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Recommend this book:
Crystal Moth Conspiracy
Ash Born Book One
Konn Lavery
2023 Finalist
619 Pages
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Fiction - Supernatural
Reviewed by Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite
In the world of journalism, Lola Cabello is one of the rare ones, as she makes sure to tell the truth while risking the wrath of the wealthy and corrupt. Unfortunately, this led to her losing her family and spending the last two years in the shadows. Lola is on a secret mission to expose the Crystal Moths and the madness they've brought upon the world: a potent drug called Ash. She is soon joined on her mission by Synarion, who makes the absurd claim that he's from a different species. Synarion also claims to be bound by oath to keep the balance in the world, which Crystal Moths' drug operation appears to be upsetting. Crystal Moth Conspiracy: Ash Born Book One by Konn Lavery follows an action-packed quest for revenge and balance in a world rife with gradually unraveling secrets about the past and the supernatural realms.
I just couldn't get enough of the thrilling details about the supernatural world, which gets clearer and more intriguing the farther you go in the book. I was excited to find it includes an old, forgotten world and an unconventional hell filled with different unusual beings. Konn Lavery nails the stimulating, spine-chilling elements associated with action and horror. The action scenes take you through vivid details of combat involving wings, tails, claws, fists, and guns. Additionally, since Lola suffers from an addiction to Ash herself, Lola appears real and imperfect. However, her resilience shines through in every physical and mental challenge she faces in her quest for justice. Ultimately, Crystal Moth Conspiracy is a masterpiece. Its awe-inspiring worldbuilding and captivating missions are what fantasy fans who love series like Lucifer would find worth obsessing over. I was hooked from start to finish!
In the world of journalism, Lola Cabello is one of the rare ones, as she makes sure to tell the truth while risking the wrath of the wealthy and corrupt. Unfortunately, this led to her losing her family and spending the last two years in the shadows. Lola is on a secret mission to expose the Crystal Moths and the madness they've brought upon the world: a potent drug called Ash. She is soon joined on her mission by Synarion, who makes the absurd claim that he's from a different species. Synarion also claims to be bound by oath to keep the balance in the world, which Crystal Moths' drug operation appears to be upsetting. Crystal Moth Conspiracy: Ash Born Book One by Konn Lavery follows an action-packed quest for revenge and balance in a world rife with gradually unraveling secrets about the past and the supernatural realms.
I just couldn't get enough of the thrilling details about the supernatural world, which gets clearer and more intriguing the farther you go in the book. I was excited to find it includes an old, forgotten world and an unconventional hell filled with different unusual beings. Konn Lavery nails the stimulating, spine-chilling elements associated with action and horror. The action scenes take you through vivid details of combat involving wings, tails, claws, fists, and guns. Additionally, since Lola suffers from an addiction to Ash herself, Lola appears real and imperfect. However, her resilience shines through in every physical and mental challenge she faces in her quest for justice. Ultimately, Crystal Moth Conspiracy is a masterpiece. Its awe-inspiring worldbuilding and captivating missions are what fantasy fans who love series like Lucifer would find worth obsessing over. I was hooked from start to finish!
Recommend this book:
After Life
Rich Hosek, Arnold Rudnick, Loyd Auerbach
2023 Honorable Mention
354 Pages
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Fiction - Supernatural
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
After Life is a work of fiction in the paranormal, mystery, and crime drama subgenres, and forms the second novel in the Raney/Daye Investigation series. Penned by author team Rich Hosek, Arnold Rudnick, and Loyd Auerbach, it is best suited to the general adult reading audience. As we return to the exploits of our dynamic duo, we find Dr. Jennifer Daye and retired detective Nate Raney following the trail of a ghostly woman with a very prosperous secret. As if dying during a bank robbery wasn’t dramatic enough, her legacy continues fifteen years on, with plenty of people still seeking answers at any cost.
Author team Rich Hosek, Arnold Rudnick, and Loyd Auerbach have pooled their collective knowledge and resources of the paranormal together to create another great crime and mystery novel for the series here. I was fascinated to delve deeper into the world of parapsychology and found myself really invested in Jennifer’s story and practices. I like the way she gently coaxes the disbelieving Nate into her world, and as the plot develops, we see him soften his resolve, and the bond between them grows wonderfully. The ghostly plot in the present day is atmospherically described and brought to life with some fantastic eerie imagery, and the crime caper story in the novel’s past timeline interweaves with this to add different dynamics and sudden thrills to the storyline. Overall, After Life offers everything you could want from a paranormal mystery novel and more, and I’d highly recommend it to fans of immersive ghostly tales everywhere.
