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Recommend this book:
The Canticle of Ibiza
Justin Kurian
2024 Finalist
394 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Golder Hazelton for Readers' Favorite
Everything that happens in Justin Kurian’s The Canticle of Ibiza does so in an ever-present miasma of the mystical. Set, as the title suggests, on the enchanting isle of Ibiza in the late 1980s, this fascinating novel focuses on John, a recently divorced and recently unemployed hedge fund manager who becomes disillusioned with his life and livelihood. He sells his Manhattan apartment and takes off for Ibiza in hopes of a fresh start and of tracking down an old friend with whom he had a shared artistic vision and whom he deeply disappointed fifteen years prior when he decided to pursue his career in finance. As we experience John’s initiation into Ibiza’s eclectic society and follow him on the quest to find his long-lost friend, we also experience a unique armchair tour of what most certainly must be one of the world’s most exotic and breathtaking destinations.
The cast of characters is colorful and fiercely free-thinking in offbeat and delightful ways. The characters are drawn in marvelously inventive detail, the dialogue is pure genius, and the author has a rare and magical way of leading his readers into events and conversations in the most unexpected and unforeseeable ways, making for tantalizing surprises on every page. By the end of the novel, readers will feel as if they have made new friends of their own. The writing style is masterful, with many uncommon words perfectly positioned to let readers savor the uniqueness of the narrative. Justin Kurian’s The Canticle of Ibiza has it all: adventure, romance, humor, drama, magic, mystery, and even a life lesson or two worth remembering. In short, it is a unique and wonderful reading experience, ideal for anyone seeking an imaginative escape from the mundane world.
Everything that happens in Justin Kurian’s The Canticle of Ibiza does so in an ever-present miasma of the mystical. Set, as the title suggests, on the enchanting isle of Ibiza in the late 1980s, this fascinating novel focuses on John, a recently divorced and recently unemployed hedge fund manager who becomes disillusioned with his life and livelihood. He sells his Manhattan apartment and takes off for Ibiza in hopes of a fresh start and of tracking down an old friend with whom he had a shared artistic vision and whom he deeply disappointed fifteen years prior when he decided to pursue his career in finance. As we experience John’s initiation into Ibiza’s eclectic society and follow him on the quest to find his long-lost friend, we also experience a unique armchair tour of what most certainly must be one of the world’s most exotic and breathtaking destinations.
The cast of characters is colorful and fiercely free-thinking in offbeat and delightful ways. The characters are drawn in marvelously inventive detail, the dialogue is pure genius, and the author has a rare and magical way of leading his readers into events and conversations in the most unexpected and unforeseeable ways, making for tantalizing surprises on every page. By the end of the novel, readers will feel as if they have made new friends of their own. The writing style is masterful, with many uncommon words perfectly positioned to let readers savor the uniqueness of the narrative. Justin Kurian’s The Canticle of Ibiza has it all: adventure, romance, humor, drama, magic, mystery, and even a life lesson or two worth remembering. In short, it is a unique and wonderful reading experience, ideal for anyone seeking an imaginative escape from the mundane world.
Recommend this book:
The Seed of Corruption
A.I. Fabler
2024 Finalist
456 Pages
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Fiction - Intrigue
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
The Seed of Corruption: A Novel by A.I. Fabler is an action-packed conspiracy thriller with two powerful protagonists. Anton Faraday is a British wildlife painter who loves nature and wants to capture and beautify it in his art. However, things turn bad when someone makes a copy of one of his best paintings and makes money from it. Angry and desperate for answers, Anton packs his bags and travels to Vietnam to find the culprit. There he meets the pretty and fierce Caroline Brinkley, a freelance journalist on the hunt for her adoptive brother and a breakthrough story. They decide to travel together without knowing the SARS epidemic is ready to strike and make life hell for everyone in the country. Now, Anton and Caroline have to find what they are looking for, survive the epidemic, and come out of this ordeal in one piece. Seems impossible, right?
