each other, despite such a union being forbidden in hell. When Lucifer learns about them through Envy, “Errshek”, he forces Saer to subject Neyu to a fate so terrible that Saer is torn apart with regret, resentment, and grief. Vengeful, Saer hunts down Errshek, but in the process, realizes everything was to be blamed on Lucifer’s treachery. Saer denounces his allegiance to Lucifer, launching a rebellion. Will he manage to convince his siblings to join him? Find out in Fallen’s First: Sins of the Maker Book 1 by Kassidy Coursey.
This tour de force will seize you by the scruff of your neck, propel you forward, and remain unrelentless until the final word. If you're looking for a grim fantasy flavored with drama, adventure, suspense, horror, and a gripping backstory, Fallen’s First by Kassidy Coursey is a must-read. Using cinematic depictions and an intimate, visceral prose, Coursey draws readers into the darkly intricate world of the cast marked by sin, duty, manipulation, tragic love, and rebellion. The story unfolds at a dynamic pace, balancing moments of reflection and tension with bursts of action. This provided just enough room to experience the characters’ emotions and connect with them, and still relish the succinct storyline. At first, I loathed Saer, a deceptive agent of darkness, yet as I watched his growth, shifting from cold and calculating to empathetic and even caring, I grew to like him. This page turner is an incredible debut in the Sins of the Maker series. I loved it. I can’t wait to read the next installment.
Recommend this book:
Holiday Spirit Book 3
Monsters Arise!
John DeGuire
2026 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Supernatural
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Monsters Arise! by John DeGuire begins after a near-fatal attack in London, with Vlad Dracula III awakening with a transplanted human heart and discovering that his survival is part of a wider operation run by Dr. Moreau. Escaping confinement, Dracula follows a trail of stolen research, altered creatures, and vanished allies that leads him across the Arctic in search of Saul Frankenstein. At the same time, Dracula’s wife Aoife goes on the run with their children, drawing the attention of Sherlock Holmes, who claims to be dismantling the same network. As routes cross through Europe, Africa, and rural Vermont, each group uncovers evidence of coordinated experimentation, abduction, and concealed authority. The pursuit brings Dracula, Frankenstein, Aoife, and Holmes toward a single facility where identities, loyalties, and motives collide.
I'm so very grateful that my Scandinavian cruise on the Queen Mary 2 took place before I read Monsters Arise! by John DeGuire, and as a result, I had a little extra chuckle! Monsters Arise! is the third book in the Holiday Spirit series, but it reads perfectly well as a standalone. That said, I think missing the first two is a real shame. DeGuire serves up an audacious holiday adventure that treats myths, legends, and literary icons as guests at a very strange seasonal gathering. There are plenty of familiar figures, with others who are less so, and DeGuire does a fantastic job of fleshing them all out... Bad pun regretfully intended. DeGuire juggles darkness and levity with a sure hand, and while I don't see this becoming a Hallmark movie anytime soon, I can absolutely see a legion of fans of the Nightmare Before Christmas variety rising up. Very highly recommended.
Monsters Arise! by John DeGuire begins after a near-fatal attack in London, with Vlad Dracula III awakening with a transplanted human heart and discovering that his survival is part of a wider operation run by Dr. Moreau. Escaping confinement, Dracula follows a trail of stolen research, altered creatures, and vanished allies that leads him across the Arctic in search of Saul Frankenstein. At the same time, Dracula’s wife Aoife goes on the run with their children, drawing the attention of Sherlock Holmes, who claims to be dismantling the same network. As routes cross through Europe, Africa, and rural Vermont, each group uncovers evidence of coordinated experimentation, abduction, and concealed authority. The pursuit brings Dracula, Frankenstein, Aoife, and Holmes toward a single facility where identities, loyalties, and motives collide.
