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NOT DEAD
Anita Dickason
2020 Honorable Mention
237 Pages
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Fiction - Supernatural
Reviewed by K.J. Simmill for Readers' Favorite
When four-year-old Mandy Norton is abducted from her own back yard, Chad Bishop springs into action. A big-city cop in a small town knows just the moves to play; unfortunately, so too does the new editor of the Tribune. Butting heads over the disappearance, Chad learns that this feisty reporter is the girl’s aunt and, given her skills in investigative journalism and her ability to uncover leads and sources, they would work better together than apart. As the investigation unfolds, it appears that Mandy is not the only child to be snatched from a small town. One thing is for certain, whoever took Mandy is in for more trouble than they can handle, especially when a familiar fog and hidden whispers once more bid for Chad’s attention. He has seen this before, and it almost cost him his sanity. This time, the price could be far higher. Can he find Mandy before the unspeakable happens?
Not Dead is a suspenseful thriller with just a hint of the supernatural. I really loved how author Anita Dickason teases the reader. She plays your curiosity like a finely tuned fiddle, enticing you to read on and discover more about the characters, their pasts, the strange events unfolding and, most importantly, whether they will find Mandy alive, or at all? The characters are expertly developed and it was so easy to become invested in their personal plights, sympathize with them, and fear for their safety. The third-person style gives the reader insight into many perceptions, even a few which really played on the heartstrings. Beautifully written from beginning to end and presented in a gripping and concise manner. If you’re looking for a good mystery plot that will pull you in hook, line, and sinker, then Not Dead by Anita Dickason is it.
When four-year-old Mandy Norton is abducted from her own back yard, Chad Bishop springs into action. A big-city cop in a small town knows just the moves to play; unfortunately, so too does the new editor of the Tribune. Butting heads over the disappearance, Chad learns that this feisty reporter is the girl’s aunt and, given her skills in investigative journalism and her ability to uncover leads and sources, they would work better together than apart. As the investigation unfolds, it appears that Mandy is not the only child to be snatched from a small town. One thing is for certain, whoever took Mandy is in for more trouble than they can handle, especially when a familiar fog and hidden whispers once more bid for Chad’s attention. He has seen this before, and it almost cost him his sanity. This time, the price could be far higher. Can he find Mandy before the unspeakable happens?
Not Dead is a suspenseful thriller with just a hint of the supernatural. I really loved how author Anita Dickason teases the reader. She plays your curiosity like a finely tuned fiddle, enticing you to read on and discover more about the characters, their pasts, the strange events unfolding and, most importantly, whether they will find Mandy alive, or at all? The characters are expertly developed and it was so easy to become invested in their personal plights, sympathize with them, and fear for their safety. The third-person style gives the reader insight into many perceptions, even a few which really played on the heartstrings. Beautifully written from beginning to end and presented in a gripping and concise manner. If you’re looking for a good mystery plot that will pull you in hook, line, and sinker, then Not Dead by Anita Dickason is it.
Recommend this book:
The Wake Up
Angela Panayotopulos
2020 Bronze Medal
320 Pages
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Fiction - Supernatural
Reviewed by Timea Tokes for Readers' Favorite
The Wake Up by author Angela Panayotopulos is a roller-coaster ride from the first page to the last, a book that I read in one sitting. One minute I rooted for our resident main character to succeed, while the next minute I wondered whether the bad guys were truly bad. The protagonist, Lexi, is struggling with a gift she inherited from her grandfather. A gift she considers a curse. She sees people’s true reflections (horns, tail, and all). Practically, the devil inside all of us. She tries to ignore it, but that’s when bad things start to happen.
When the story begins, Lexi is a child, and we experience the story from many perspectives, including her own and her villains, too, while she grows into a versatile young woman. Her road is more than bumpy, and although her skills and the author’s knowledge about glass blowing is remarkable, to me, the amount of innocence and fake innocence that’s woven into the pages made it truly amazing. I loved the contrast between good and evil, while the author managed to blur those lines more often than not.