The suspense is alive in The Seed of Corruption. Author A.I. Fabler is a magician with words and storytelling. Some twists and turns make the story more entertaining, the dialogues are refreshing, and the character development is on point. There is not a moment where the reader is confused. The plot is intricate, intense, and packed full of action. You can feel when Anton is lost and feeling the pressure of being overwhelmed by his surroundings. The descriptions are evocative and vivid enough to make you feel like you are right next to Caroline and Anton. The two work together very well and make the perfect sleuth duo. The themes of art theft and missing family members run in the background as Anton and Caroline grow and develop. You can tell Fabler did a lot of research on the SARS epidemic in Vietnam and its surrounding countries and that enhances the reading experience. Loved it!
The Seed of Corruption: A Novel by A.I. Fabler is an action-packed conspiracy thriller with two powerful protagonists. Anton Faraday is a British wildlife painter who loves nature and wants to capture and beautify it in his art. However, things turn bad when someone makes a copy of one of his best paintings and makes money from it. Angry and desperate for answers, Anton packs his bags and travels to Vietnam to find the culprit. There he meets the pretty and fierce Caroline Brinkley, a freelance journalist on the hunt for her adoptive brother and a breakthrough story. They decide to travel together without knowing the SARS epidemic is ready to strike and make life hell for everyone in the country. Now, Anton and Caroline have to find what they are looking for, survive the epidemic, and come out of this ordeal in one piece. Seems impossible, right?
The suspense is alive in The Seed of Corruption. Author A.I. Fabler is a magician with words and storytelling. Some twists and turns make the story more entertaining, the dialogues are refreshing, and the character development is on point. There is not a moment where the reader is confused. The plot is intricate, intense, and packed full of action. You can feel when Anton is lost and feeling the pressure of being overwhelmed by his surroundings. The descriptions are evocative and vivid enough to make you feel like you are right next to Caroline and Anton. The two work together very well and make the perfect sleuth duo. The themes of art theft and missing family members run in the background as Anton and Caroline grow and develop. You can tell Fabler did a lot of research on the SARS epidemic in Vietnam and its surrounding countries and that enhances the reading experience. Loved it!
Recommend this book:
The Sound of Her Smile
A Jensy Willett Novel
Sara Scott
2024 Silver Medal
335 Pages
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Fiction - LGBTQ
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
The Sound of Her Smile: A Jensy Willett Novel by Sara Scott is the second novel in the series where Jensy grows through the highs and lows of life. Jensy made a huge mistake, and Sophie was devastated. The mistake was enough to break them apart, but somehow, they persevered. Neither Sophie nor Jensy was perfect, but they were ready to look past their mistakes and try to rebuild their lives once again. It wasn’t easy for Sophie to forgive Jensy, but she did, and the couple was working toward happiness once more. However, their world came crashing down when something terrible happened and threatened to tear them apart again. When tragedy struck at Jensy’s school, and everything seemed lost, the couple was reminded why they loved each other so much. When the going got tough, Jensy and Sophie understood what was most important for them.
I adored this novel. The Sound of Her Smile was everything I loved and wanted from an entertaining story. It had action, emotions, strong characters, a good plot, plenty of twists, and fantastic descriptions to keep me hooked until the end. I loved the name of the story; it felt very beautiful and poetic to me. I picked it up solely for that reason. However, once I'd finished the prologue, I was very glad I chose this book. Jensy was a strong woman, but it was Sophie who gave her the strength to be better. Sophie was the light of the story, and I fell in love with her immediately. Jensy was complex, while Sophie was an open book. They complemented each other incredibly well. Their relationship was soothing, it felt real, and I was enthralled by their story. The pace was fast, and author Sara Scott made sure her readers were settled in nicely with the characters before she let the chaos begin (I loved that!). I highly recommend this series.
