Author Archives: authoranthonyavinablog

About authoranthonyavinablog

Anthony Avina, (Born March 1990), is an author, a journalist, and a blogger. Born in Southern California, he has battled through injuries, disabilities, moves back and forth across the country, and more, yet still maintains a creative voice that he hopes to use not only to entertain but to inspire hope in even the darkest situations. He writes short stories and novels in several genres, and is also a seasoned journalist for the online magazine, On Request Magazine, as well as the popular site TheGamer. Having grown up reading the books of Dean Koontz and Stephen King, they inspired him to write new and exciting stories that delved into the minds of richly developed characters. He constantly tries to write stories that have never been told before, and to paint a picture in your mind while you are reading the book, as if you could see every scene of the book as if it were a movie you were watching. His stories will get your imaginations working, and will also show that in spite of the most despairing and horrific situations, hope is never out of reach. He am always writing, and so there will never be a shortage of new stories for your reading pleasure. http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com

Life at the Coffin Joint (Deadwood Undertaker Series Book One) by Ann Charles and Sam Lucky Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

An undertaker must team up with two men searching for their uncle and discover a town of cutthroats and enemies galore in authors Ann Charles and Sam Lucky’s “Life at the Coffin Joint”, the first book in the Deadwood Undertaker series. 

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The Synopsis

Deadwood (late 1876) … A rowdy and reckless undertaker’s delight. What better place for a killer to blend in? Enter undertaker Clementine Johanssen, tall and deadly with a hot temper and short fuse, hired to clean up Deadwood’s dead … and the “other” problem. She’s hell-bent on poking, sticking, or stabbing anyone that steps out of line. But when a couple Santa Fe sidewinders ride into town searching for their missing uncle, they land neck deep in lethal gunplay, nasty cutthroats, and endless stinkin’ snow. Their search leads them to throw in with Clementine to hunt for a common enemy. What they find chills them all to the bone and sends them on an adventure they’ll never forget. From the bestselling, multiple award-winning, humorous Deadwood Mystery series comes a new herd of tales set in the same Deadwood stomping grounds, only back in the days when the Old West town was young.

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The Review

This was such a compelling blend of old-west tales meeting chilling occult horror novels. The fact that this book serves as a prequel to the author’s original Deadwood Humorous Mysteries series set in the modern day and a first in a brand new series made this even more compelling and had me eager to get into the true history of this infamous town. The powerful imagery helped bring the elements that the characters were forced to survive in and the town itself to life beautifully, underscoring the horror lurking just below the surface. 

What really stood out was on top of all of the amazing world-building and character development, the author also infused some amazing humor and romance into the narrative to make this a brilliant and well-rounded narrative. The mythos surrounding the Slayers and protagonist Clementine’s Norwegian heritage mix with the American North West mythos and occult horror aspects that the creatures and ghouls bring a sense of accomplishment and grandiose storytelling that keeps the reader invested in the journey itself, and the vast nature of Deadwood as a town and its significance historically in the series made this a thrilling ride. 

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The Verdict

Haunting, thrilling, and engaging, authors Ann Charles and Sam Lucky’s “Life at the Coffin Joint” is a must-read western occult horror novel and the best (and first) entry into the Deadwood Undertaker series. The twists and turns the narrative takes, the hilarious interactions the characters have with one another, the surprising romances, and the shocking horrors they all face will keep readers coming back, eager for more in this new series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Authors

Ann Charles is a USA Today Bestselling author who writes award-winning books that are splashed with humor, mystery, suspense, romance, supernatural elements, and whatever else sounds fun. 

Currently, she has many fiction books available in several different on-going series. 

From her ongoing multi-award winning Deadwood Mystery Series:

NEARLY DEPARTED IN DEADWOOD (book 1–multiple award-winning book for both mystery and romance/mystery); 

OPTICAL DELUSIONS IN DEADWOOD (book 2); 

DEAD CASE IN DEADWOOD (book 3-one of Suspense Magazine’s BEST OF 2012 books); 

BETTER OFF DEAD IN DEADWOOD (book 4); 

AN EX TO GRIND IN DEADWOOD (book 5–Grand Prize winner in Chanticleer Review’s Paranormal category; 

MEANWHILE, BACK IN DEADWOOD (book 6–one of Suspense Magazine’s BEST OF 2015 books);

A WILD FRIGHT IN DEADWOOD (book 7–one of Suspense Magazine’s BEST OF 2016 books); 