I'm so very grateful that my Scandinavian cruise on the Queen Mary 2 took place before I read Monsters Arise! by John DeGuire, and as a result, I had a little extra chuckle! Monsters Arise! is the third book in the Holiday Spirit series, but it reads perfectly well as a standalone. That said, I think missing the first two is a real shame. DeGuire serves up an audacious holiday adventure that treats myths, legends, and literary icons as guests at a very strange seasonal gathering. There are plenty of familiar figures, with others who are less so, and DeGuire does a fantastic job of fleshing them all out... Bad pun regretfully intended. DeGuire juggles darkness and levity with a sure hand, and while I don't see this becoming a Hallmark movie anytime soon, I can absolutely see a legion of fans of the Nightmare Before Christmas variety rising up. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Great Dick
And the Dysfunctional Demon
Barry Maher
2026 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Supernatural
Reviewed by Demetria Head for Readers' Favorite
The Great Dick And the Dysfunctional Demon by Barry Maher follows a man who has been living under the alias Steve Witowski for the past several years. He is on the run after a drug bust. But his situation changes when he runs into Victoria Fairchild. She is the mysterious and enigmatic widow of RAM creator Dr. Raymond Fairchild. She is living in a converted church tied to the rumored fortune and mystery of a pimp named Zandie. He was considered a manipulative figure who used it for corruption disguised as religion before being lynched. As Steve settles in, he and Victoria entertain the rumors of Zandie’s buried fortune and a mysterious grimoire. Other unsettling events unfold, including an attacker who should be dead, who reappears. Strange ritual objects appear in the house, and unexplained physical sensations connect Steve to the occurrences. Steve finds himself pulled deeper into a mystery and his growing dependence on Victoria.
The way Barry Maher wrote The Great Dick And the Dysfunctional Demon was incredible. I loved the slow-building psychological tension. I could feel that something was off as I continued reading. The writing style was direct and conversational. Character development was one of the strongest aspects. Steve’s character was just as harsh as he described himself. But it was interesting to see him treat Victoria with almost reverence. Victoria’s character was difficult to read but suspicious. She was described as beautiful. Men loved her while women hated her. The author did a great job of adding humor and chemistry to balance out the mystery and tension. It reminded me of The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins. It had a great mix of occult mystery, psychological descent, and dark humor.
The Great Dick And the Dysfunctional Demon by Barry Maher follows a man who has been living under the alias Steve Witowski for the past several years. He is on the run after a drug bust. But his situation changes when he runs into Victoria Fairchild. She is the mysterious and enigmatic widow of RAM creator Dr. Raymond Fairchild. She is living in a converted church tied to the rumored fortune and mystery of a pimp named Zandie. He was considered a manipulative figure who used it for corruption disguised as religion before being lynched. As Steve settles in, he and Victoria entertain the rumors of Zandie’s buried fortune and a mysterious grimoire. Other unsettling events unfold, including an attacker who should be dead, who reappears. Strange ritual objects appear in the house, and unexplained physical sensations connect Steve to the occurrences. Steve finds himself pulled deeper into a mystery and his growing dependence on Victoria.
The way Barry Maher wrote The Great Dick And the Dysfunctional Demon was incredible. I loved the slow-building psychological tension. I could feel that something was off as I continued reading. The writing style was direct and conversational. Character development was one of the strongest aspects. Steve’s character was just as harsh as he described himself. But it was interesting to see him treat Victoria with almost reverence. Victoria’s character was difficult to read but suspicious. She was described as beautiful. Men loved her while women hated her. The author did a great job of adding humor and chemistry to balance out the mystery and tension. It reminded me of The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins. It had a great mix of occult mystery, psychological descent, and dark humor.
Recommend this book:
The Lightslayer
Everdusk Book 1
Jack Townson
2025 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Supernatural
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Lightslayer by Jack Townson launches the Everdusk series with a bold plunge into the shadowy, blood-soaked world of Draconia. At the heart of this epic fantasy stands Jack Townson, a Vampire Lord burdened with power, haunted by legacy, and forced to confront a supernatural conspiracy that could plunge the realm into war. Together with his renegade crew, the Degenerates, Jack navigates a labyrinth of dark magic, political treachery, and seductive danger in a quest to protect a fragile balance. Featuring brutal battles, intense romance, and cunning alliances, the novel delivers a relentless narrative that explores the cost of power and the depth of loyalty. Readers looking for a gritty, gothic, and richly imaginative world will find themselves thoroughly ensnared.
