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Recommend this book:
The Pyres of Destiny
D.M. Earley
2022 Finalist
454 Pages
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Fiction - Suspense
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
The Pyres of Destiny is the second novel in the Call of Destiny Series by D.M. Earley. Jake and Samuel get visions of oncoming danger. Rattled and a little scared out of their current peaceful existence, Jake shares his vision with Dakota and that creates chaos they never anticipated. Even though they passed the trials, the past still comes knocking on their door. A group of people known as The Six wants Jake to pay the price for his mistakes. They want him to suffer, and The Six know the heaviest punishment for Jake would be to offer Dakota as a sacrifice. With the harrowing visions of a doomed future constantly torturing him, Jake knows he will have to make some tough decisions if he wants to keep Dakota safe and sound.
Author D.M. Earley’s word selection makes The Pyres of Destiny hyperrealistic. I fell in love with the narrative style and how each description was painstakingly vivid. The transition between Jake’s visions and reality, the conflict of The Six, and Jake’s dilemma are all handled with perfection. The pace of the story is fast without being overwhelming. The narrative style is intriguing as well as simple; a nice combination that keeps the attention of readers on the story. The suspense was alive in the story, in fact, it was almost the protagonist. Rowtag plays a very important role in the story (and he is, perhaps, the main source of suspense), and his riddles confused me. The author adds just the right number of twists and turns to make sure readers can never guess what will happen next in the story. D.M. Earley did a lot of research about the Native American culture and spirituality, and you can tell that by the depth with which he handles those themes. I would highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a good suspense novel.
The Pyres of Destiny is the second novel in the Call of Destiny Series by D.M. Earley. Jake and Samuel get visions of oncoming danger. Rattled and a little scared out of their current peaceful existence, Jake shares his vision with Dakota and that creates chaos they never anticipated. Even though they passed the trials, the past still comes knocking on their door. A group of people known as The Six wants Jake to pay the price for his mistakes. They want him to suffer, and The Six know the heaviest punishment for Jake would be to offer Dakota as a sacrifice. With the harrowing visions of a doomed future constantly torturing him, Jake knows he will have to make some tough decisions if he wants to keep Dakota safe and sound.
Author D.M. Earley’s word selection makes The Pyres of Destiny hyperrealistic. I fell in love with the narrative style and how each description was painstakingly vivid. The transition between Jake’s visions and reality, the conflict of The Six, and Jake’s dilemma are all handled with perfection. The pace of the story is fast without being overwhelming. The narrative style is intriguing as well as simple; a nice combination that keeps the attention of readers on the story. The suspense was alive in the story, in fact, it was almost the protagonist. Rowtag plays a very important role in the story (and he is, perhaps, the main source of suspense), and his riddles confused me. The author adds just the right number of twists and turns to make sure readers can never guess what will happen next in the story. D.M. Earley did a lot of research about the Native American culture and spirituality, and you can tell that by the depth with which he handles those themes. I would highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a good suspense novel.
Recommend this book:
Chasing Time
Thomas Reilly
2022 Bronze Medal
213 Pages
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Fiction - Suspense
Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite
Racing against the clock, a man searches the world to find a cure for his ailing wife in the suspense novel Chasing Time by Thomas Reilly. Tony's eighth-grade class participates in the opening of a time capsule closed sixty years ago in 1905. A drawing after the assembly gives one student the privilege of taking the items home to share with their family. Tony wins the lottery but isn't all that thrilled with a tattered newspaper and old marbles. While carrying them home, Tony spies a strangely shaped key lying on the ground and picks it up. When he places it in the box with the other objects, the strange key emits a red light. Looking closer, Tony notices the date on the newspaper is no longer 1905, but now it is sixty years into his future. Eager to share the experience with his best friend, Anthony rushes to school the following morning. The key disappears on the way to school, and the paper returns to its previous form. What happened, and why was Tony given a glimpse of the future? How will this extraordinary incident affect his life?