Angela Panayotopulos has a brilliant sense of humor and an easy to follow, entertaining writing style. I also loved the insecurities, the way the story developed, and, as Lexi grew up, a bigger threat unfolded, keeping me on my toes. The Wake Up is perfect for those looking for a nail-biting read, where every chapter changes your perspective on what truly happened. I was already a fan of the supernatural, but the unique way the author depicted Lexi’s world took my breath away. I can recommend it for fans of paranormal, coming of age, and visionary fiction.
The Wake Up by author Angela Panayotopulos is a roller-coaster ride from the first page to the last, a book that I read in one sitting. One minute I rooted for our resident main character to succeed, while the next minute I wondered whether the bad guys were truly bad. The protagonist, Lexi, is struggling with a gift she inherited from her grandfather. A gift she considers a curse. She sees people’s true reflections (horns, tail, and all). Practically, the devil inside all of us. She tries to ignore it, but that’s when bad things start to happen.
When the story begins, Lexi is a child, and we experience the story from many perspectives, including her own and her villains, too, while she grows into a versatile young woman. Her road is more than bumpy, and although her skills and the author’s knowledge about glass blowing is remarkable, to me, the amount of innocence and fake innocence that’s woven into the pages made it truly amazing. I loved the contrast between good and evil, while the author managed to blur those lines more often than not.
Angela Panayotopulos has a brilliant sense of humor and an easy to follow, entertaining writing style. I also loved the insecurities, the way the story developed, and, as Lexi grew up, a bigger threat unfolded, keeping me on my toes. The Wake Up is perfect for those looking for a nail-biting read, where every chapter changes your perspective on what truly happened. I was already a fan of the supernatural, but the unique way the author depicted Lexi’s world took my breath away. I can recommend it for fans of paranormal, coming of age, and visionary fiction.
Recommend this book:
, we explore the fascinating world at the end of the Romanov dynasty in Russia at t...){kind=link}
The Nosferatu Conspiracy
The Sleepwalker
Brian James Gage
2020 Silver Medal
440 Pages
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Fiction - Supernatural
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Nosferatu Conspiracy is a work of supernatural thriller fiction penned by author Brian James Gage, and this novel is book one, titled The Sleepwalker. In this highly graphic and wonderfully disturbing thriller novel (written for adults due to such mature content), we explore the fascinating world at the end of the Romanov dynasty in Russia at the opening of the twentieth century. As well as the political and social climate of the time, the novel focuses on the mysterious and dangerous figure of Rasputin, and spins a highly entertaining and diabolical tale of vampires, mysticism, and death, in place of what Russian officials claim to be the truth.
I adore this time period in history, particularly because of all the mystery and conjecture about Rasputin and his incredible influence over the Romanov family and their policymaking, so to see such a fabulous supernatural tale come out of all that mystery is nothing short of brilliant. Author Brian James Gage weaves his own dark fantasy tale in and out of real history with such an adept hand that he makes you believe that vampires and other such dark conjurings could indeed have been real at the time. What results is a powerfully grim tale with an accurate historical atmosphere and a highly inventive thriller plot that keeps you gripped at every turn, adding layer after layer of darkness to a story you thought you already knew. Overall, The Nosferatu Conspiracy: The Sleepwalker is just the beginning of what is sure to be a truly superb series.
The Nosferatu Conspiracy is a work of supernatural thriller fiction penned by author Brian James Gage, and this novel is book one, titled The Sleepwalker. In this highly graphic and wonderfully disturbing thriller novel (written for adults due to such mature content), we explore the fascinating world at the end of the Romanov dynasty in Russia at the opening of the twentieth century. As well as the political and social climate of the time, the novel focuses on the mysterious and dangerous figure of Rasputin, and spins a highly entertaining and diabolical tale of vampires, mysticism, and death, in place of what Russian officials claim to be the truth.
I adore this time period in history, particularly because of all the mystery and conjecture about Rasputin and his incredible influence over the Romanov family and their policymaking, so to see such a fabulous supernatural tale come out of all that mystery is nothing short of brilliant. Author Brian James Gage weaves his own dark fantasy tale in and out of real history with such an adept hand that he makes you believe that vampires and other such dark conjurings could indeed have been real at the time. What results is a powerfully grim tale with an accurate historical atmosphere and a highly inventive thriller plot that keeps you gripped at every turn, adding layer after layer of darkness to a story you thought you already knew. Overall, The Nosferatu Conspiracy: The Sleepwalker is just the beginning of what is sure to be a truly superb series.