After Life is a work of fiction in the paranormal, mystery, and crime drama subgenres, and forms the second novel in the Raney/Daye Investigation series. Penned by author team Rich Hosek, Arnold Rudnick, and Loyd Auerbach, it is best suited to the general adult reading audience. As we return to the exploits of our dynamic duo, we find Dr. Jennifer Daye and retired detective Nate Raney following the trail of a ghostly woman with a very prosperous secret. As if dying during a bank robbery wasn’t dramatic enough, her legacy continues fifteen years on, with plenty of people still seeking answers at any cost.
Author team Rich Hosek, Arnold Rudnick, and Loyd Auerbach have pooled their collective knowledge and resources of the paranormal together to create another great crime and mystery novel for the series here. I was fascinated to delve deeper into the world of parapsychology and found myself really invested in Jennifer’s story and practices. I like the way she gently coaxes the disbelieving Nate into her world, and as the plot develops, we see him soften his resolve, and the bond between them grows wonderfully. The ghostly plot in the present day is atmospherically described and brought to life with some fantastic eerie imagery, and the crime caper story in the novel’s past timeline interweaves with this to add different dynamics and sudden thrills to the storyline. Overall, After Life offers everything you could want from a paranormal mystery novel and more, and I’d highly recommend it to fans of immersive ghostly tales everywhere.
Recommend this book:
The Nosferatu Conspiracy
Book Two, The Sommelier
Brian James Gage
2023 Bronze Medal
558 Pages
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Fiction - Supernatural
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Nosferatu Conspiracy: Book Two, The Sommelier is a work of fiction in the horror, action, and supernatural subgenres, and was penned by author Brian James Gage. The work is intended for the mature adult reading audience owing to the presence of graphic violence and explicit combat situations throughout and it follows on from the first book in the series, The Sleepwalker. In this gory alternate history filled with secret pacts and dangerous new figures, the author explores the ‘real’ reasons for the onset of the First World War by introducing us to the murderous and bloodthirsty Elizabeth Báthory, whose immortality tempts Kaiser Wilhelm to ally with her as he seeks to conquer the world.
After really enjoying the exploits of Rasputin in the first book, I was fascinated to see this series move into new territory with the First World War, and even more excited by the presence of Elizabeth Báthory as such a central figure to the narrative. Chilling and terrifying in equal measure, author Brian James Gage creates the kind of intelligent and convincing historical horror novel that makes you feel like the history you know really is a lie, and this is the terrifying truth that will keep you awake at night. The plot is clever and never feels contrived to ‘fit’ with known history, such is the intricacy of the research and structure involved. The dialogue too is a standout feature, giving all the trademarks of classic, sinister horror and wartime action, without ever becoming laughable or clichéd. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend The Nosferatu Conspiracy: Book Two, The Sommelier for fans of espionage fiction, war stories, supernatural tales, and horror. This novel delivers it all, and then some: a truly unmissable read.
The Nosferatu Conspiracy: Book Two, The Sommelier is a work of fiction in the horror, action, and supernatural subgenres, and was penned by author Brian James Gage. The work is intended for the mature adult reading audience owing to the presence of graphic violence and explicit combat situations throughout and it follows on from the first book in the series, The Sleepwalker. In this gory alternate history filled with secret pacts and dangerous new figures, the author explores the ‘real’ reasons for the onset of the First World War by introducing us to the murderous and bloodthirsty Elizabeth Báthory, whose immortality tempts Kaiser Wilhelm to ally with her as he seeks to conquer the world.
After really enjoying the exploits of Rasputin in the first book, I was fascinated to see this series move into new territory with the First World War, and even more excited by the presence of Elizabeth Báthory as such a central figure to the narrative. Chilling and terrifying in equal measure, author Brian James Gage creates the kind of intelligent and convincing historical horror novel that makes you feel like the history you know really is a lie, and this is the terrifying truth that will keep you awake at night. The plot is clever and never feels contrived to ‘fit’ with known history, such is the intricacy of the research and structure involved. The dialogue too is a standout feature, giving all the trademarks of classic, sinister horror and wartime action, without ever becoming laughable or clichéd. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend The Nosferatu Conspiracy: Book Two, The Sommelier for fans of espionage fiction, war stories, supernatural tales, and horror. This novel delivers it all, and then some: a truly unmissable read.