Chasing Time by Thomas Reilly is a fascinating story that follows the life of a man who has a strong connection with time. Tony, the main character, competes with the clock in an effort to solve a tragic situation, giving the story a sense of urgency. It had me sitting on the edge of my seat until the conclusion. Past and present intermingle with the mysterious key at the crux, creating an intriguing and suspenseful storyline. Including beautifully depicted backdrops set in Spain and ancient Rome, a mysterious artifact with arcane aspects, and a race against the clock, this intriguing novel promises to entertain those who enjoy a good mystery with just a hint of the supernatural.
Racing against the clock, a man searches the world to find a cure for his ailing wife in the suspense novel Chasing Time by Thomas Reilly. Tony's eighth-grade class participates in the opening of a time capsule closed sixty years ago in 1905. A drawing after the assembly gives one student the privilege of taking the items home to share with their family. Tony wins the lottery but isn't all that thrilled with a tattered newspaper and old marbles. While carrying them home, Tony spies a strangely shaped key lying on the ground and picks it up. When he places it in the box with the other objects, the strange key emits a red light. Looking closer, Tony notices the date on the newspaper is no longer 1905, but now it is sixty years into his future. Eager to share the experience with his best friend, Anthony rushes to school the following morning. The key disappears on the way to school, and the paper returns to its previous form. What happened, and why was Tony given a glimpse of the future? How will this extraordinary incident affect his life?
Chasing Time by Thomas Reilly is a fascinating story that follows the life of a man who has a strong connection with time. Tony, the main character, competes with the clock in an effort to solve a tragic situation, giving the story a sense of urgency. It had me sitting on the edge of my seat until the conclusion. Past and present intermingle with the mysterious key at the crux, creating an intriguing and suspenseful storyline. Including beautifully depicted backdrops set in Spain and ancient Rome, a mysterious artifact with arcane aspects, and a race against the clock, this intriguing novel promises to entertain those who enjoy a good mystery with just a hint of the supernatural.
Recommend this book:
The Fortuna Coin
Karen Ann Hopkins
2022 Silver Medal
305 Pages
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Fiction - Suspense
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
The Fortuna Coin is a thriller-drama novel written by Karen Ann Hopkins. Recently married Wendy Catalano's life sees an abrupt end when her ex-husband, Josh Taylor, shockingly kills her new husband, Ben Engel, and her four daughters before killing himself and Wendy. However, due to an ancient coin belonging to their family, Wendy is unceremoniously transported seventeen years back to the year when she met her future killer. Plagued by visions about a yet-to-be-lived life, Wendy finds herself falling for two different men. She marries Josh, leading her toward a psychologically abusive and physically violent relationship. Meanwhile, she continues to harbor feelings for Ben, leaving him with a letter noting the momentous events in his future. Can Wendy take advantage of her second chance?
A gripping drama centered around an abusive relationship, The Fortuna Coin is a thoughtful exploration of domestic abuse and toxic relationships. Author Karen Ann Hopkins presents a raw and authentic portrayal of a woman trapped in a loveless and abusive marriage, showcasing the ways an abuser manipulates their victims to stick by them. The plot is well-paced, and you never see the twists and turns. I found Hopkins's characterization thoroughly compelling. Each character feels well-developed, with complex layers to their personalities that make them utterly absorbing to read. You find yourself rooting for Wendy all the way through. The climax feels bittersweet yet satisfying nonetheless. If you're itching for a well-written, character-driven drama that explores a vital social issue, The Fortuna Coin is the book for you.
The Fortuna Coin is a thriller-drama novel written by Karen Ann Hopkins. Recently married Wendy Catalano's life sees an abrupt end when her ex-husband, Josh Taylor, shockingly kills her new husband, Ben Engel, and her four daughters before killing himself and Wendy. However, due to an ancient coin belonging to their family, Wendy is unceremoniously transported seventeen years back to the year when she met her future killer. Plagued by visions about a yet-to-be-lived life, Wendy finds herself falling for two different men. She marries Josh, leading her toward a psychologically abusive and physically violent relationship. Meanwhile, she continues to harbor feelings for Ben, leaving him with a letter noting the momentous events in his future. Can Wendy take advantage of her second chance?