Recommend this book:
The Tao of the Viper
A Kate Pomeroy Mystery
Linda Watkins
2020 Gold Medal
436 Pages
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Fiction - Supernatural
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
The Tao of the Viper: A Kate Pomeroy Mystery by Linda Watkins is the second installment in the series, preceded by the award-winning first book, Storm Island. This book returns readers to Storm Island where Dr. Kate Pomeroy is attempting to get past the trauma from book one, with the loving Jeremy Bradshaw still by her side. Her manor house is now a medical practice that she launches as director and General Practitioner and all seems well...except for the nightmares. Meanwhile, a stranger, “The Old Man” Ian Morrison, returns to the island with his grandson Terry, fantasizing over revenge and an idea on how to get it. Vengeance is geared straight toward Kate, but the brunt of his initial despotic evilness is directed toward Terry's wife Mary, and the depths of his psychosis knows no bounds.
The Tao of the Viper is a fantastic and dark paranormal mystery, with Linda Watkins delivering enough suspense and chills to knock it into the thriller genre as well. Kate is a great protagonist, balancing general affability with dark and intrusive fallibility, and making her as complex as her extraordinary family history. There are violent fantasies that the antagonist describes in detail, as his point of view features alongside Kate's. The back and forth make for a terrifying combination, especially when The Old Man will stop at absolutely nothing to get what he's come for. This is an engrossing series for readers who enjoy mysteries with a supernatural twist, and those who are inevitably drawn in won't have to wait long for book three, Abducted.
The Tao of the Viper: A Kate Pomeroy Mystery by Linda Watkins is the second installment in the series, preceded by the award-winning first book, Storm Island. This book returns readers to Storm Island where Dr. Kate Pomeroy is attempting to get past the trauma from book one, with the loving Jeremy Bradshaw still by her side. Her manor house is now a medical practice that she launches as director and General Practitioner and all seems well...except for the nightmares. Meanwhile, a stranger, “The Old Man” Ian Morrison, returns to the island with his grandson Terry, fantasizing over revenge and an idea on how to get it. Vengeance is geared straight toward Kate, but the brunt of his initial despotic evilness is directed toward Terry's wife Mary, and the depths of his psychosis knows no bounds.
The Tao of the Viper is a fantastic and dark paranormal mystery, with Linda Watkins delivering enough suspense and chills to knock it into the thriller genre as well. Kate is a great protagonist, balancing general affability with dark and intrusive fallibility, and making her as complex as her extraordinary family history. There are violent fantasies that the antagonist describes in detail, as his point of view features alongside Kate's. The back and forth make for a terrifying combination, especially when The Old Man will stop at absolutely nothing to get what he's come for. This is an engrossing series for readers who enjoy mysteries with a supernatural twist, and those who are inevitably drawn in won't have to wait long for book three, Abducted.
Recommend this book:
Real Monsters
Brian Gallagher
2019 Finalist
314 Pages
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Fiction - Supernatural
Reviewed by Maureen Dangarembizi for Readers' Favorite
Real Monsters by Brian Gallagher is a horror novel in its own league. When Frank Ort, a former resident of the Bohemian Forest, tells his great-grandson, Sean O’Shea, what he’d seen in his homeland, he has no idea the story would have far-reaching consequences in the future. Sean never forgot his great-grandfather’s story and now that he wants to write a new novel he is inspired to prove the existence of supernatural creatures like vampires and werewolves. Sean and his friends expect to find a basis for all the superstitions in Europe but not to actually find real monsters. Not only do they attract dangerous creatures of the night, but their presence in Europe attracts an old foe. Craig Breedlove has escaped Winnebago Mental Health Institute and has resumed murdering men of the cloth. On his way to the Vatican, Breedlove learns that his former captors are nearby.
It has been a long time since I read a horror story that surprised me and Real Monsters has done so in the best way possible. This story is not just horror but has splashes of romance, crime, and drama that give it a unique flavor. The fact that Brian Gallagher addresses the controversial topic of Catholic priest abuses and cover-ups makes for an interesting read. This was my favorite subplot. Depending on who is reading, the villain becomes something of a hero, an avenger of the innocents. It was so satisfying for the perpetrators to be punished, at least in this fictional story. Real Monsters also exposes some of the weaknesses in society that let wicked men continue to do evil acts without reprisal. This book is a must-read for fans of horror and conspiracy theory fiction like The DaVinci Code.