Recommend this book:
 by Heidi McIntyre follows her journey as she begins to uncover the tale of Maria through her special ability. As she starts to learn about the life of Maria and what she endured in the name of lo...){kind=link}
Sea Magic
Hidden Gems Book 1
Heidi McIntyre
2023 Silver Medal
380 Pages
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Fiction - Supernatural
Reviewed by Miche Arendse for Readers' Favorite
Madeline was content to live a quiet and peaceful life in the seaside town of Penbrook; however, life is never that simple. Sea Magic (Hidden Gems Book 1) by Heidi McIntyre follows her journey as she begins to uncover the tale of Maria through her special ability. As she starts to learn about the life of Maria and what she endured in the name of love, she finds herself on the cusp of a budding romance.
Sea Magic by Heidi McIntyre is a book that has your heart racing one moment and gives you a warm fuzzy sensation the next. Containing both heartfelt love and deeply wounding tragedy, Sea Magic will have you hanging onto every page. I loved the concept of Madeline’s psychometric ability and how it led to a story within a story. Considering how she worked in an antiques store, it made for a compelling idea. The world-building and pacing for this story were just right, with McIntyre slowly reeling you in as layer upon layer is added. Madeline made the perfect lead with her sweet yet strong personality, and every other character in the story was just as likable. Overall, Sea Magic was just as its name suggests; it was truly magical, and I enjoyed every bit of it. I was not expecting some of my emotions, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I would recommend this book, especially for lovers of supernatural stories.
Madeline was content to live a quiet and peaceful life in the seaside town of Penbrook; however, life is never that simple. Sea Magic (Hidden Gems Book 1) by Heidi McIntyre follows her journey as she begins to uncover the tale of Maria through her special ability. As she starts to learn about the life of Maria and what she endured in the name of love, she finds herself on the cusp of a budding romance.
Sea Magic by Heidi McIntyre is a book that has your heart racing one moment and gives you a warm fuzzy sensation the next. Containing both heartfelt love and deeply wounding tragedy, Sea Magic will have you hanging onto every page. I loved the concept of Madeline’s psychometric ability and how it led to a story within a story. Considering how she worked in an antiques store, it made for a compelling idea. The world-building and pacing for this story were just right, with McIntyre slowly reeling you in as layer upon layer is added. Madeline made the perfect lead with her sweet yet strong personality, and every other character in the story was just as likable. Overall, Sea Magic was just as its name suggests; it was truly magical, and I enjoyed every bit of it. I was not expecting some of my emotions, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I would recommend this book, especially for lovers of supernatural stories.
Recommend this book:
The Book of Invasions
Rod Vick
2022 Finalist
474 Pages
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Fiction - Supernatural
Reviewed by Trevor Otieno for Readers' Favorite
Rod Vick’s The Book of Invasions is an outstanding illustration of what a great novel should be. The events and moments are a mash-up of significant historical occurrences. A 5,000-year-old artifact is found in the melting ice at a Greenland ecological research station in the first chapter. The sudden deaths of a dozen climate scientists at a remote Greenland research site have shocked the entire world. Ricky Crowe, the sister of a murdered researcher, struggles with her own grief issues and her tragic past, which has left her with an eight-inch scar on her face as she attempts to determine whether the paver-map holds the key to her sister's fate. She and her new friends launch a race to solve puzzles buried in tombs in Egypt and Ireland after presenting the map to the organization that provided funding for her sister’s research.
The way the story veered off to Egypt and later Ireland, where both good and bad characters fought for control of the item and the power they thought it held, was quite entertaining. Every episode that The Book of Invasions described made me feel involved. Rod Vick is undoubtedly a master at explaining things. Any reader will be attracted to the novel because of its accurate portrayal of the events. Along the path, there are numerous surprising turns and curves. I felt a sense of intimacy with the characters or a desire to learn more about them. The storyline was quite intriguing and interesting. I advise mystery fans to grab The Book of Invasions.