A gripping drama centered around an abusive relationship, The Fortuna Coin is a thoughtful exploration of domestic abuse and toxic relationships. Author Karen Ann Hopkins presents a raw and authentic portrayal of a woman trapped in a loveless and abusive marriage, showcasing the ways an abuser manipulates their victims to stick by them. The plot is well-paced, and you never see the twists and turns. I found Hopkins's characterization thoroughly compelling. Each character feels well-developed, with complex layers to their personalities that make them utterly absorbing to read. You find yourself rooting for Wendy all the way through. The climax feels bittersweet yet satisfying nonetheless. If you're itching for a well-written, character-driven drama that explores a vital social issue, The Fortuna Coin is the book for you.
Recommend this book:
Those We Trust
Marie Jones
2022 Gold Medal
322 Pages
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Fiction - Suspense
Reviewed by Jennifer Ibiam for Readers' Favorite
Sophia Meadows had just gone through a divorce after years of marriage. As a high-flying computer programmer, she took solace in her job. Aneella came along, a friend whom Sophia hadn’t seen in ten years. She convinced Sophia to spend time at her Inverness home in the Scottish Highlands. Unfortunately, there was an ulterior motive, and Sophia will find out that not all that glitters is gold. As evidence piles up against her for crimes she knows nothing about, Sophia doesn’t know who to trust. But when she falls in love with DI Marcus Armstrong, the investigator on the case, she must prove her innocence, even if it means putting her life on the line. Those We Trust by Marie Jones has all these exciting details.
Those We Trust by Marie Jones is a romantic crime thriller that is both refreshing and riveting. The plot was quite unusual but realistic and unique. I loved the character development as it was perfect. Aneella was less the prey and more of a predator as far as I’m concerned. This book taught me that it’s not mandatory to hold on to some friendships. If people show us who they are, it’s in our best interests to believe them instead of giving them the benefit of the doubt. There is a hidden depth to humans that we can’t fathom. We should learn to put our foot down because that may be our saving grace. Marie is a gifted storyteller who has written a captivating book. The writing was stylish, and the book was easy to follow. I eagerly await the sequel!
Sophia Meadows had just gone through a divorce after years of marriage. As a high-flying computer programmer, she took solace in her job. Aneella came along, a friend whom Sophia hadn’t seen in ten years. She convinced Sophia to spend time at her Inverness home in the Scottish Highlands. Unfortunately, there was an ulterior motive, and Sophia will find out that not all that glitters is gold. As evidence piles up against her for crimes she knows nothing about, Sophia doesn’t know who to trust. But when she falls in love with DI Marcus Armstrong, the investigator on the case, she must prove her innocence, even if it means putting her life on the line. Those We Trust by Marie Jones has all these exciting details.
Those We Trust by Marie Jones is a romantic crime thriller that is both refreshing and riveting. The plot was quite unusual but realistic and unique. I loved the character development as it was perfect. Aneella was less the prey and more of a predator as far as I’m concerned. This book taught me that it’s not mandatory to hold on to some friendships. If people show us who they are, it’s in our best interests to believe them instead of giving them the benefit of the doubt. There is a hidden depth to humans that we can’t fathom. We should learn to put our foot down because that may be our saving grace. Marie is a gifted storyteller who has written a captivating book. The writing was stylish, and the book was easy to follow. I eagerly await the sequel!
Recommend this book:
The Divine Devils
Book One
Randy Weir
2021 Finalist
440 Pages
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Fiction - Suspense
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Divine Devils is a work of fiction in the thriller, suspense, and action sub-genres, and was penned by author R. Weir. The opening work to a continuing series, this novel is intended for mature reading audiences owing to the inclusion of explicit language throughout, and some non-graphic references to sex and violence. In this tale, we meet protagonist Hunter Divine, a former US Marshal seeking something to put his life back together. When he happens upon a case threatening to kidnap a pair of siblings, and a mother who is down to her very last prayer, Hunter must rally his team and take on an enemy so vast that it seems impossible to succeed against them.
Author R. Weir has crafted a highly suspenseful work of thriller fiction with this unusual presentation of crimefighting and all-out action against a twisted, evil foe. One of the things which impressed me most of all was the characterization of Hunter Divine, who goes beyond the simplistic stereotype of a damaged former hero and offers us a deeply empathetic soul and a powerful psychological profile of a man with something to hope for. The plot unfurls with fantastic pacing, delivering plenty of cinematic action scenes with vivid descriptions, but perfectly balancing these out with intelligent exposition and tense moments of calm before the storm. Overall, I would highly recommend The Divine Devils for fans of slick action novels with sharp edges, as well as those who appreciate an intelligent plot and a well-crafted hero with plenty of highs and lows.