Author Jack Townson has a smooth writing style that lets the atmosphere and energy of the story speak for itself, reinventing the vampire mythos with bold originality and cinematic intensity on every page. I loved the mysterious style that involves the author directly in the story, connecting readers closely to the chain of events in a darkly immersive world that rivals the scope and depth of the best epic fantasies and classic gothic tales of centuries past. Bridging this past and present feeling is no mean feat, and giving the story a suitably modern feel amidst all the classic vampyric touches relies on the character development. Fortunately, this development is plentiful and enjoyable, as the Degenerates are a refreshingly chaotic ensemble, full of grit, humor, and heart, and with some really snappy and memorable dialogue exchanges. The plot twists around them wonderfully and challenges every member of this extensive and epic tale to their limits for plenty of heart-in-your-throat moments. Overall, I’d certainly recommend The Lightslayer for fans of morally complex heroes and high-stakes supernatural drama.
The Lightslayer by Jack Townson launches the Everdusk series with a bold plunge into the shadowy, blood-soaked world of Draconia. At the heart of this epic fantasy stands Jack Townson, a Vampire Lord burdened with power, haunted by legacy, and forced to confront a supernatural conspiracy that could plunge the realm into war. Together with his renegade crew, the Degenerates, Jack navigates a labyrinth of dark magic, political treachery, and seductive danger in a quest to protect a fragile balance. Featuring brutal battles, intense romance, and cunning alliances, the novel delivers a relentless narrative that explores the cost of power and the depth of loyalty. Readers looking for a gritty, gothic, and richly imaginative world will find themselves thoroughly ensnared.
Author Jack Townson has a smooth writing style that lets the atmosphere and energy of the story speak for itself, reinventing the vampire mythos with bold originality and cinematic intensity on every page. I loved the mysterious style that involves the author directly in the story, connecting readers closely to the chain of events in a darkly immersive world that rivals the scope and depth of the best epic fantasies and classic gothic tales of centuries past. Bridging this past and present feeling is no mean feat, and giving the story a suitably modern feel amidst all the classic vampyric touches relies on the character development. Fortunately, this development is plentiful and enjoyable, as the Degenerates are a refreshingly chaotic ensemble, full of grit, humor, and heart, and with some really snappy and memorable dialogue exchanges. The plot twists around them wonderfully and challenges every member of this extensive and epic tale to their limits for plenty of heart-in-your-throat moments. Overall, I’d certainly recommend The Lightslayer for fans of morally complex heroes and high-stakes supernatural drama.
Recommend this book:
The Monarchs
Mark Sabbas
2025 Honorable Mention
406 Pages
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Fiction - Supernatural
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Monarchs by Mark Sabbas is a science fiction novel set in a war-torn world, where a new generation of children possess extraordinary psychic abilities. Samuel, one of these children, struggles to control his powerful telekinesis under the watchful eye of military scientists. His only refuge comes from his philosophical tutor, Walter, and visits with an orphan named Evelyn. As Samuel embarks on a journey that forces him to confront his past and unlock the depths of his psychic powers, he discovers profound spiritual truths and faces formidable enemies. Sabbas skillfully blends science fiction with deep philosophical themes in a novel that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally impactful. The intricate world-building immerses readers in a dystopian future that feels both eerie and plausible, with vivid descriptions that make the setting come alive and dialogue and attitudes in the characters that feel like they'd been realistically affected by the world around them.
I was particularly impressed by Mark Sabbas's ability to create so many dimensions for his characters, especially Samuel, whose internal struggles are as captivating as the external conflicts he faces as he goes through so many changes and challenges. This offers readers a really interesting discussion on human nature that goes beyond typical science fiction tropes. The novel's pacing is also expertly balanced, allowing suspense to build while leaving room for a few key emotional moments. I found myself deeply engrossed in Samuel's journey, not just for the exciting plot developments, but for the thought-provoking questions it raised about our own potential and the responsibilities that come with great power. Overall, I wholeheartedly recommend The Monarchs to science fiction fans who appreciate a story that pushes the boundaries of the genre and offers a rich, philosophical exploration of what it means to be human in a world of extraordinary abilities.