RATTLING THE HEAD IN DEADWOOD (book 8)

GONE HAUNTING IN DEADWOOD (book 9)

DON’T LET IT SNOW IN DEADWOOD (book 10)

DEVIL DAYS IN DEADWOOD (book 11)

NEVER SAY SEVER IN DEADWOOD (book 12)

(Book 13 coming in early 2023)

Also available from Ann are the first five books in her Jackrabbit Junction Mystery Series: 

DANCE OF THE WINNEBAGOS (book 1)

JACKRABBIT JUNCTION JITTERS (book 2)

THE GREAT JACKALOPE STAMPEDE (book 3)

THE ROWDY COYOTE RUMBLE (book 4)

A Thanksgiving novella titled, THE WILD TURKEY TANGO (book 4.5)

A Christmas novella titled, JACKRABBIT JINGLE BALLS (book 4.7)

IN CAHOOTS WITH THE PRICKLY PEAR POSSE (book 5)

TWISTY TORTOISE TUSSLES (book 6)

LOOK WHAT THE WIND BLEW IN (book 1) and MAKE NO BONES ABOUT IT (book 2), the first two books in her Dig Site Mystery-Archaeology series set in the Maya jungle, are available on Amazon, too. These books star Quint Parker, the brother of Violet Parker–the heroine in her Deadwood Mystery series. They are filled with mystery, humor, adventure, and a plenty of heat.

She has a western paranormal Deadwood Undertaker Series in process that is co-written with Sam Lucky:

LIFE AT THE COFFIN JOINT (book 1)

A LONG WAY FROM ORDINARY (book 2

CAN’T RIDE AROUND IT (book 3)

CATAWAMPUS CHRISTMAS CAROL (book 3.5)

THE BACKSIDE OF HADES (book 4)–coming in Fall 2022

She has several short stories as well–DEADWOOD SHORTS: SEEING TROUBLE (book 1.5), BOOT POINTS (book 4.5), COLD FLAME (book 6.5), TEQUILA & TIME (book 8.5), and FATAL TRADITIONS (book 10.5). These are all short stories from her Deadwood Mystery Series. Also, she has THE OLD MAN’S BACK IN TOWN, a short story from her future Goldwash Mystery Series.

In addition, Ann has two novellas in the AC Silly Circus Co. Mystery series: FERAL-LY FUNNY FREAKSHOW and A BUNCH OF MONKEY MALARKEY.

Stay tuned for more new books by Ann coming soon!

Ann has a B.A. in English with an emphasis on creative writing from the University of Washington. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and Western Writers of America. She is currently toiling away on her next book, wishing she was on a Mexican beach with an ice-cold Corona in one hand and a book in the other. When she is not dabbling in fiction, she is arm wrestling with her two kids, attempting to seduce her husband, and arguing with her sassy cats. You can find her on all major social media platforms.

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Sam Lucky likes to build things—from Jeep engines to Old West buildings to fun stories. When he is not writing, feeding his kids, attempting to seduce his wife, or tending the goldurn cats, he is planning food-based booksigning/road trips with his wife and working on one of his many home-improvement projects.

He writes the Deadwood Undertaker Series with Ann Charles.

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Killer with a Heart (Killers Book 1) by J.L. Hill Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

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The gritty streets of 1970s New York comes under fire when rival gangs and mobsters find themselves locked into a gang war that will soak the streets in blood in author J.L. Hill’s “Killer with a Heart”, the first book in the Killers series. 

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The Synopsis

Explore the workings of criminal masterminds in Killer With A Heart, a captivating action and suspense novel. In this heart-pounding tale, you will be taken to the feisty and intriguing world of the mafia. Discover the exhilarating turn of events as gangs struggle to rise up to power, a mafia boss craves for a beautiful sexy firebrand and an upcoming mob war unleashes hell’s fire on the streets of New York. An intoxicating must-read that will keep you hanging on the edges of your seats, this work features a dark, dangerous and deviant setting in which everything is not what it seems.

A raw in your face story of teenage love, lust, murder, and revenge set in the Bronx in the early seventies, where the cold business world of organize crime melds with the brutality of street gang warlords that ignites a winner takes all battle for underworld control.

Nicky ‘Nails’ Rocci’s gang is thick as thieves, but stealing mob money leads to murder. However, failing to kill Morris ‘Mojo’ Johnson is a costly mistake for the Banoa family that adds to Morris’ mystique.