The Sound of Her Smile: A Jensy Willett Novel by Sara Scott is the second novel in the series where Jensy grows through the highs and lows of life. Jensy made a huge mistake, and Sophie was devastated. The mistake was enough to break them apart, but somehow, they persevered. Neither Sophie nor Jensy was perfect, but they were ready to look past their mistakes and try to rebuild their lives once again. It wasn’t easy for Sophie to forgive Jensy, but she did, and the couple was working toward happiness once more. However, their world came crashing down when something terrible happened and threatened to tear them apart again. When tragedy struck at Jensy’s school, and everything seemed lost, the couple was reminded why they loved each other so much. When the going got tough, Jensy and Sophie understood what was most important for them.
I adored this novel. The Sound of Her Smile was everything I loved and wanted from an entertaining story. It had action, emotions, strong characters, a good plot, plenty of twists, and fantastic descriptions to keep me hooked until the end. I loved the name of the story; it felt very beautiful and poetic to me. I picked it up solely for that reason. However, once I'd finished the prologue, I was very glad I chose this book. Jensy was a strong woman, but it was Sophie who gave her the strength to be better. Sophie was the light of the story, and I fell in love with her immediately. Jensy was complex, while Sophie was an open book. They complemented each other incredibly well. Their relationship was soothing, it felt real, and I was enthralled by their story. The pace was fast, and author Sara Scott made sure her readers were settled in nicely with the characters before she let the chaos begin (I loved that!). I highly recommend this series.
Recommend this book:
The Significant
Kyra Anderson
2024 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - LGBTQ
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
In The Significant by Kyra Anderson, a precarious living situation has Kailynn experiencing the aftermath of a night of heavy drinking with her roommate, Raphael. Despite her challenging circumstances, she prefers this life over illicit activities in a wealthier district. Her brother, Theo, proposes a risky plan involving a stolen Elite's ID card to shut down the planet's central control system, Venus. Kailynn cautiously agrees. They infiltrate a warehouse to execute the mission, facing uncertain outcomes. After escaping the Ninth Circle, she hides in Raphael's apartment, narrating her evasion of the guards. Desperate to save Theo, Kailynn adopts a new identity and works as a Significant, offering companionship to the wealthy. Her connection with Elite Isa deepens as she accepts an unusual job opportunity. However, their relationship faces scrutiny, and events take a dangerous turn when Isa falls victim to a Pulse Virus attack and Kailynn must decide where her loyalties really lie.
I did not know what to expect going into The Significant by Kyra Anderson, but boy, am I glad I took a chance on Anderson and her protagonist, Kailynn. I love stories where the lines between what a character thinks they want and what they end up desperate to get are blurred. I also enjoy storylines where women are able to fully explore their sexuality, and Anderson gives us a little bit of everything in Kailynn's arc. Isa is something of an enigma when we first meet, but as Anderson slowly unfurls the plot, we are able to find out where the Elite stand and where Kailynn falls into all of it. The world-building is spectacular, as is the social structure. Kailynn's status is eerily reminiscent of real-world scenarios and the lengths a person is willing to go to for the security of their family. Kailynn's evolution is believable, and in a genre-bending dystopian, that is a testament to Anderson's skill as a writer. The sizzle is pitch-perfect, and there is plenty of room for the journey to go, including prequels. I hope to find more of Anderson's work in the future. Very highly recommended.
In The Significant by Kyra Anderson, a precarious living situation has Kailynn experiencing the aftermath of a night of heavy drinking with her roommate, Raphael. Despite her challenging circumstances, she prefers this life over illicit activities in a wealthier district. Her brother, Theo, proposes a risky plan involving a stolen Elite's ID card to shut down the planet's central control system, Venus. Kailynn cautiously agrees. They infiltrate a warehouse to execute the mission, facing uncertain outcomes. After escaping the Ninth Circle, she hides in Raphael's apartment, narrating her evasion of the guards. Desperate to save Theo, Kailynn adopts a new identity and works as a Significant, offering companionship to the wealthy. Her connection with Elite Isa deepens as she accepts an unusual job opportunity. However, their relationship faces scrutiny, and events take a dangerous turn when Isa falls victim to a Pulse Virus attack and Kailynn must decide where her loyalties really lie.