The Monarchs by Mark Sabbas is a science fiction novel set in a war-torn world, where a new generation of children possess extraordinary psychic abilities. Samuel, one of these children, struggles to control his powerful telekinesis under the watchful eye of military scientists. His only refuge comes from his philosophical tutor, Walter, and visits with an orphan named Evelyn. As Samuel embarks on a journey that forces him to confront his past and unlock the depths of his psychic powers, he discovers profound spiritual truths and faces formidable enemies. Sabbas skillfully blends science fiction with deep philosophical themes in a novel that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally impactful. The intricate world-building immerses readers in a dystopian future that feels both eerie and plausible, with vivid descriptions that make the setting come alive and dialogue and attitudes in the characters that feel like they'd been realistically affected by the world around them.
I was particularly impressed by Mark Sabbas's ability to create so many dimensions for his characters, especially Samuel, whose internal struggles are as captivating as the external conflicts he faces as he goes through so many changes and challenges. This offers readers a really interesting discussion on human nature that goes beyond typical science fiction tropes. The novel's pacing is also expertly balanced, allowing suspense to build while leaving room for a few key emotional moments. I found myself deeply engrossed in Samuel's journey, not just for the exciting plot developments, but for the thought-provoking questions it raised about our own potential and the responsibilities that come with great power. Overall, I wholeheartedly recommend The Monarchs to science fiction fans who appreciate a story that pushes the boundaries of the genre and offers a rich, philosophical exploration of what it means to be human in a world of extraordinary abilities.
Recommend this book:
Bones of Dead Man's Bluff
Robb Grindstaff
2025 Bronze Medal
260 Pages
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Fiction - Supernatural
Reviewed by Maalin Ogaja for Readers' Favorite
Bones of Dead Man’s Bluff by Robb Grindstaff is a gripping suspense novel featuring an interwoven timeline. Reverend Worth Sullivan and Senator Kirk Madison share a dark secret from a tragic camping trip in their youth. Now, Kirk seeks higher office, a decision that Worth strongly opposes. Worth fears the intense scrutiny will unravel the lives of those they love, especially his wife Gentry. Hanging over Kirk and Worth are a series of strange dreams, eerie occurrences, and a mysterious presence demanding attention. Can Worth convince Kirk to abandon his ambitions before the looming danger threatens their lives or is a more dangerous force already in motion, beyond their control?
Bones of Dead Man’s Bluff has all the hallmarks of a fast-paced thriller, with a compelling cast of well-drawn characters that elevate the tension and intrigue. Worth and Kirk, despite being complete opposites, are both characters I could not help but root for as they struggled with their past impacting their present. I loved the dual timeline that added depth to the narrative and provided context and background, while also allowing the reader to understand the motivations of the main characters and their secrets. Robb Grindstaff explores various themes such as power, ambition, and moral obligations. However, the main theme is the power of forgiveness, and how it can heal old wounds and lift burdens of guilt. This book was captivating from beginning to end. I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy a suspenseful storyline with a blend of politics, religion, and an ethereal presence.
Bones of Dead Man’s Bluff by Robb Grindstaff is a gripping suspense novel featuring an interwoven timeline. Reverend Worth Sullivan and Senator Kirk Madison share a dark secret from a tragic camping trip in their youth. Now, Kirk seeks higher office, a decision that Worth strongly opposes. Worth fears the intense scrutiny will unravel the lives of those they love, especially his wife Gentry. Hanging over Kirk and Worth are a series of strange dreams, eerie occurrences, and a mysterious presence demanding attention. Can Worth convince Kirk to abandon his ambitions before the looming danger threatens their lives or is a more dangerous force already in motion, beyond their control?
Bones of Dead Man’s Bluff has all the hallmarks of a fast-paced thriller, with a compelling cast of well-drawn characters that elevate the tension and intrigue. Worth and Kirk, despite being complete opposites, are both characters I could not help but root for as they struggled with their past impacting their present. I loved the dual timeline that added depth to the narrative and provided context and background, while also allowing the reader to understand the motivations of the main characters and their secrets. Robb Grindstaff explores various themes such as power, ambition, and moral obligations. However, the main theme is the power of forgiveness, and how it can heal old wounds and lift burdens of guilt. This book was captivating from beginning to end. I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy a suspenseful storyline with a blend of politics, religion, and an ethereal presence.