Rod Vick’s The Book of Invasions is an outstanding illustration of what a great novel should be. The events and moments are a mash-up of significant historical occurrences. A 5,000-year-old artifact is found in the melting ice at a Greenland ecological research station in the first chapter. The sudden deaths of a dozen climate scientists at a remote Greenland research site have shocked the entire world. Ricky Crowe, the sister of a murdered researcher, struggles with her own grief issues and her tragic past, which has left her with an eight-inch scar on her face as she attempts to determine whether the paver-map holds the key to her sister's fate. She and her new friends launch a race to solve puzzles buried in tombs in Egypt and Ireland after presenting the map to the organization that provided funding for her sister’s research.
The way the story veered off to Egypt and later Ireland, where both good and bad characters fought for control of the item and the power they thought it held, was quite entertaining. Every episode that The Book of Invasions described made me feel involved. Rod Vick is undoubtedly a master at explaining things. Any reader will be attracted to the novel because of its accurate portrayal of the events. Along the path, there are numerous surprising turns and curves. I felt a sense of intimacy with the characters or a desire to learn more about them. The storyline was quite intriguing and interesting. I advise mystery fans to grab The Book of Invasions.
Recommend this book:
Urraca Mesa Redemption
A Supernatural Wild West Tale
Daniel P. Douglas
2022 Honorable Mention
140 Pages
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Fiction - Supernatural
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Urraca Mesa Redemption: A Supernatural Wild West Tale is a work of novella-length fiction penned by author Daniel P. Douglas. The book is best suited to a mature adult reading audience due to some graphic content. It tells a gritty tale of terror in the Old West with a supernatural twist. We meet Marshall and protagonist Winslow Murphy: a man running from the nightmares of his past and seeking to right injustices wherever he sets foot. When he meets the mysterious Jacinta Cortez and discovers she is currently chasing the same outlaws as him, the pair team up, but it soon transpires that Jacinta’s reasons for vengeance are deeper and darker than Winslow could ever have imagined.
Author Daniel P. Douglas has crafted a masterful work of suspenseful western storytelling, encompassing some fantastic supernatural, horror, action, and thriller moments into its vivid storyline. One of the features I especially enjoyed about this work was its atmosphere, which is set and elevated in such a concise amount of words for the plot’s length. I could see the dark vistas of New Mexico and the shadows on the horizon and feel every visceral moment of fear and fighting as it happened. The central pair of characters were also exceedingly well-penned to deliver realism and empathy, each with fully thought-out backstories that informed their decisions in a relatable and emotive way. I especially enjoyed Winslow’s redemptive arc and related to him more deeply than the typical western marshall hero figure. Overall, I would highly recommend Urraca Mesa Redemption for historical action fans everywhere: a scintillating read.
Urraca Mesa Redemption: A Supernatural Wild West Tale is a work of novella-length fiction penned by author Daniel P. Douglas. The book is best suited to a mature adult reading audience due to some graphic content. It tells a gritty tale of terror in the Old West with a supernatural twist. We meet Marshall and protagonist Winslow Murphy: a man running from the nightmares of his past and seeking to right injustices wherever he sets foot. When he meets the mysterious Jacinta Cortez and discovers she is currently chasing the same outlaws as him, the pair team up, but it soon transpires that Jacinta’s reasons for vengeance are deeper and darker than Winslow could ever have imagined.
Author Daniel P. Douglas has crafted a masterful work of suspenseful western storytelling, encompassing some fantastic supernatural, horror, action, and thriller moments into its vivid storyline. One of the features I especially enjoyed about this work was its atmosphere, which is set and elevated in such a concise amount of words for the plot’s length. I could see the dark vistas of New Mexico and the shadows on the horizon and feel every visceral moment of fear and fighting as it happened. The central pair of characters were also exceedingly well-penned to deliver realism and empathy, each with fully thought-out backstories that informed their decisions in a relatable and emotive way. I especially enjoyed Winslow’s redemptive arc and related to him more deeply than the typical western marshall hero figure. Overall, I would highly recommend Urraca Mesa Redemption for historical action fans everywhere: a scintillating read.