I did not know what to expect going into The Significant by Kyra Anderson, but boy, am I glad I took a chance on Anderson and her protagonist, Kailynn. I love stories where the lines between what a character thinks they want and what they end up desperate to get are blurred. I also enjoy storylines where women are able to fully explore their sexuality, and Anderson gives us a little bit of everything in Kailynn's arc. Isa is something of an enigma when we first meet, but as Anderson slowly unfurls the plot, we are able to find out where the Elite stand and where Kailynn falls into all of it. The world-building is spectacular, as is the social structure. Kailynn's status is eerily reminiscent of real-world scenarios and the lengths a person is willing to go to for the security of their family. Kailynn's evolution is believable, and in a genre-bending dystopian, that is a testament to Anderson's skill as a writer. The sizzle is pitch-perfect, and there is plenty of room for the journey to go, including prequels. I hope to find more of Anderson's work in the future. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Taste of Her Silence
A Jensy Willett Novel
Sara Scott
2024 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Literary
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Taste of Her Silence is a work of fiction in the LGBTQ+, interpersonal drama, and slice-of-life genres. It is best suited to the adult reading audience owing to some scenes of a sexual nature. Penned by author Sara Scott, this novel presents the unforgettable conclusion to the Jensy Willett trilogy, delving into themes of love, loss, resilience, and renewal. Jensy Willett reflects on the extraordinary events of her life over the past eight years, from her recovery as a school shooting victim to her success as a photographer and her deepening love for her wife, Sophie. However, an unexpected phone call shatters her world, forcing her to confront devastating loss and test the limits of her strength. Will Jensy succumb to despair or rise from the ashes to embrace the pleasures life still offers? This poignant tale explores the transcendent power of love in the face of unbearable sadness, making it a powerful conclusion to Jensy's story.
Author Sara Scott has crafted an emotional journey that brings together several threads of emotional storytelling to reach a strong conclusion against impossible challenges. The smooth flow of the narrative captures the complexities of love and loss with subtle realism, drawing readers into Jensy's world with vivid, descriptive prose and authentic emotion conveyed in speech and thought. The character development throughout the novel is exceptional, and I found myself deeply invested in Jensy's journey, thanks to the close narration that allows us to see every high and low and her reactions and processing. The unexpected twists and turns of the plot are placed well to keep the action fresh, but they never feel gimmicky or melodramatic, and the powerful themes of resilience and renewal resonated long after I finished the book. Overall, The Taste of Her Silence is a beautifully written concluding novel, showcasing Sara Scott's talent for storytelling and leaving readers with a profound appreciation for life's joys and sorrows.
The Taste of Her Silence is a work of fiction in the LGBTQ+, interpersonal drama, and slice-of-life genres. It is best suited to the adult reading audience owing to some scenes of a sexual nature. Penned by author Sara Scott, this novel presents the unforgettable conclusion to the Jensy Willett trilogy, delving into themes of love, loss, resilience, and renewal. Jensy Willett reflects on the extraordinary events of her life over the past eight years, from her recovery as a school shooting victim to her success as a photographer and her deepening love for her wife, Sophie. However, an unexpected phone call shatters her world, forcing her to confront devastating loss and test the limits of her strength. Will Jensy succumb to despair or rise from the ashes to embrace the pleasures life still offers? This poignant tale explores the transcendent power of love in the face of unbearable sadness, making it a powerful conclusion to Jensy's story.
Author Sara Scott has crafted an emotional journey that brings together several threads of emotional storytelling to reach a strong conclusion against impossible challenges. The smooth flow of the narrative captures the complexities of love and loss with subtle realism, drawing readers into Jensy's world with vivid, descriptive prose and authentic emotion conveyed in speech and thought. The character development throughout the novel is exceptional, and I found myself deeply invested in Jensy's journey, thanks to the close narration that allows us to see every high and low and her reactions and processing. The unexpected twists and turns of the plot are placed well to keep the action fresh, but they never feel gimmicky or melodramatic, and the powerful themes of resilience and renewal resonated long after I finished the book. Overall, The Taste of Her Silence is a beautifully written concluding novel, showcasing Sara Scott's talent for storytelling and leaving readers with a profound appreciation for life's joys and sorrows.