Recommend this book:
Armitage
Children of Arcanum
Atlas Creed
2025 Silver Medal
318 Pages
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Fiction - Supernatural
Reviewed by Miche Arendse for Readers' Favorite
Armitage: Children of Arcanum by Atlas Creed follows Rebekah Daroh, a young woman battling with the loss of her sister and the strange voice in her head that compels her to do things she can’t understand. Rebekah can’t remember when everything went wrong but in trying to make things right she discovers something she never could have imagined. Niko Ortez is an FBI agent trying to figure out a string of cold cases, one of which is the case of Rebekah’s sister. What is the link between these individuals and can they discover why the mysterious disappearances are happening?
Armitage: Children of Arcanum by Atlas Creed is a novel that blends an array of different genres. While books like this aren’t what I would normally go for, I found myself entirely engrossed in the story from start to finish. The mystery mixed in with paranormal elements made this such an interesting read and I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it. I also enjoyed the multiple POVs for both Rebekah and Niko as these give you insight into what’s happening at all points of the story. I also enjoyed that there were more personal moments within the novel, especially those relating to mental health as it made the characters seem more real and relatable. Overall, I think the author did a fantastic job with this novel. The world-building was well done, the pacing of the story was just right and the suspense has you hanging off every page. Armitage is a book well worth reading, especially for those who love mystery and paranormal novels.
Armitage: Children of Arcanum by Atlas Creed follows Rebekah Daroh, a young woman battling with the loss of her sister and the strange voice in her head that compels her to do things she can’t understand. Rebekah can’t remember when everything went wrong but in trying to make things right she discovers something she never could have imagined. Niko Ortez is an FBI agent trying to figure out a string of cold cases, one of which is the case of Rebekah’s sister. What is the link between these individuals and can they discover why the mysterious disappearances are happening?
Armitage: Children of Arcanum by Atlas Creed is a novel that blends an array of different genres. While books like this aren’t what I would normally go for, I found myself entirely engrossed in the story from start to finish. The mystery mixed in with paranormal elements made this such an interesting read and I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it. I also enjoyed the multiple POVs for both Rebekah and Niko as these give you insight into what’s happening at all points of the story. I also enjoyed that there were more personal moments within the novel, especially those relating to mental health as it made the characters seem more real and relatable. Overall, I think the author did a fantastic job with this novel. The world-building was well done, the pacing of the story was just right and the suspense has you hanging off every page. Armitage is a book well worth reading, especially for those who love mystery and paranormal novels.
Recommend this book:
Holiday Spirit Book Two
Destroy All Monsters
John DeGuire
2025 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Supernatural
Reviewed by Lex Allen for Readers' Favorite
Destroy All Monsters, book two in the Holiday Spirit series, combines gothic horror, romance, adventure, and dark humor in a thrilling adventure destined for greatness. Author John DeGuire recreates age-old monsters and has them working together to simultaneously define their place in the modern world. Readers who grew up with Frankenstein, Dracula, werewolves, the Invisible Man, and King Kong will marvel at their evolution. In contrast, new readers will enjoy following these new heroes. Having read book one, Holiday Spirit, I see that author John DeGuire prefers to open his stories with a bang, hitting the ground running, and never slowing down. In the process, DeGuire has established a reincarnation/regeneration of infamous and famous characters so that new readers will flock to his stories as once readers in the fifties, sixties, and seventies latched onto and never let go of the aforementioned monsters.
Adding to the ingenious remake of characters, DeGuire possesses a clean, "cut to the chase" style of writing that is unique. But these attributes are just the beginning! Into a fast-paced thriller, DeGuire fits references and inferences to recent historical, cultural, and current events that add mountains of entertainment and a strong sense of verisimilitude to the storyline and the characters. Characters and monsters alike are presented in such a manner that they become true to life with all the emotional ups and downs, trials, tribulations, and desires of real-life people. I am a longtime fan of authors Stephen King, Dean Koontz, and Ken Stark. John DeGuire has joined that shortlist of favorite horror/paranormal/suspense/thriller authors, and I'm looking forward to his next novel.