The Divine Devils is a work of fiction in the thriller, suspense, and action sub-genres, and was penned by author R. Weir. The opening work to a continuing series, this novel is intended for mature reading audiences owing to the inclusion of explicit language throughout, and some non-graphic references to sex and violence. In this tale, we meet protagonist Hunter Divine, a former US Marshal seeking something to put his life back together. When he happens upon a case threatening to kidnap a pair of siblings, and a mother who is down to her very last prayer, Hunter must rally his team and take on an enemy so vast that it seems impossible to succeed against them.
Author R. Weir has crafted a highly suspenseful work of thriller fiction with this unusual presentation of crimefighting and all-out action against a twisted, evil foe. One of the things which impressed me most of all was the characterization of Hunter Divine, who goes beyond the simplistic stereotype of a damaged former hero and offers us a deeply empathetic soul and a powerful psychological profile of a man with something to hope for. The plot unfurls with fantastic pacing, delivering plenty of cinematic action scenes with vivid descriptions, but perfectly balancing these out with intelligent exposition and tense moments of calm before the storm. Overall, I would highly recommend The Divine Devils for fans of slick action novels with sharp edges, as well as those who appreciate an intelligent plot and a well-crafted hero with plenty of highs and lows.
Recommend this book:
Who's Watching Maddie?
Veronica Mixon
2021 Honorable Mention
289 Pages
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Fiction - Suspense
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Who's Watching Maddie? is a work of fiction in the women’s fiction, interpersonal drama, crime, and suspense sub-genres, and was penned by author Veronica Mixon. Centered on the theme of child abduction, this thrilling and heart-wrenching read takes us through the events of a daughter’s kidnapping and a husband’s disappearance, in which a variety of interesting points of view protagonists reveal the plot piece by piece. We meet Deirdre Stephens, the wife and mother, suddenly thrown into the world of black markets and cartels to save her family, and State Department Agent Julia Shaw, willing to risk almost anything to navigate the case and bring the kidnapped daughter home.
Author Veronica Mixon writes with compelling force to deliver an unstoppable page-turner that will keep readers guessing right to its fascinating conclusions. One of the things I really loved about Mixon’s approach is the attention to different levels of genre and atmosphere, which keeps the crime threads rolling out for suspense, but also beautifully paces the heartfelt emotions and strong female protagonists from the women’s fiction angle. This makes the book feel uniquely penned and realistically drawn as a story, and it is this realism which makes it all the more frightening and exciting in the places where it reaches true darkness and anguish. I found myself most drawn to Julia in terms of personality, but all the POV characters are so well developed that everyone will have their favorite. Overall, I would highly recommend Who's Watching Maddie? as an accomplished work of realistic and emotive crime fiction.
Who's Watching Maddie? is a work of fiction in the women’s fiction, interpersonal drama, crime, and suspense sub-genres, and was penned by author Veronica Mixon. Centered on the theme of child abduction, this thrilling and heart-wrenching read takes us through the events of a daughter’s kidnapping and a husband’s disappearance, in which a variety of interesting points of view protagonists reveal the plot piece by piece. We meet Deirdre Stephens, the wife and mother, suddenly thrown into the world of black markets and cartels to save her family, and State Department Agent Julia Shaw, willing to risk almost anything to navigate the case and bring the kidnapped daughter home.
Author Veronica Mixon writes with compelling force to deliver an unstoppable page-turner that will keep readers guessing right to its fascinating conclusions. One of the things I really loved about Mixon’s approach is the attention to different levels of genre and atmosphere, which keeps the crime threads rolling out for suspense, but also beautifully paces the heartfelt emotions and strong female protagonists from the women’s fiction angle. This makes the book feel uniquely penned and realistically drawn as a story, and it is this realism which makes it all the more frightening and exciting in the places where it reaches true darkness and anguish. I found myself most drawn to Julia in terms of personality, but all the POV characters are so well developed that everyone will have their favorite. Overall, I would highly recommend Who's Watching Maddie? as an accomplished work of realistic and emotive crime fiction.