Real Monsters by Brian Gallagher is a horror novel in its own league. When Frank Ort, a former resident of the Bohemian Forest, tells his great-grandson, Sean O’Shea, what he’d seen in his homeland, he has no idea the story would have far-reaching consequences in the future. Sean never forgot his great-grandfather’s story and now that he wants to write a new novel he is inspired to prove the existence of supernatural creatures like vampires and werewolves. Sean and his friends expect to find a basis for all the superstitions in Europe but not to actually find real monsters. Not only do they attract dangerous creatures of the night, but their presence in Europe attracts an old foe. Craig Breedlove has escaped Winnebago Mental Health Institute and has resumed murdering men of the cloth. On his way to the Vatican, Breedlove learns that his former captors are nearby.
It has been a long time since I read a horror story that surprised me and Real Monsters has done so in the best way possible. This story is not just horror but has splashes of romance, crime, and drama that give it a unique flavor. The fact that Brian Gallagher addresses the controversial topic of Catholic priest abuses and cover-ups makes for an interesting read. This was my favorite subplot. Depending on who is reading, the villain becomes something of a hero, an avenger of the innocents. It was so satisfying for the perpetrators to be punished, at least in this fictional story. Real Monsters also exposes some of the weaknesses in society that let wicked men continue to do evil acts without reprisal. This book is a must-read for fans of horror and conspiracy theory fiction like The DaVinci Code.
Recommend this book:
The Meadows
London Clarke
2019 Honorable Mention
379 Pages
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Fiction - Supernatural
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
The Meadows by London Clarke is a terrifying tale of the supernatural. Scarlett, fresh out of rehab, needed a new start and The Meadows in the Shenandoah Valley seemed like the right place. A huge mansion going for a song; she planned to turn it into a bed and breakfast but other forces had different ideas. Voices, fleeting glimpses of shadows, a lady in black and a strange substance dripping through the ceiling. Strange people start to give Scarlett warnings and then a tunnel is found, running under the house. After Scarlett is injured by a malevolent spirit, she decides she must fight back. She has no idea what she is about to unleash; a 10-year-old murder, satanic cults and demons - things are about to take on an even more nightmarish quality. Can Scarlett survive demonic and human forces? Or will she run and leave it all behind?
The Meadows is another great offering by London Clarke, full of suspense and terror. Once I started to read, I couldn’t put the book down. London Clarke has an excellent way with words and she really knows how to draw a reader in. I think she dealt with the subject of alcohol and drug abuse very well, weaving it neatly into a story will thrill all fans of the supernatural genre. The characters are drawn out gradually through the story, with more details about their backgrounds and lives being woven deftly in, threading throughout the entire story. There is a lot going on here; supernatural violence, sexual situations (nothing graphic), satanic cults, demons, malevolent spirits, and the inevitable ghost hunting team. Great story! I did wonder, at the end, whether there would be a sequel to this book. I hope so!
The Meadows by London Clarke is a terrifying tale of the supernatural. Scarlett, fresh out of rehab, needed a new start and The Meadows in the Shenandoah Valley seemed like the right place. A huge mansion going for a song; she planned to turn it into a bed and breakfast but other forces had different ideas. Voices, fleeting glimpses of shadows, a lady in black and a strange substance dripping through the ceiling. Strange people start to give Scarlett warnings and then a tunnel is found, running under the house. After Scarlett is injured by a malevolent spirit, she decides she must fight back. She has no idea what she is about to unleash; a 10-year-old murder, satanic cults and demons - things are about to take on an even more nightmarish quality. Can Scarlett survive demonic and human forces? Or will she run and leave it all behind?