Destroy All Monsters, book two in the Holiday Spirit series, combines gothic horror, romance, adventure, and dark humor in a thrilling adventure destined for greatness. Author John DeGuire recreates age-old monsters and has them working together to simultaneously define their place in the modern world. Readers who grew up with Frankenstein, Dracula, werewolves, the Invisible Man, and King Kong will marvel at their evolution. In contrast, new readers will enjoy following these new heroes. Having read book one, Holiday Spirit, I see that author John DeGuire prefers to open his stories with a bang, hitting the ground running, and never slowing down. In the process, DeGuire has established a reincarnation/regeneration of infamous and famous characters so that new readers will flock to his stories as once readers in the fifties, sixties, and seventies latched onto and never let go of the aforementioned monsters.
Adding to the ingenious remake of characters, DeGuire possesses a clean, "cut to the chase" style of writing that is unique. But these attributes are just the beginning! Into a fast-paced thriller, DeGuire fits references and inferences to recent historical, cultural, and current events that add mountains of entertainment and a strong sense of verisimilitude to the storyline and the characters. Characters and monsters alike are presented in such a manner that they become true to life with all the emotional ups and downs, trials, tribulations, and desires of real-life people. I am a longtime fan of authors Stephen King, Dean Koontz, and Ken Stark. John DeGuire has joined that shortlist of favorite horror/paranormal/suspense/thriller authors, and I'm looking forward to his next novel.
Recommend this book:
Demons Also Dream
Summoned
Ava Lock
2024 Finalist
418 Pages
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Fiction - Supernatural
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Demons Also Dream: Summoned by Ava Lock is a supernatural fiction novel that blends elements of horror, suspense, and fantasy. The story follows Joscelyn Wild, a psychic and bestselling supernatural suspense writer, whose dark visions fuel her creative work. When Joss becomes a prisoner in a haunted house on Christmas Eve, she is rescued by Fury, Hell's top bounty hunter tasked with capturing souls that evade death. As dreams blur into reality, Joss finds herself entangled in a chilling adventure where good and evil collide in a gripping supernatural narrative with complex, overlapping realities.
The detailed portrayal of Joscelyn as a lonely but strong psychic writer is compelling, and her connection with Fury creates a fascinating dynamic told through brilliantly nuanced dialogue that moves both their relationship and the plot forward naturally. Ava Lock expertly combines atmospheric touches of horror, suspense, and fantasy to immediately ground readers in a scene or concept, then gets right back on with the action. This isn’t to say that the worldbuilding isn’t also vast and detailed, because the innovative concept of Hell’s bounty system and the unique portrayal of demons and psychic powers provide a refreshing take on the paranormal genre. These are also active elements of the plot that help readers make sense of the story world. Lock's ability to build tension and deliver unexpected twists keeps readers on edge in this exciting world for an unpredictable and immersive tale that they'll never want to end. Overall, Demons Also Dream: Summoned is a highly recommended read for fans of atmospheric and action-packed supernatural adventures.
Demons Also Dream: Summoned by Ava Lock is a supernatural fiction novel that blends elements of horror, suspense, and fantasy. The story follows Joscelyn Wild, a psychic and bestselling supernatural suspense writer, whose dark visions fuel her creative work. When Joss becomes a prisoner in a haunted house on Christmas Eve, she is rescued by Fury, Hell's top bounty hunter tasked with capturing souls that evade death. As dreams blur into reality, Joss finds herself entangled in a chilling adventure where good and evil collide in a gripping supernatural narrative with complex, overlapping realities.
The detailed portrayal of Joscelyn as a lonely but strong psychic writer is compelling, and her connection with Fury creates a fascinating dynamic told through brilliantly nuanced dialogue that moves both their relationship and the plot forward naturally. Ava Lock expertly combines atmospheric touches of horror, suspense, and fantasy to immediately ground readers in a scene or concept, then gets right back on with the action. This isn’t to say that the worldbuilding isn’t also vast and detailed, because the innovative concept of Hell’s bounty system and the unique portrayal of demons and psychic powers provide a refreshing take on the paranormal genre. These are also active elements of the plot that help readers make sense of the story world. Lock's ability to build tension and deliver unexpected twists keeps readers on edge in this exciting world for an unpredictable and immersive tale that they'll never want to end. Overall, Demons Also Dream: Summoned is a highly recommended read for fans of atmospheric and action-packed supernatural adventures.
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