Recommend this book:
Operation Navajo
A Tracker Novel
Anita Dickason
2021 Bronze Medal
268 Pages
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Fiction - Suspense
Reviewed by Stefan Vucak for Readers' Favorite
A call from the Federal Reserve Chairman at three in the morning, and Scott Fleming, head of the FBI Tracker Unit, finds himself thrown into a conspiracy to kill the Chairman. The US is preparing to switch to a gold-based dollar, which has upset some powerful bankers around the world, but killing the Chairman would not stop the changeover. Was the threat against the Chairman a distraction? Scott assigns a very special agent to probe into the pending gold-based currency launch and uncover who would want to eliminate the Chairman, and why. An Interpol plant in the Federal Reserve provides Scott with damning evidence against a prominent Senator and senior department personnel who are plotting to profit from the gold-based currency launch and cripple the international financial system. A computer program activates the gold-based currency system, and Scott’s team must find a way to avert a global financial disaster.
From the first page, Operation Navajo thrusts readers into a tangled world of high-powered politics and global finance, and the workings of a special FBI team determined to overcome all obstacles in solving the case. Anita Dickason spins an intricate tale with exquisite writing that compels the reader to keep turning the pages to find out what happens next. The plan to disrupt the global financial system is absurdly simple, but the plotters did not count on having to tangle with Scott’s team. Anita Dickason gradually lifts tension, leaving the reader wondering whether the FBI can in fact stop the plotters in time. Operation Navajo is very much plot-driven, with little characterization, but the density of writing and plot intricacy carry the book superbly, leaving the reader totally satisfied. A first-rate effort by Anita Dickason.
A call from the Federal Reserve Chairman at three in the morning, and Scott Fleming, head of the FBI Tracker Unit, finds himself thrown into a conspiracy to kill the Chairman. The US is preparing to switch to a gold-based dollar, which has upset some powerful bankers around the world, but killing the Chairman would not stop the changeover. Was the threat against the Chairman a distraction? Scott assigns a very special agent to probe into the pending gold-based currency launch and uncover who would want to eliminate the Chairman, and why. An Interpol plant in the Federal Reserve provides Scott with damning evidence against a prominent Senator and senior department personnel who are plotting to profit from the gold-based currency launch and cripple the international financial system. A computer program activates the gold-based currency system, and Scott’s team must find a way to avert a global financial disaster.
From the first page, Operation Navajo thrusts readers into a tangled world of high-powered politics and global finance, and the workings of a special FBI team determined to overcome all obstacles in solving the case. Anita Dickason spins an intricate tale with exquisite writing that compels the reader to keep turning the pages to find out what happens next. The plan to disrupt the global financial system is absurdly simple, but the plotters did not count on having to tangle with Scott’s team. Anita Dickason gradually lifts tension, leaving the reader wondering whether the FBI can in fact stop the plotters in time. Operation Navajo is very much plot-driven, with little characterization, but the density of writing and plot intricacy carry the book superbly, leaving the reader totally satisfied. A first-rate effort by Anita Dickason.
Recommend this book:
The Last Insurgent
Book 2 in the Michael Wolfe Saga
J.C. Fields
2021 Silver Medal
387 Pages
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Fiction - Suspense
Reviewed by Trix Lee for Readers' Favorite
The Last Insurgent is the second book in J.C. Fields’ Michael Wolfe Saga. Sniper extraordinaire Michael and his ex-Mossad agent wife Nadia Picard-Wolfe are pulled back into the game to stop a sinister terrorist plot. Our lethal couple faces Danny McCaffrey, a former IRA member, an expert bomb-maker, and overall dangerous mercenary killer. From the mountains of Iran down to the harbors of Ireland and all the way to the suburban streets of the USA East Coast, Michael and Nadia race against time to prevent a disaster that could shake up the world.