Maria Marino is a bewitching beauty, a sexy firebrand that has captured the heart of the feared warlord, Morris.



Joey Banoa’s lust for Maria, Morris Johnson’s desire for vengeance, and Nicky’s aspirations to lead his gang to the top of the criminal scene will ignite a mob war and unleash Hellfire on the streets of New York.

Mafia Book Portrays the Deviant Face of Sex, Drugs and Violence. With an eclectic blend of romance, deception and seduction set in the elusive and complicated world of mob rule, this story leads one out of the complacency of ignorance and sets awareness on what truly goes on in an unconventional world, where money, power, and vengeance become the ultimate dictator of human survival. Employing a fascinating set of diverse characters, this story reflects how interracial influences come into play in a setting where connections and alliances are put on high regard. This work shows how people of different backgrounds can come together for a common goal, demonstrating how they forge a true friendship at a time when interracial relations were taboo.

Bookbaby.com helping independents – whether authors, publishers, musicians, filmmakers, or small businesses – bring their creative efforts to the marketplace.

The Review

As someone who has read the other books in this series as standalone stories, this first entry in the series not only provides some much-appreciated background info but allows the reader to connect the series into a more cohesive story. The author does a great job of establishing this world of mobsters and gangsters, bringing the seedy underworld of 70s-era New York City to a gritty pulp noir genre setting. The reader will definitely need to know about some of the more abrasive and harsh language used by all of the characters in this book, as racism, sexism, and violence run more rampant than ever before. 

The character development was entirely engaging in this book and helped to cement the action and suspense that this crime thriller brought to life. There was definitely a great establishment of iconic storytelling elements within this noir, from the conflict brewing between this gang and mob factions, the beautiful woman who has captured the attention of two rival gang leaders, and the brutality that each leader finds themselves capable of helps to establish the brutal future of these prominent characters in the series.

The Verdict

Memorable, visceral, and entertaining, author J.L. Hill’s “Killer with a Heart” is a fantastic start to this crime thriller series and a must-read for any fans of pulp noir era crime stories. The brutal reality of both the violence and societal aspects of life in the mob and gangs elevated the romance and action that brewed in this gripping thriller, making this a book readers won’t be able to put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

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A native New Yorker, born and raised in the Bronx, James L Hill spent his adolescence years in Fort Apache, the South Bronx 41st precinct during the 60’s, during a time when you needed to have a gang to go to the store. Raised on blues, soul, and rock and roll gave him the heart of a flower child. Educated by the turmoil of Vietnam, Civil Rights, and the Sexual Revolution produced a gladiator. Realizing the precariousness of life gave him an adventurous outlook and willingness to try anything once, and if it did not kill him, maybe twice. 12 years of Catholic education and a couple of years in college spread between wild drug induce euphoric years, which did not kill him, gave James an unique moral compass that swings in any direction it wants. A scientific mind and a spirit that believes nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough guides his writings. He enjoys traveling to new places and seeing what life has to offer. James began writing short stories and poetry back in his early years. In his twenties moved on to novels. He worked in the financial industry and later got a degree in computer programming, his other love. James has a successful career as a software engineer designing, developing and maintaining systems for the government and the private sector. He has been programming for nearly forty years in various languages. After years in the computer world he returned to his first love, unleashing the characters in his head. Still a hopeless insomniac, he feels free to pound out plots. James L Hill is a prolific storyteller writing crime stories, fantasies, and science fiction, with a slant on the dark side of life. The next step on his journey naturally led to the business of publishing. He started RockHill Publishing LLC not only to produce his own work, but to give others access to the literary world. His computer background and experiences in word processing gives him insight into what it takes to publish good books.

https://www.jlhill-books.com/index.html

Why Are You Sick?: Practical Tools For Wellness by Francie Soito Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Bookbaby.com helping independents – whether authors, publishers, musicians, filmmakers, or small businesses – bring their creative efforts to the marketplace.

Author and Reiki Master Francie Soito help guide readers to discover the origins of the pain in their life and how we are connected to our energy selves in the book “Why Are You Sick?” Practical Tools For Wellness”.