The Meadows is another great offering by London Clarke, full of suspense and terror. Once I started to read, I couldn’t put the book down. London Clarke has an excellent way with words and she really knows how to draw a reader in. I think she dealt with the subject of alcohol and drug abuse very well, weaving it neatly into a story will thrill all fans of the supernatural genre. The characters are drawn out gradually through the story, with more details about their backgrounds and lives being woven deftly in, threading throughout the entire story. There is a lot going on here; supernatural violence, sexual situations (nothing graphic), satanic cults, demons, malevolent spirits, and the inevitable ghost hunting team. Great story! I did wonder, at the end, whether there would be a sequel to this book. I hope so!
Recommend this book:
 by Jeff Altabef. Sixteen years ago, Steven left Philadelphia to embark on a secret and dangerous career. To k...){kind=link}
Devil's Den
A Nephilim Thriller - Book 1
Jeff Altabef
2019 Bronze Medal
379 Pages
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Fiction - Supernatural
Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite
A man looking for his mother after many years of estrangement unexpectedly finds himself embroiled in a demonic war that threatens the continuity of the world in the exciting and action-packed novel, Devil's Den (A Nephilim Thriller Book 1) by Jeff Altabef. Sixteen years ago, Steven left Philadelphia to embark on a secret and dangerous career. To keep Kate, the only woman he ever loved, safe from his enemies and his darker side, he never returned ... until now. Recently, the demons which continually hound Steven, trying to turn him, have stepped up their harassment. To get answers to why they are attached to him, Steven returns to his childhood neighborhood to find the solution to his burgeoning dilemma. While searching for the cause behind his tortured past, Steven receives a cry for help from Kate. Her daughter, Megan, has been abducted and Kate wants Steven to rescue her. With demons fast on his heels, Steven discovers that an ancient evil plan of doom and destruction is under way. The kidnappers are into something far more diabolical than anyone can imagine, and more than Megan's life is at stake. Has the battle for the end of the world been initiated? What has Steven to do with it?
Non-stop action and chills abound in the astounding speculative novel, Devil's Den (A Nephilim Thriller Book 1) by Jeff Altabef. This book has a thrilling plot, complete with formidable characters, magnificently blended with heart-pounding scenes filled with blood and guts. It starts with a bang and continues to build to an explosive finish. The book is set in the year 2041 in a realistic and lifelike dystopian story world that is disturbingly close to the current state of our planet. With government control and the clear distinctions between classes, it doesn't take much imagination to see the story unfold in our lifetime. All the elements in the story mesh well together to form an extraordinary novel that will enthrall those who enjoy books set in the real world with a touch of violence and a supernatural twist.
A man looking for his mother after many years of estrangement unexpectedly finds himself embroiled in a demonic war that threatens the continuity of the world in the exciting and action-packed novel, Devil's Den (A Nephilim Thriller Book 1) by Jeff Altabef. Sixteen years ago, Steven left Philadelphia to embark on a secret and dangerous career. To keep Kate, the only woman he ever loved, safe from his enemies and his darker side, he never returned ... until now. Recently, the demons which continually hound Steven, trying to turn him, have stepped up their harassment. To get answers to why they are attached to him, Steven returns to his childhood neighborhood to find the solution to his burgeoning dilemma. While searching for the cause behind his tortured past, Steven receives a cry for help from Kate. Her daughter, Megan, has been abducted and Kate wants Steven to rescue her. With demons fast on his heels, Steven discovers that an ancient evil plan of doom and destruction is under way. The kidnappers are into something far more diabolical than anyone can imagine, and more than Megan's life is at stake. Has the battle for the end of the world been initiated? What has Steven to do with it?
Non-stop action and chills abound in the astounding speculative novel, Devil's Den (A Nephilim Thriller Book 1) by Jeff Altabef. This book has a thrilling plot, complete with formidable characters, magnificently blended with heart-pounding scenes filled with blood and guts. It starts with a bang and continues to build to an explosive finish. The book is set in the year 2041 in a realistic and lifelike dystopian story world that is disturbingly close to the current state of our planet. With government control and the clear distinctions between classes, it doesn't take much imagination to see the story unfold in our lifetime. All the elements in the story mesh well together to form an extraordinary novel that will enthrall those who enjoy books set in the real world with a touch of violence and a supernatural twist.