I truly enjoyed reading The Last Insurgent. The plot was well thought-out, the pacing of the story was good, and the dialogues were effective. The suspense was kept up throughout the entire book and the action sequences were thrilling. I liked the way the narration was done, alternating among the characters spread out in various locations and with scenes that are sometimes sequential and sometimes even simultaneous. This is a movie waiting to happen! I especially liked the dynamics between Michael and Nadia, the loving marriage that they share, the lethal prowess that they have, and the dutiful principles that they uphold. The Wolfe couple is a good example of a healthy and supportive partnership between two independent and equally capable individuals. Marriage goals, I’d say! Of course with the exception of making enemies out of dangerous men like McCaffrey, a man who leaves trails of death and destruction every step of the way. J.C. Fields is an excellent storyteller. The Last Insurgent is a plot-driven, suspenseful read that does not slow down until the very end. The narrative was superb, the details well-researched, and the conclusion was satisfying. I’m looking forward to the next book in this saga.
The Last Insurgent is the second book in J.C. Fields’ Michael Wolfe Saga. Sniper extraordinaire Michael and his ex-Mossad agent wife Nadia Picard-Wolfe are pulled back into the game to stop a sinister terrorist plot. Our lethal couple faces Danny McCaffrey, a former IRA member, an expert bomb-maker, and overall dangerous mercenary killer. From the mountains of Iran down to the harbors of Ireland and all the way to the suburban streets of the USA East Coast, Michael and Nadia race against time to prevent a disaster that could shake up the world.
I truly enjoyed reading The Last Insurgent. The plot was well thought-out, the pacing of the story was good, and the dialogues were effective. The suspense was kept up throughout the entire book and the action sequences were thrilling. I liked the way the narration was done, alternating among the characters spread out in various locations and with scenes that are sometimes sequential and sometimes even simultaneous. This is a movie waiting to happen! I especially liked the dynamics between Michael and Nadia, the loving marriage that they share, the lethal prowess that they have, and the dutiful principles that they uphold. The Wolfe couple is a good example of a healthy and supportive partnership between two independent and equally capable individuals. Marriage goals, I’d say! Of course with the exception of making enemies out of dangerous men like McCaffrey, a man who leaves trails of death and destruction every step of the way. J.C. Fields is an excellent storyteller. The Last Insurgent is a plot-driven, suspenseful read that does not slow down until the very end. The narrative was superb, the details well-researched, and the conclusion was satisfying. I’m looking forward to the next book in this saga.
Recommend this book:
Deciduous
Michael Devendorf
2021 Gold Medal
353 Pages
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Fiction - Suspense
Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite
Deciduous by Michael Devendorf features mystery and the paranormal, with strong hints of a fast-moving, enthralling thriller. Sienna loses her two children within ten months. Meanwhile, she struggles to keep her sanity after this devastating loss while striving to keep the memories of her children alive. A visit to the treehouse where Kai died conjures up images that are not just disturbing but terrifying. Something is absolutely wrong with the treehouse… or with Sienna. But then evidence from law enforcement shows that Kai’s death wasn’t accidental. Psychologically disturbed and convinced that someone or something sinister had a part to play in her children’s deaths, Sienna must navigate a treacherous path, facing mistrust from neighbors, to unveil the mystery. When dark secrets are laid bare, will she be found standing and still sane?
Michael Devendorf plunges the reader into the mindscape of the protagonist and crafts scenes that are not just focused but disturbing. At one point, the reader thinks they know who Sienna is and then in the next moment they are doubting if they really knew her. But she doesn’t fail as a character to engage readers emotionally, winning their sympathy. The opening is fantastic, emotionally charged, and electrifying. The premise is strong and the author introduces the conflict immediately. Characters like Jordan, Sienna’s husband, and Yvonne, her neighbor, are elaborately written and they are characters that enrich the plot in ways that are more than ordinary. Deciduous is a twisty tale with strong psychological hints, cleverly plotted, and with outstanding characterization. It is a real page-turner.
Deciduous by Michael Devendorf features mystery and the paranormal, with strong hints of a fast-moving, enthralling thriller. Sienna loses her two children within ten months. Meanwhile, she struggles to keep her sanity after this devastating loss while striving to keep the memories of her children alive. A visit to the treehouse where Kai died conjures up images that are not just disturbing but terrifying. Something is absolutely wrong with the treehouse… or with Sienna. But then evidence from law enforcement shows that Kai’s death wasn’t accidental. Psychologically disturbed and convinced that someone or something sinister had a part to play in her children’s deaths, Sienna must navigate a treacherous path, facing mistrust from neighbors, to unveil the mystery. When dark secrets are laid bare, will she be found standing and still sane?