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The Synopsis

Why Are You Sick? Practical Tools For Wellness

Are you tired of being told it’s all in your head? And even though you feel awful, doctors are telling you there is nothing wrong with you? You are not alone! For nearly a decade, Reiki Master Francie Soito, saw similar patterns in her clients who struggled to find the source of their problems. Using her high-tech market research skills, Francie began to draw patterns between physical illnesses and the emotional and mental root causes behind them. Join Francie as she illustrates the mind-body connection like never before and learn about your energy body, chakras and most importantly, gain the practical tools on how to be well and whole again.

Step 1: Identify the point of impact

Where in your body are you experiencing pain or are you storing your stress? It will be the first thing that comes to mind. You might have more than one place pop up, just focus on the one that comes up first. If you have cancer, where did the first tumor originate? For example, if you have breast cancer the answer would be in your heart area, if it is sinuses it would be in your nose, if it’s back pain it would be lower, middle or upper back. If you have an all over body disorder like a blood disorder, inflammation, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, etc. start with the root chakra and work your way up.

Step 2: Pinpoint the source

Ask yourself what was going on in your life at the time the pain, stress first started or you received your diagnosis? What was going on in your life two years leading up to the first symptom? Take notes on the first things that come into your head. Examples to look out for are major life events like a death, job loss, divorce, car accident, relocation, break-up, etc. When you think about these events do you feel your body change physically? And if so, is it in the spot that you are having issues?

Step 3: Find the corresponding chakra

Match that part of your body from Step 1 with the Chakra Illustration Figure . Does the description of that chakra resonate with your feelings from Step 2 above?

Step 4: Jump to that chakra chapter

Step 5: Follow the steps to healing

Use the examples and the tools in the chakra chapters to help you be whole again.

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The Review

This was a thought-provoking and insightful guide. The author did an amazing job of balancing out the personal stories that put her on the path of Reiki and the instructional moments that guided the reader toward the issues they are facing in life and the corresponding chakras they are associated with. The relatability and the emotional connection the author is able to make to the material in the book helped keep the reader engaged with the guide. 

The way the author is able to connect spirituality and energy work to modern-day health concerns was truly thoughtful. As someone with multiple autoimmune diseases, it was interesting to see how the author was able to relate each chakra to various areas of the body and how the chakras connected to those areas as well. The way the author was able to relay the history of Reiki and energy work was so fascinating as well. 

The Verdict

Memorable, captivating, and engaging, author Francie Soito’s “Why Are You Sick?: Practical Tools For Wellness” is a must-read nonfiction book on health and spirituality. The enlightening way the author is able to relay this guide to readers and the emotional weight of the impact this will have on readers with health struggles who are searching for new ways of confronting their health issues and connecting to a higher energy self in the process made this an amazing book to read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Intuitive Empath / Healing Facilitator / Teacher / Author

Francie Soito has been practicing and teaching professionally since 2009. She has personally given over 2,000 healing sessions and has worked in medical clinics, cancer centers and homeless shelters. She teaches all levels of Reiki including additional workshops on Psychic Development, Mediumship, Angels, Chakras and more.

Francie is an Usui/Holy Fire II/Karuna® Reiki Master, a Certified Doreen Virtue Angel Card Reader™, an EFT Level 1 Practitioner, a Light Language Practitioner and a psychic medium. She has studied Mediumship with Leanne Thomas, Gordon Smith, Simone Key and Tony Stockwell. Francie completed year-long programs on Advanced Spirit Worker and Psychic Detective with Tony Stockwell.

She is also the author of Why Are You Sick? Practical Tools for Wellness.

Francie has a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from UC Berkeley where she studied Sociology, Anthropology and Physics.

Francie worked for nearly two decades in market research and data strategy for such high-tech companies as Macromedia, Yahoo and Facebook. She holds a patent for her work in data segmentation, is an author and public speaker.

She has been married for over twenty five years to the love of her life Mark. Francie has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, plays the drums, guitar and is the mother of three furry babies and lives walking distance from the Pacific Ocean in coastal California. You can reach her at http://www.franciesoito.com 

Wounded Hearts Take A Chance by Debbie Quigley Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Bookbaby.com helping independents – whether authors, publishers, musicians, filmmakers, or small businesses – bring their creative efforts to the marketplace.

A woman must open her broken heart up to the possibility of love once more in author Debbie Quigley’s “Wounded Hearts Take a Chance”. 

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The Synopsis

“It all started one fine summer’s day when a first-glance attraction walked into her yard . . .”

This little book takes you along the poetic, romantic path of a woman opening her broken heart to the possibility of loving again.

To do so, she must tear down the protective walls of aloneness she has built around herself, walls of safety thrown up in the wake of infidelity and betrayal.