Recommend this book:
Life at the Precipice
R F Vincent
2024 Bronze Medal
300 Pages
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Fiction - Literary
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Life at the Precipice by R F Vincent is a fantasy that revolves around Travis Sivart, a former air navigator haunted by PTSD, who takes an interest in the mystery of The Segway, a secluded community formed after a catastrophic earthquake in 1959. Cut off from the world by landslides and nestled atop a seismic abyss, The Segway lures Travis in with a clipping detailing a mythical sea creature lurking in its depths. As Travis immerses himself in the eccentric world of The Segway, he encounters a diverse array of inhabitants, each harboring secrets and stories of their own. Through his exploration, Travis confronts his past traumas while seeking redemption, solace, and even answers that dance somewhere between the past and the present, against the backdrop of an unconventional existence.
Life at the Precipice by R F Vincent is an immediate drop into fantasy and a masterclass in subverting a reader's expectations and inviting them instead to consider the limitations of their own perceptions and interpretations. Whether it is Jub's posh tuxedo and reliance on outdated newspapers to convey The Segway's remoteness and detachment from the outside world, Travis's search for answers that reflect his sense of isolation and longing for connection, or the General's penchant for embellishment and forgetfulness that demonstrate the subjective nature of truth, nothing in Vincent's incredible storytelling is predictable. The dialogue is intelligent, with turns of phrase, innuendo, and patterns that distinguish one quirky character from the next, and all from Travis. No surprise is greater than the one Travis must confront in the search for his truth, and the mission that evolves as a powerful, albeit heartbreaking symbol of remembrance and closure. Very highly recommended.
Life at the Precipice by R F Vincent is a fantasy that revolves around Travis Sivart, a former air navigator haunted by PTSD, who takes an interest in the mystery of The Segway, a secluded community formed after a catastrophic earthquake in 1959. Cut off from the world by landslides and nestled atop a seismic abyss, The Segway lures Travis in with a clipping detailing a mythical sea creature lurking in its depths. As Travis immerses himself in the eccentric world of The Segway, he encounters a diverse array of inhabitants, each harboring secrets and stories of their own. Through his exploration, Travis confronts his past traumas while seeking redemption, solace, and even answers that dance somewhere between the past and the present, against the backdrop of an unconventional existence.
Life at the Precipice by R F Vincent is an immediate drop into fantasy and a masterclass in subverting a reader's expectations and inviting them instead to consider the limitations of their own perceptions and interpretations. Whether it is Jub's posh tuxedo and reliance on outdated newspapers to convey The Segway's remoteness and detachment from the outside world, Travis's search for answers that reflect his sense of isolation and longing for connection, or the General's penchant for embellishment and forgetfulness that demonstrate the subjective nature of truth, nothing in Vincent's incredible storytelling is predictable. The dialogue is intelligent, with turns of phrase, innuendo, and patterns that distinguish one quirky character from the next, and all from Travis. No surprise is greater than the one Travis must confront in the search for his truth, and the mission that evolves as a powerful, albeit heartbreaking symbol of remembrance and closure. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Broken Hummingbird
A Novel
Ann Marie Jackson
2024 Finalist
328 Pages
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Fiction - Literary
Reviewed by Nino Lobiladze for Readers' Favorite
Jane, her husband, Kevin, and two young sons, Liam and Connor, are part of a vibrant community of other ex-pats from the United States in San Miguel, Mexico. A local organization, Casa Mía, funds the construction of ten houses per year for families without a solid roof over their heads. Jane's heart aches for a hard-working woman named Nayeli. She wants her daughters, Dulce and Lupita, to get a proper education instead of making bricks with their mother. Jane vows to find additional funding to build them a house and soothe Nayeli's husband Pablo's violent temper. But Jane is trapped in a dysfunctional marriage with a bully husband who threatens to take her sons away. Jane cannot leave San Miguel, her true home, where her children are happy. An artistic soul, she has eerie dreams with heavenly messengers, hummingbirds. Will she be able to stand her ground against Kevin and help Nayeli? The Broken Hummingbird by Ann Marie Jackson is for fans of family and psychological drama, and novels centered around women.