Michael Devendorf plunges the reader into the mindscape of the protagonist and crafts scenes that are not just focused but disturbing. At one point, the reader thinks they know who Sienna is and then in the next moment they are doubting if they really knew her. But she doesn’t fail as a character to engage readers emotionally, winning their sympathy. The opening is fantastic, emotionally charged, and electrifying. The premise is strong and the author introduces the conflict immediately. Characters like Jordan, Sienna’s husband, and Yvonne, her neighbor, are elaborately written and they are characters that enrich the plot in ways that are more than ordinary. Deciduous is a twisty tale with strong psychological hints, cleverly plotted, and with outstanding characterization. It is a real page-turner.
Recommend this book:
 by Alicia Anthony. From the age of ten, Olivia Sullivan understood she was different from everybody else. Beginning with her cousin's death, ...){kind=link}
Inherent Truth
Blood Secrets Book 1
Alicia Anthony
2020 Finalist
376 Pages
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Fiction - Suspense
Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite
A California psychic is caught up in a web of lies, deceit, and murder when she returns to her Ohio home for her grandmother's funeral, in the spectacular suspense novel, Inherent Truth (Blood Secrets Book 1) by Alicia Anthony. From the age of ten, Olivia Sullivan understood she was different from everybody else. Beginning with her cousin's death, Liv began experiencing vivid dreams and visions. Unable to accept Liv's abilities, her mother takes her to doctors and medicates her. The only person who makes Liv feel accepted is her grandmother. After leaving college, Liv works for a psychic phone network. One afternoon, she receives a call from a client who threatens her life, and a vision of a woman's murder overtakes her. A couple of weeks later, her grandmother dies, and Liv flies home to Ohio. Visiting Liv in her dreams, her grandmother requests she help a small girl who eerily resembles Liv. In the meantime, someone breaks into her house and vandalizes it, leaving behind a decomposed body in a trunk. Is the dead woman connected to the girl in Liv's visions? Is she the next intended victim?
Filled with subterfuge and intrigue, Inherent Truth (Blood Secrets Book 1) by Alicia Anthony is a breathtaking suspense novel enhanced with elements of parapsychology. The sensational story includes a thrilling storyline, a riveting plot, and distinctive characters. Switching between Liv's voice and the third person, the pacing of the story moves along remarkably well. It is an exceptional novel, and I recommend it to anyone who loves breathtaking suspense intertwined with a paranormal theme. It is the first book in a series, and I look forward to reading more of Ms. Anthony's work!
A California psychic is caught up in a web of lies, deceit, and murder when she returns to her Ohio home for her grandmother's funeral, in the spectacular suspense novel, Inherent Truth (Blood Secrets Book 1) by Alicia Anthony. From the age of ten, Olivia Sullivan understood she was different from everybody else. Beginning with her cousin's death, Liv began experiencing vivid dreams and visions. Unable to accept Liv's abilities, her mother takes her to doctors and medicates her. The only person who makes Liv feel accepted is her grandmother. After leaving college, Liv works for a psychic phone network. One afternoon, she receives a call from a client who threatens her life, and a vision of a woman's murder overtakes her. A couple of weeks later, her grandmother dies, and Liv flies home to Ohio. Visiting Liv in her dreams, her grandmother requests she help a small girl who eerily resembles Liv. In the meantime, someone breaks into her house and vandalizes it, leaving behind a decomposed body in a trunk. Is the dead woman connected to the girl in Liv's visions? Is she the next intended victim?
Filled with subterfuge and intrigue, Inherent Truth (Blood Secrets Book 1) by Alicia Anthony is a breathtaking suspense novel enhanced with elements of parapsychology. The sensational story includes a thrilling storyline, a riveting plot, and distinctive characters. Switching between Liv's voice and the third person, the pacing of the story moves along remarkably well. It is an exceptional novel, and I recommend it to anyone who loves breathtaking suspense intertwined with a paranormal theme. It is the first book in a series, and I look forward to reading more of Ms. Anthony's work!
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