Recommend this book:
The Nosferatu Conspiracy
Book Two, The Sommelier
Brian James Gage
2022 Bronze Medal
558 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Supernatural
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Nosferatu Conspiracy: Book Two, The Sommelier is a work of fiction in the horror, action, and supernatural subgenres, and was penned by author Brian James Gage. The work is intended for the mature adult reading audience owing to the presence of graphic violence and explicit combat situations throughout and it follows on from the first book in the series, The Sleepwalker. In this gory alternate history filled with secret pacts and dangerous new figures, the author explores the ‘real’ reasons for the onset of the First World War by introducing us to the murderous and bloodthirsty Elizabeth Báthory, whose immortality tempts Kaiser Wilhelm to ally with her as he seeks to conquer the world.
After really enjoying the exploits of Rasputin in the first book, I was fascinated to see this series move into new territory with the First World War, and even more excited by the presence of Elizabeth Báthory as such a central figure to the narrative. Chilling and terrifying in equal measure, author Brian James Gage creates the kind of intelligent and convincing historical horror novel that makes you feel like the history you know really is a lie, and this is the terrifying truth that will keep you awake at night. The plot is clever and never feels contrived to ‘fit’ with known history, such is the intricacy of the research and structure involved. The dialogue too is a standout feature, giving all the trademarks of classic, sinister horror and wartime action, without ever becoming laughable or clichéd. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend The Nosferatu Conspiracy: Book Two, The Sommelier for fans of espionage fiction, war stories, supernatural tales, and horror. This novel delivers it all, and then some: a truly unmissable read.
The Nosferatu Conspiracy: Book Two, The Sommelier is a work of fiction in the horror, action, and supernatural subgenres, and was penned by author Brian James Gage. The work is intended for the mature adult reading audience owing to the presence of graphic violence and explicit combat situations throughout and it follows on from the first book in the series, The Sleepwalker. In this gory alternate history filled with secret pacts and dangerous new figures, the author explores the ‘real’ reasons for the onset of the First World War by introducing us to the murderous and bloodthirsty Elizabeth Báthory, whose immortality tempts Kaiser Wilhelm to ally with her as he seeks to conquer the world.
After really enjoying the exploits of Rasputin in the first book, I was fascinated to see this series move into new territory with the First World War, and even more excited by the presence of Elizabeth Báthory as such a central figure to the narrative. Chilling and terrifying in equal measure, author Brian James Gage creates the kind of intelligent and convincing historical horror novel that makes you feel like the history you know really is a lie, and this is the terrifying truth that will keep you awake at night. The plot is clever and never feels contrived to ‘fit’ with known history, such is the intricacy of the research and structure involved. The dialogue too is a standout feature, giving all the trademarks of classic, sinister horror and wartime action, without ever becoming laughable or clichéd. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend The Nosferatu Conspiracy: Book Two, The Sommelier for fans of espionage fiction, war stories, supernatural tales, and horror. This novel delivers it all, and then some: a truly unmissable read.
Recommend this book:
 by Tamara Hart Heiner gives a fresh perspective on loving yourself and forgiveness. The novel tells the story of Jezbathasat, a forsaken who gets the chance to attend the Guardian Angel Academy. At first, Jez struggles to adjust to life at the Academy due to her sheltered upbringing in Sheol. She slowly sta...){kind=link}
Year 1
Renegade (Guardian Angel Academy)
Tamara Hart Heiner
2022 Silver Medal
421 Pages
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Fiction - Supernatural
Reviewed by Antoinette Wessels for Readers' Favorite
Year 1: Renegade (Guardian Angel Academy) by Tamara Hart Heiner gives a fresh perspective on loving yourself and forgiveness. The novel tells the story of Jezbathasat, a forsaken who gets the chance to attend the Guardian Angel Academy. At first, Jez struggles to adjust to life at the Academy due to her sheltered upbringing in Sheol. She slowly starts making friends with her roommate Iblis and Maalik, the handsome second year who tutors her. It is not long before Jez starts questioning the things she accepted as the truth, but this causes conflict as she was only sent to the Guardian Angel Academy by her father to help him win the war against the Angels. Will Jez forsake everything she has ever known for the friends she made, or will she help her father win against Shamayim?