Recommend this book:
The Melancholy History Of Mayfly
Mutch Katsonga
2019 Silver Medal
462 Pages
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Fiction - Supernatural
Reviewed by Lesley Jones for Readers' Favorite
In The Melancholy History Of Mayfly by Mutch Katsonga, a man sits alone and afraid in the squalor of his prison cell, reflecting on his life in his final few hours. A priest convinces him to write his thoughts and feelings down on paper to heal his soul before he bids farewell to the world. As he begins the painful journey into his memory, he retraces the events that led him to his fate. Raised by his mother in a town filled with superstition, his unique 'gift' becomes a curse that separates him from his peers and the world around him. The taunts and rejection of the townspeople result in a reclusive life with only vivid nightmares for company. He enjoys his ‘secret wanderings’ away from the eyes of others, where he meets his kindred spirit, Gemini. This brutally honest account of a man contemplating his life as he faces death will touch your heart.
The author is an absolute master of taking you on the journey with the tortured soul of the protagonist. This is much more than a supernatural story but more one of human relationships and the power that self-doubt can have on your perception of reality. There are such heartwarming passages throughout the story, and his relationship with Gemini was a true love story. I felt immersed in this tragic story from the first page and warmed to the main character considerably. There are many intense moments in the story, the feelings of remorse a person has when they look back on their life and the regrets they may have.
This quotation resounded so strongly for me: ‘When a person can learn to conquer their fears, their anger, their insecurities, their prejudices…only then can they testify to having a real strength. Only when a person learns to conquer their heart, can they achieve any measure of greatness.’ This summed up the message behind this tragic tale. The twist at the end was a superb example of great storytelling; all the loose ends and unanswered questions in the plot were resolved. The ending was simple but profound. I would highly recommend this book to anyone that appreciates the art of excellent descriptive writing, a unique story line and a book that makes you reflect on your own life.
In The Melancholy History Of Mayfly by Mutch Katsonga, a man sits alone and afraid in the squalor of his prison cell, reflecting on his life in his final few hours. A priest convinces him to write his thoughts and feelings down on paper to heal his soul before he bids farewell to the world. As he begins the painful journey into his memory, he retraces the events that led him to his fate. Raised by his mother in a town filled with superstition, his unique 'gift' becomes a curse that separates him from his peers and the world around him. The taunts and rejection of the townspeople result in a reclusive life with only vivid nightmares for company. He enjoys his ‘secret wanderings’ away from the eyes of others, where he meets his kindred spirit, Gemini. This brutally honest account of a man contemplating his life as he faces death will touch your heart.
The author is an absolute master of taking you on the journey with the tortured soul of the protagonist. This is much more than a supernatural story but more one of human relationships and the power that self-doubt can have on your perception of reality. There are such heartwarming passages throughout the story, and his relationship with Gemini was a true love story. I felt immersed in this tragic story from the first page and warmed to the main character considerably. There are many intense moments in the story, the feelings of remorse a person has when they look back on their life and the regrets they may have.
This quotation resounded so strongly for me: ‘When a person can learn to conquer their fears, their anger, their insecurities, their prejudices…only then can they testify to having a real strength. Only when a person learns to conquer their heart, can they achieve any measure of greatness.’ This summed up the message behind this tragic tale. The twist at the end was a superb example of great storytelling; all the loose ends and unanswered questions in the plot were resolved. The ending was simple but profound. I would highly recommend this book to anyone that appreciates the art of excellent descriptive writing, a unique story line and a book that makes you reflect on your own life.
Recommend this book:
Truly Unfortunate
Knollville Curses Book 1
C.A. King
2019 Gold Medal
158 Pages
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Fiction - Supernatural
Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite
Life is hard for 24-year-old Truly Alaney. She works three jobs to keep living in an apartment owned by a horrible landlord and to pay for her psychiatric consultations. She has trouble sleeping and suffers from nightmares. She has no memories of her childhood. When certain individuals die from ostensibly unfortunate accidents, something from her past seems to be the culprit. Truly Unfortunate (Knollville Curses, Book 1) by C.A. King is set in Knollville, a decent town with decent parks with “well-sculptured gardens and ornamental trees”. It starts like a subtle psychological drama where a young woman has to endure unscrupulous men and hard-earned living. When deaths start to occur, the plot reveals that it has more layers that one might think.