The Broken Hummingbird shows us many sides of Mexico. Ann Marie Jackson creates an impressive background to reveal a dangerous world of domestic violence, kidnapping, and even "brujas," Mexican fortune-tellers, hidden behind the bright facade of a festive and beautiful San Miguel. Jackson's prose is psychologically profound and realistic, which makes us realize that she is familiar with San Miguel de Allende. I loved the powerful message of the novel. Jackson uncompromisingly raises the themes of women's rights, bullying, and domestic abuse, be it physical violence or psychological pressure on a victim. We follow Jane's development through many trials and confrontations with her manipulative husband. Also, we witness how passionately Jane absorbs Mexican culture, refining her inner world. Jackson crafted a reliable main character calling for our sympathy and compassion. Rich symbolism complements the strong plotline of this inspirational novel. Overall, The Broken Hummingbird is a remarkable debut of a talented author.
Jane, her husband, Kevin, and two young sons, Liam and Connor, are part of a vibrant community of other ex-pats from the United States in San Miguel, Mexico. A local organization, Casa Mía, funds the construction of ten houses per year for families without a solid roof over their heads. Jane's heart aches for a hard-working woman named Nayeli. She wants her daughters, Dulce and Lupita, to get a proper education instead of making bricks with their mother. Jane vows to find additional funding to build them a house and soothe Nayeli's husband Pablo's violent temper. But Jane is trapped in a dysfunctional marriage with a bully husband who threatens to take her sons away. Jane cannot leave San Miguel, her true home, where her children are happy. An artistic soul, she has eerie dreams with heavenly messengers, hummingbirds. Will she be able to stand her ground against Kevin and help Nayeli? The Broken Hummingbird by Ann Marie Jackson is for fans of family and psychological drama, and novels centered around women.
The Broken Hummingbird shows us many sides of Mexico. Ann Marie Jackson creates an impressive background to reveal a dangerous world of domestic violence, kidnapping, and even "brujas," Mexican fortune-tellers, hidden behind the bright facade of a festive and beautiful San Miguel. Jackson's prose is psychologically profound and realistic, which makes us realize that she is familiar with San Miguel de Allende. I loved the powerful message of the novel. Jackson uncompromisingly raises the themes of women's rights, bullying, and domestic abuse, be it physical violence or psychological pressure on a victim. We follow Jane's development through many trials and confrontations with her manipulative husband. Also, we witness how passionately Jane absorbs Mexican culture, refining her inner world. Jackson crafted a reliable main character calling for our sympathy and compassion. Rich symbolism complements the strong plotline of this inspirational novel. Overall, The Broken Hummingbird is a remarkable debut of a talented author.
Recommend this book:
The Witch Club
A Scottish Witches Mystery (Scottish Witches Mysteries)
Felicity Green
2024 Silver Medal
256 Pages
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Fiction - Magic/Wizardry
Reviewed by Priya Mathew for Readers' Favorite
Tarbet, a serene village nestled in Scotland’s Highlands, is the setting for The Witch Club, the first book in the Scottish Mysteries series by Felicity Green. Dessie McKendrick, a local B&B owner, has spent the last decade trying to find her husband, who went missing during their honeymoon. Disappointed with the efforts of the local law enforcement, Dessie tirelessly searches for answers. When another young hiker disappears under similar circumstances, Dessie is convinced that the new case is connected to the one from the past. Her efforts to get answers lead her to a local women’s club that has a secret. Despite the risks, Dessie is determined to uncover the truth and find answers to the questions that have plagued her for the last ten years. Will she be able to get to the bottom of things, or will she be the next victim?