Tamara Hart Heiner wrote Year 1 to be read at a leisurely pace. It was an easy read, which I could enjoy after all the stresses of the day were over. Character development was amazing. Jez, and even the minor characters in the book, grow immensely. Jez starts as a bitter, self-loathing forsaken, who grows to become someone she can be proud of. Even though she makes a few mistakes, she learns from them and becomes better. Maalik grows in character too from being an angel who has trouble controlling his judgment and anger--he learns to be better through Jez. Through the characters portrayed it was clear that the theme for the book was one of friendship and acceptance of oneself. Each character grows through the friendships they form, although not always for the best. Through most of their friendships, the characters start to accept themselves more readily, which reminded me of the importance of accepting and forgiving yourself.
Year 1: Renegade (Guardian Angel Academy) by Tamara Hart Heiner gives a fresh perspective on loving yourself and forgiveness. The novel tells the story of Jezbathasat, a forsaken who gets the chance to attend the Guardian Angel Academy. At first, Jez struggles to adjust to life at the Academy due to her sheltered upbringing in Sheol. She slowly starts making friends with her roommate Iblis and Maalik, the handsome second year who tutors her. It is not long before Jez starts questioning the things she accepted as the truth, but this causes conflict as she was only sent to the Guardian Angel Academy by her father to help him win the war against the Angels. Will Jez forsake everything she has ever known for the friends she made, or will she help her father win against Shamayim?
Tamara Hart Heiner wrote Year 1 to be read at a leisurely pace. It was an easy read, which I could enjoy after all the stresses of the day were over. Character development was amazing. Jez, and even the minor characters in the book, grow immensely. Jez starts as a bitter, self-loathing forsaken, who grows to become someone she can be proud of. Even though she makes a few mistakes, she learns from them and becomes better. Maalik grows in character too from being an angel who has trouble controlling his judgment and anger--he learns to be better through Jez. Through the characters portrayed it was clear that the theme for the book was one of friendship and acceptance of oneself. Each character grows through the friendships they form, although not always for the best. Through most of their friendships, the characters start to accept themselves more readily, which reminded me of the importance of accepting and forgiving yourself.
Recommend this book:
Mona Lisa, Becoming a Ghost
A.L. Mengel
2022 Gold Medal
439 Pages
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Fiction - Supernatural
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Mona Lisa, Becoming a Ghost by A.L. Mengel is a work of supernatural fiction that explores ambition, longing, broken promises, and regret from the point of view of an artist named Pedro. Among the living mortals walk the immortals, those who are not susceptible to death by the ravages of time. Pedro becomes enamored with the immortals and their hiding in plain sight and infatuated with one in particular named Antoine. In pursuit of his desire to shed the life he has lived and pivot to the one he believes he wants, he leaves his devoted muse Valentina behind to embark on the journey toward transformation. Still, Valentina, who he once called his Mona Lisa, lingers in his thoughts and Pedro determines he will do anything—anything at all—to get his Valentina back, even if it's not from the realm of the living. “You must learn. You must realize that your decisions, however noble they may seem to you, have consequences.”
Mona Lisa, Becoming a Ghost is entirely unique in the approach A.L. Mengel takes in crafting a supernatural tale as old as death itself: breathing life back into the unliving. Mengel does not reinvent the wheel here but certainly applies a fresh new coat of paint and it is enough to keep a critic pleasantly satiated. Valentina is a continual thread throughout the narrative but is not really featured herself except through the forlorn memories of Pedro. Throughout the entirety of the novel, Pedro works through one means or another to patch together promises made to him that have been broken, alongside patching together his own broken heart at the loss of Valentina, and further still to try to patch Valentina back together with the assistance of immortal magic and a skilled taxidermist--the melancholy that threads the story together is palpable. The most interesting character is not Pedro, but an immortal mentor named Antoine who, frankly, deserves his own novel. Overall, the story and its composition are different, and the twist at the end is unexpected. I would imagine there will be supernatural fans who will find that Mona Lisa, Becoming a Ghost ticks the most important storytelling boxes.
Mona Lisa, Becoming a Ghost by A.L. Mengel is a work of supernatural fiction that explores ambition, longing, broken promises, and regret from the point of view of an artist named Pedro. Among the living mortals walk the immortals, those who are not susceptible to death by the ravages of time. Pedro becomes enamored with the immortals and their hiding in plain sight and infatuated with one in particular named Antoine. In pursuit of his desire to shed the life he has lived and pivot to the one he believes he wants, he leaves his devoted muse Valentina behind to embark on the journey toward transformation. Still, Valentina, who he once called his Mona Lisa, lingers in his thoughts and Pedro determines he will do anything—anything at all—to get his Valentina back, even if it's not from the realm of the living. “You must learn. You must realize that your decisions, however noble they may seem to you, have consequences.”