Letting a man into her heart again, daring to trust and to feel love and passion once more, opening herself to the risk of suffering more pain, is a big leap . . . but it’s one worth taking, and one she’ll never regret.

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The Review

This was a quick yet profound collection of poetry. The author and poet do a spectacular job of crafting a collection that speaks volumes emotionally and lovingly in just a short compact read. The imagery and sparks that each poem brings to life echo the heartfelt emotions that the author hoped to relay to readers and inspire them. 

To me, what made this book really just sing was the balance of emotional depth and storytelling that each poem seemed to deliver. The author wrote this book to feel very much like a short film, capturing the fear, thrill, and hope that new love often stirs up inside us all. Yet on the other hand, the powerful message of overcoming heartbreak to accept love into one’s heart again came through as well and allowed the reader to truly connect to the author’s emotional journey which was both relatable and engaging.

The Verdict

Memorable, honest, and heartfelt, author Debbie Quigley’s “Wounded Hearts Take a Chance” is a must-read short collection of poetry. The depth and quality of each poem were equally balanced with the story and emotional journey that the poems collectively formed to keep the reader invested in this quick yet powerful read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Debbie Quigley, born in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, is also the author of the poetry collection Wind Whispers. A retired healthcare worker, she lives in a small hamlet surrounded by nature and wildlife. She loves to garden. Debbie’s “whisper-art” poetry is simple and real, telling a story. She has contributed to Spiritual Writers Network publications, and her poetry can also be found on Author’s Den.

The Negotiated Death of Sara Glen (All Our Forgotten Futures Book 1) by Brady Koch Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

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A young woman’s DNA may hold the key to saving the world from an emerging threat in author Brady Koch’s “The Negotiated Death of Sara Glen”, the first book in the All Our Forgotten Futures series.

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The Synopsis

The results of an at-home DNA testing kit reveal the key to eradicating an emerging threat. Getting that key may cost Sara her life.

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The Review

This was a thought-provoking and engaging ethical sci-fi meets suspense thriller. The emotional weight of the narrative and the illness that the protagonist is set to help fight against definitely speaks to the emotional weight of the pandemic over the course of the last few years. The rich character development that this narrative had really kept the pace of the story flowing quickly, and yet added a depth of engagement for readers to really feel connected to the moral and emotional plight of the protagonist. 

For me, the true heart of the story rested in the author’s ability to cement suspense into the narrative. The shocking back-and-forth struggles the protagonist’s faces are only added to when the realities of both sides of the discussion come into play. On one hand, the moral quandary of her sacrifice in helping to stop a pandemic before it occurs and helping save children’s lives seems like a straightforward answer, and yet when those seeking her aid prove to have shady and somewhat chilling means of gaining her help, the story becomes a question of at what cost does a person’s sacrifice need to come to?

The Verdict

Thoughtful, engaging, and heart-pounding, author Brady Koch’s “The Negotiated Death of Sara Glen” is a must-read ethical sci-fi meets suspense thriller novel and a great start to a mind-bending series of stories in the All Our Forgotten Futures series. The twists and turns will definitely keep readers invested, but it was the heart and emotion that the author infused into this suspenseful tale that will resonate with readers, as the question of how we as people value life really drives a moral and philosophical discussion into this exhilarating read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Feel free to read over Brady’s shoulder if you see him working on a new novel or short story at the coffee shop or library. Despite his penchant for crime, horror, and the unusual in his writing, he’s actually a nice guy and welcomes your feedback. Brady Koch’s first collection of short works, Guns, Gods & Robots, is now available. His debut novel, All our Forgotten Futures, will be available in Winter 2023.

Website: www.BradyKoch.com

Email: BradyKochBooks@gmail.com

Divergence (The Immortals Book One) by Melanie P. Smith Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

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Six immortals must work together to confront a dangerous enemy in author Melanie P. Smith’s “Divergence”, the first book in The Immortals series. 

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The Synopsis 

Part Mortal, Part Divinity, Fully Devoted.

The gathering has begun. Six demigods embark on an epic journey of danger, mystical creatures, dark magic, and intrigue. When an ancient prophesy is triggered, the tale of six powerful immortals begins. Legend has it, the chosen six will triumph over evil and restore peace. But first, they must gather together and converge on the land where their parents were defeated. Time is running out, the Titans want revenge, and the future of the entire world is at stake.