The Witch Club by Felicity Green is an engaging mystery that hooked me from the very first chapter, with a plot combining mystery and supernatural elements. The first two chapters focus on Dessie's personal loss and ongoing investigation. This personal search coincides with a new disappearance, adding to the central mystery. Green’s descriptive and atmospheric writing style made me feel like I was in Tarbet, feeling a sense of dread and otherworldliness along with the characters. The narrative switches perspectives between chapters, providing a glimpse of the characters’ lives and interactions. With each chapter, the non-linear narrative effectively builds suspense by connecting past events with current ones. Dessie’s character is well-developed, with clear motivations and emotional depth. Green’s narrative had me invested in Dessie’s journey to solve this mystery. The other characters, including Andie, the other women in the local coven and the local Inspector Reid, add to the richness of the story. Although the narrative mainly focuses on grief and personal justice, it also touches upon secrets and the lengths people will go to protect them. The Witch Club is a good start to the series. I’ll be waiting to read what happens next.
Tarbet, a serene village nestled in Scotland’s Highlands, is the setting for The Witch Club, the first book in the Scottish Mysteries series by Felicity Green. Dessie McKendrick, a local B&B owner, has spent the last decade trying to find her husband, who went missing during their honeymoon. Disappointed with the efforts of the local law enforcement, Dessie tirelessly searches for answers. When another young hiker disappears under similar circumstances, Dessie is convinced that the new case is connected to the one from the past. Her efforts to get answers lead her to a local women’s club that has a secret. Despite the risks, Dessie is determined to uncover the truth and find answers to the questions that have plagued her for the last ten years. Will she be able to get to the bottom of things, or will she be the next victim?
The Witch Club by Felicity Green is an engaging mystery that hooked me from the very first chapter, with a plot combining mystery and supernatural elements. The first two chapters focus on Dessie's personal loss and ongoing investigation. This personal search coincides with a new disappearance, adding to the central mystery. Green’s descriptive and atmospheric writing style made me feel like I was in Tarbet, feeling a sense of dread and otherworldliness along with the characters. The narrative switches perspectives between chapters, providing a glimpse of the characters’ lives and interactions. With each chapter, the non-linear narrative effectively builds suspense by connecting past events with current ones. Dessie’s character is well-developed, with clear motivations and emotional depth. Green’s narrative had me invested in Dessie’s journey to solve this mystery. The other characters, including Andie, the other women in the local coven and the local Inspector Reid, add to the richness of the story. Although the narrative mainly focuses on grief and personal justice, it also touches upon secrets and the lengths people will go to protect them. The Witch Club is a good start to the series. I’ll be waiting to read what happens next.
Recommend this book:
Yuri and the Pig
C W Lovatt
2024 Bronze Medal
281 Pages
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Fiction - Military
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Yuri and the Pig is a work of fiction in the military, action, and adventure subgenres. It is best suited to adult readers owing to some scenes of violence and the use of explicit language. Penned by author C W Lovatt, this captivating and thought-provoking tale takes readers on an unexpected journey through war-torn Eastern Europe. At its heart, this book is about an ordinary man, Yuri, and his extraordinary quest, all while accompanied by his loyal pig. Yuri's character is brilliantly crafted, presenting a simple peasant who cares little for the political turmoil surrounding him. He is content with his life of tilling soil and tending to his animals until a burdensome tax forces him to take action. What follows is an epic adventure that challenges his beliefs and opens his eyes to the world beyond his village. As Yuri and his pig travel across a landscape marked by war and suffering, readers are taken on a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.
Author C W Lovatt's storytelling is masterful, blending humor, adventure, and deep philosophical questions seamlessly. Through its close personal narrative and detailed exploration of character, the book beautifully explores themes of injustice, the human condition, and the power of questioning one's deeply held beliefs. Yuri's transformation throughout the story is both heartwarming and profound, showcasing the impact of personal growth and introspection, not to mention the author’s talent for subtle, naturalistic character development. Overall, Yuri and the Pig is an interesting and thought-provoking read that lingers in the mind long after the last page is turned.