Mona Lisa, Becoming a Ghost is entirely unique in the approach A.L. Mengel takes in crafting a supernatural tale as old as death itself: breathing life back into the unliving. Mengel does not reinvent the wheel here but certainly applies a fresh new coat of paint and it is enough to keep a critic pleasantly satiated. Valentina is a continual thread throughout the narrative but is not really featured herself except through the forlorn memories of Pedro. Throughout the entirety of the novel, Pedro works through one means or another to patch together promises made to him that have been broken, alongside patching together his own broken heart at the loss of Valentina, and further still to try to patch Valentina back together with the assistance of immortal magic and a skilled taxidermist--the melancholy that threads the story together is palpable. The most interesting character is not Pedro, but an immortal mentor named Antoine who, frankly, deserves his own novel. Overall, the story and its composition are different, and the twist at the end is unexpected. I would imagine there will be supernatural fans who will find that Mona Lisa, Becoming a Ghost ticks the most important storytelling boxes.
Recommend this book:
 apocalypse on earth causes the vampire Rise and his coven to seal off their sanctuary of Owl Court to outsiders. The coven consists of Rise as the leader, Salter the Chronicler, and Orgim the Seer, with the human Cypriot providing them with the nece...){kind=link}
Rise of One
Blood Brute - Book 1
Dixon Reuel
2021 Finalist
271 Pages
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Fiction - Supernatural
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Rise of One is the first book in the Blood Brute series by Dixon Reuel. The dawn of a zombie (brute) apocalypse on earth causes the vampire Rise and his coven to seal off their sanctuary of Owl Court to outsiders. The coven consists of Rise as the leader, Salter the Chronicler, and Orgim the Seer, with the human Cypriot providing them with the necessary sustenance. As the world is infested with brutes, Rise sets out to the nearby village of Dunsinann in search of human survivors to bring them to Owl Court. But not everyone at Owl Court supports his actions as Cypriot fears a change in his relationship with the vampires. Furthermore, the appearance of an ancient line of vampire hunters known as Warwolves put the inhabitants of Owl Court in mortal danger.
If you're a fan of vampire novels or zombie movies, grab yourself a copy of the first book of the Blood Brute series, Rise of One. Author Dixon Reuel's uniquely original premise blends the legend of vampires with a post-apocalyptic world containing zombies, creating a delicious brew that provides plenty of entertainment. The characters feel rich and in-depth, and I found them compelling from the get-go. Rise, Cypriot, Orgim, and Salter each bring something distinct to the coven, making them riveting to read. Dixon Reuel brilliantly captures Rise's fears and insecurities, and the post-apocalyptic environment truly feels cold and desolate through his eyes. I had a blast reading Rise of One, and I'm looking forward to reading the sequels. Highly recommended.
Rise of One is the first book in the Blood Brute series by Dixon Reuel. The dawn of a zombie (brute) apocalypse on earth causes the vampire Rise and his coven to seal off their sanctuary of Owl Court to outsiders. The coven consists of Rise as the leader, Salter the Chronicler, and Orgim the Seer, with the human Cypriot providing them with the necessary sustenance. As the world is infested with brutes, Rise sets out to the nearby village of Dunsinann in search of human survivors to bring them to Owl Court. But not everyone at Owl Court supports his actions as Cypriot fears a change in his relationship with the vampires. Furthermore, the appearance of an ancient line of vampire hunters known as Warwolves put the inhabitants of Owl Court in mortal danger.
If you're a fan of vampire novels or zombie movies, grab yourself a copy of the first book of the Blood Brute series, Rise of One. Author Dixon Reuel's uniquely original premise blends the legend of vampires with a post-apocalyptic world containing zombies, creating a delicious brew that provides plenty of entertainment. The characters feel rich and in-depth, and I found them compelling from the get-go. Rise, Cypriot, Orgim, and Salter each bring something distinct to the coven, making them riveting to read. Dixon Reuel brilliantly captures Rise's fears and insecurities, and the post-apocalyptic environment truly feels cold and desolate through his eyes. I had a blast reading Rise of One, and I'm looking forward to reading the sequels. Highly recommended.
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