Truly is easy to empathize with but Jeff and Miranda are a pair of detectives who raise the mystery vibe up a notch. Initially, I had to slightly suspend disbelief with Jeff as he seemed a bit too conveniently intuitive. That said, when all the dots are connected and a hidden truth is revealed, all the strange happenstances make sense. King’s Truly Unfortunate is a swift-paced supernatural tale with a good dose of mystery and horror. The ending has some ambiguity regarding protagonist Truly that I feel is fitting, which also makes a great start for the Knollville Curses series. This is a solid story from King and I look forward to reading the next book.
Life is hard for 24-year-old Truly Alaney. She works three jobs to keep living in an apartment owned by a horrible landlord and to pay for her psychiatric consultations. She has trouble sleeping and suffers from nightmares. She has no memories of her childhood. When certain individuals die from ostensibly unfortunate accidents, something from her past seems to be the culprit. Truly Unfortunate (Knollville Curses, Book 1) by C.A. King is set in Knollville, a decent town with decent parks with “well-sculptured gardens and ornamental trees”. It starts like a subtle psychological drama where a young woman has to endure unscrupulous men and hard-earned living. When deaths start to occur, the plot reveals that it has more layers that one might think.
Truly is easy to empathize with but Jeff and Miranda are a pair of detectives who raise the mystery vibe up a notch. Initially, I had to slightly suspend disbelief with Jeff as he seemed a bit too conveniently intuitive. That said, when all the dots are connected and a hidden truth is revealed, all the strange happenstances make sense. King’s Truly Unfortunate is a swift-paced supernatural tale with a good dose of mystery and horror. The ending has some ambiguity regarding protagonist Truly that I feel is fitting, which also makes a great start for the Knollville Curses series. This is a solid story from King and I look forward to reading the next book.
Recommend this book:
Witches Protection Program
Michael Phillip Cash
2018 Finalist
216 Pages
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Fiction - Supernatural
Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite
Witches Protection Program by Michael Phillip Cash finds Wes Rockville confronted with the last thing he expected: witches. After Wes has failed to transport one prisoner, he's given one last chance to prove himself and save his career. His father sends him to the Witches Protection Program to work with Alastair Verne. His first assignment is to investigate a cosmetic company's upcoming release of Pendragon Glow face cream, which turns out to be a witch's sinister plan of a global takeover. Wes isn't sure how much he believes in witches until he's tasked with protecting the cosmetic company heiress, Morgan Pendragon, who happens to have a few spells up her sleeve.
Michael Phillip Cash has a sharp humor, often drawing it out of action moments, and through Wes as he learns about witches and magic. Wes is the outcast of his perfect family, not quite living up to what his brother has accomplished, so he's sent to this secret program to find a place for himself. Alastair has been at the job a while so he has all the answers and brings Wes into this hidden world of magic and spells, good and evil. Morgan knows there's something going on with the glow cream that her aunt hasn't shared, but she's also loyal and has a deep understanding of right and wrong. She's very strong-willed and is anything but a damsel in distress, which makes her so likable. Witches Protection Program is a unique gem, one that's fast-paced with twists, action, and fun characters.
Witches Protection Program by Michael Phillip Cash finds Wes Rockville confronted with the last thing he expected: witches. After Wes has failed to transport one prisoner, he's given one last chance to prove himself and save his career. His father sends him to the Witches Protection Program to work with Alastair Verne. His first assignment is to investigate a cosmetic company's upcoming release of Pendragon Glow face cream, which turns out to be a witch's sinister plan of a global takeover. Wes isn't sure how much he believes in witches until he's tasked with protecting the cosmetic company heiress, Morgan Pendragon, who happens to have a few spells up her sleeve.
Michael Phillip Cash has a sharp humor, often drawing it out of action moments, and through Wes as he learns about witches and magic. Wes is the outcast of his perfect family, not quite living up to what his brother has accomplished, so he's sent to this secret program to find a place for himself. Alastair has been at the job a while so he has all the answers and brings Wes into this hidden world of magic and spells, good and evil. Morgan knows there's something going on with the glow cream that her aunt hasn't shared, but she's also loyal and has a deep understanding of right and wrong. She's very strong-willed and is anything but a damsel in distress, which makes her so likable. Witches Protection Program is a unique gem, one that's fast-paced with twists, action, and fun characters.
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