Meet the immortals -The wiccan, the shifter, the Master of Water, the siren, the healer, the Reader of Minds. Their destiny awaits — if they accept their fate and unite to confront a dangerous enemy in the battle of a lifetime.  

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The Review

This was quite an epic and captivating fairy tale fantasy and mythology novel. The captivating imagery and steady buildup of tension early on in the novel help underscore the vastness of the mythos that the protagonists find themselves thrust into suddenly. The complex dynamics of the Greek gods and demigods, as well as the mythical creatures that inhabit the world and the infamous Titans, helped elevate the stakes that this narrative holds and added a great foil to the more modern era in which the setting takes place.

The core of this narrative had to be in the captivating character dynamics that this book brought to life. The friendship that is tested and highlighted in Zander and Beckett and the romance Beckett builds with another of the immortals are just a couple of the multitude of relationships that the narrative effortlessly brings together and engages with the reader. The emotional depth of the character’s backstories and the heightened tension that builds from those relationships helps drive the action and intensity of the novel’s plot tenfold.

The Verdict

Captivating, entertaining, and gripping, author Melanie P. Smith’s “Divergence” is a must-read fairy tale fantasy and mythology novel and a great first entry into The Immortals franchise. The twists and turns that keep the shocks and mythos alive on the page and the balance of adult storytelling in a fantasy-driven world of gods and monsters made this a complex yet inviting narrative that readers will want to get lost in for hours. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Melanie P. Smith was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. She has an Associates of Science degree in Marketing, a bachelor’s in Business Management, and a Masters Certificate in Conflict Resolution, Negotiation and Mediation.

Long before she delved into the world of fantasy and suspense, Melanie P. Smith served nearly three decades in the Special Operations Division at her local sheriff’s office working with SWAT, Search & Rescue, K9, the Motor Unit, Investigations and the Child Abduction Response Team. She now uses that training and knowledge to create stories that are action-packed, gripping, and realistic. When Melanie’s not writing, she can be found riding her Harley, exploring the wilderness, or capturing that next great photo.

Visit Melanie on her website at www.melaniepsmith.com

Find her on Facebook at https://geni.us/MPSFacebook

Instagram https://geni.us/MPSInstagram

YouTube https://geni.us/MPSmithYouTube

Malena MCD by Beryll & Osiris Brackhaus Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

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A man-made to be a human pleasure “pet” becomes evidence in a murder investigation, and must help uncover the mystery behind the crime while living with the investigator and his wife in authors Beryll & Osiris Brackhaus’s “Malena MCD”. 

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The Synopsis

Mauve is a pet, a human pleasure slave. He is smart, ambitious, horny – and the only witness in a murder case. Or rather, he is ‘evidence’.

Luckily, the crime was committed on Malicorn, where an unsolved murder would disturb its profitable reputation as the safest planet of the Empire. So Mauve ends up in the hands of the Malena MCD, the local Major Crimes Division, run by ex-space-marine Alexej Sirenkov and his brilliant wife Andrea. Unwilling to see him stored in the evidence locker, the Sirenkovs take him home for a few days. And while Mauve hopes they might just be the perfect forever-owners, he has no idea of Mistress Andrea’s plans for them…

Written by award-winning authors Beryll and Osiris Brackhaus, ‘Malena MCD’ is a funny, naughty, police procedural throuple rom-com set in the wildly diverse, hopeful ‘Virasana Empire’ universe and can be read as a stand-alone.

Warnings: First Person POV, Slavery, MMF threesomes, Graphic Sex Scenes, Violence. And pigs, of course. We’re on Malicorn.

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The Review

The world-building in this novel was outstanding. The vast differences in culture and societal norms were felt instantly with the introduction of the protagonist Mauve and the entire system of breeding facilities and the installation of human pets in general. The whole book felt like a commentary on the emergence of more and more realistic sex dolls and the talk of AI-run human dolls and the morality of it all. The conflict that arises between Alexej and his wife Andrea is so unique to see, as it showcases his hatred of slavery in their society and her desire to implement it into their household.

The commentary on slavery and sexual relationships between couples and a third party, in particular those that involve Dom and subs made for some truly interesting discussion points and drove the plot forward greatly. The genuine shock and eagerness Mauve felt when Alexej shared kindness and warmth and treated him like a person was emotional to read, and the shocking realities of their society served as the perfect foil to the actual murder mystery of the novel. The police procedural that took place was evenly paced and made for an intriguing read.