Yuri and the Pig is a work of fiction in the military, action, and adventure subgenres. It is best suited to adult readers owing to some scenes of violence and the use of explicit language. Penned by author C W Lovatt, this captivating and thought-provoking tale takes readers on an unexpected journey through war-torn Eastern Europe. At its heart, this book is about an ordinary man, Yuri, and his extraordinary quest, all while accompanied by his loyal pig. Yuri's character is brilliantly crafted, presenting a simple peasant who cares little for the political turmoil surrounding him. He is content with his life of tilling soil and tending to his animals until a burdensome tax forces him to take action. What follows is an epic adventure that challenges his beliefs and opens his eyes to the world beyond his village. As Yuri and his pig travel across a landscape marked by war and suffering, readers are taken on a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.
Author C W Lovatt's storytelling is masterful, blending humor, adventure, and deep philosophical questions seamlessly. Through its close personal narrative and detailed exploration of character, the book beautifully explores themes of injustice, the human condition, and the power of questioning one's deeply held beliefs. Yuri's transformation throughout the story is both heartwarming and profound, showcasing the impact of personal growth and introspection, not to mention the author’s talent for subtle, naturalistic character development. Overall, Yuri and the Pig is an interesting and thought-provoking read that lingers in the mind long after the last page is turned.
Recommend this book:
The Desk from Hoboken
A Genealogy Mystery
ML Condike
2024 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Desk from Hoboken is a work of fiction in the mystery, crime, and interpersonal drama subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience and was penned by author ML Condike. This enthralling and intricately woven mystery combines elements of genealogy, history, and suspense to achieve a unique atmosphere and puzzle to be solved. The story follows RaeJean Hunter, a forensic genealogist, as she embarks on what appears to be a straightforward case of identifying human remains from the 1800s. However, what begins as a seemingly routine project quickly spirals into a dangerous and complex investigation. The story is not only a compelling mystery but also a journey into the past, as RaeJean delves into the life of Mary Rogers, whose mysterious death inspired Edgar Allan Poe's work.
Author ML Condike has clearly done a lot of research and background work to achieve this exciting new novel that combines historical facts and genealogical techniques to create a rich and immersive narrative. As the plot unfolds, the tension and suspense build steadily for a great slow-burn feeling. Later, as the pace of the novel begins to quicken, the threats and dangers RaeJean faces will certainly keep you on the edge of your seat, and you can't help but become deeply invested in her quest for the truth. The characters are well-developed, and their motivations and actions are shrouded in mystery, adding to the intrigue as the more we get to know them, the more complex they become. It's a tale of hidden secrets, perseverance in the face of danger, and the enduring power of truth, which makes for a novel that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally engaging. Overall, if you enjoy mysteries that challenge your intellect and keep you guessing until the very end, then The Desk from Hoboken is a must-read.
The Desk from Hoboken is a work of fiction in the mystery, crime, and interpersonal drama subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience and was penned by author ML Condike. This enthralling and intricately woven mystery combines elements of genealogy, history, and suspense to achieve a unique atmosphere and puzzle to be solved. The story follows RaeJean Hunter, a forensic genealogist, as she embarks on what appears to be a straightforward case of identifying human remains from the 1800s. However, what begins as a seemingly routine project quickly spirals into a dangerous and complex investigation. The story is not only a compelling mystery but also a journey into the past, as RaeJean delves into the life of Mary Rogers, whose mysterious death inspired Edgar Allan Poe's work.
Author ML Condike has clearly done a lot of research and background work to achieve this exciting new novel that combines historical facts and genealogical techniques to create a rich and immersive narrative. As the plot unfolds, the tension and suspense build steadily for a great slow-burn feeling. Later, as the pace of the novel begins to quicken, the threats and dangers RaeJean faces will certainly keep you on the edge of your seat, and you can't help but become deeply invested in her quest for the truth. The characters are well-developed, and their motivations and actions are shrouded in mystery, adding to the intrigue as the more we get to know them, the more complex they become. It's a tale of hidden secrets, perseverance in the face of danger, and the enduring power of truth, which makes for a novel that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally engaging. Overall, if you enjoy mysteries that challenge your intellect and keep you guessing until the very end, then The Desk from Hoboken is a must-read.
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