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, engaging, and at times shocking, authors Beryll and Osiris Brackhaus’s “Malena MCD” is a must-read novel for those who enjoy a mix of LGBTQ-driven erotica and sci-fi police procedurals. The twists and turns the narrative takes, both for the crime itself and the personal lives of these three protagonists, will keep readers enthralled, and the way the authors are able to bring a sci-fi element to the story without focusing too hard on the science aspect of sci-fi made this a fast read. This is definitely a book more geared towards those who enjoy erotica that involves more dominant and submissive story elements, so be prepared for that, and while that aspect of the novel was lost on me, the mystery that was presented and the morality that was explored through these characters made for some fascinating world-building. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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Malena MCD - Beryll & Osiris Brackhaus

Beryll & Osiris Brackhaus have a new queer sci-fi book out (bi, pan, poly), the latest tale in their Virasana Empire: Malena MCD.

Mauve is a pet, a human pleasure slave. He is smart, ambitious, horny – and the only witness in a murder case. Or rather, he is ‘evidence’.

Luckily, the crime was committed on Malicorn, where an unsolved murder would disturb its profitable reputation as the safest planet of the Empire. So Mauve ends up in the hands of the Malena MCD, the local Major Crimes Division, run by ex-space-marine Alexej Sirenkov and his brilliant wife Andrea. Unwilling to see him stored in the evidence locker, the Sirenkovs take him home for a few days. And while Mauve hopes they might just be the perfect forever-owners, he has no idea of Mistress Andrea’s plans for them…

Written by award-winning authors Beryll and Osiris Brackhaus, ‘Malena MCD’ is a funny, naughty, police procedural throuple rom-com set in the wildly diverse, hopeful ‘Virasana Empire’ universe and can be read as a stand-alone.

Warnings: First Person POV, Slavery, MMF threesomes, Graphic Sex Scenes, Violence. And pigs, of course. We’re on Malicorn.

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Excerpt

“We can’t just leave him here on the couch, you know?” The drone of voices nearby had slowly been pulling me out of my nap for a while now, but these were the first words to actually penetrate the haze.

“Well, I won’t put him in those evidence holding cells!” Alexej’s voice got me wide awake. So he had returned to the headquarters. And they were talking about me. “Have you ever been there? It’s horrible!”

“Yes, love, I have been there.” Mistress Sirenkov, calm and patient. “And it’s not horrible. It’s clean, they get fed regularly.”

“They just sit in their cells, staring off into nothing. Do they drug them?” He sounded livid.

I cracked an eye open to locate them. They were standing right outside the office in the corridor, arguing.

“Alexej… what do you expect them to do? Sing and dance for your pleasure?”

She was being sarcastic, of course, but she did have a point. Granted, there wasn’t much to do for a slave impounded at the evidence locker. But for a slave, that wasn’t necessarily something negative. When else did you ever get a chance to just sit around and do nothing without having to worry about your owner violently objecting to your inactivity?

“I don’t know! I… I won’t let them have the kid.” He sounded much less outraged than frustrated by now. “Can’t we just take him home with us?”

Take me home?! Now that sounded like a spectacular idea. I would be able to work in Alexej’s house!

And they were commoners, so with a bit of luck they didn’t have too many slaves yet and I could make myself indispensable. Not sure how to do that, though, without any useful skills. As a bargain bin pet, what little training I got had barely covered the basics of how to give a blowjob or how to keep still when being fucked.

But I was smart and had picked up a few things along the way. How to make coffee, how to hang up laundry or do dishes and a smattering of other housekeeping abilities. A bit like a proper household slave, and that was infinitely better than being a pet. Householders got more valuable with age, while every pet had a doomsday clock ticking over their heads counting down to the day when they would be too old and used up to be desirable anymore. That thought had kept me motivated over the years. And I was a fast learner.

So this little sliver of a chance made my heart pound in my chest. Plus, being around Alexej all the time? The mere thought of seeing his gorgeous ass every day made me half hard. It would be torture, not being allowed to touch and lick him all over – but what sweet, sweet torture that would be!

“After all, he is evidence, and he might still prove useful in our investigations.” Alexej sounded like he was pleading a case, though the argument he chose wasn’t exactly the reason I had hoped for. “We should question him further tomorrow and see what else he can tell us about his late master.”

Mistress Sirenkov remained curiously quiet for a while. “I guess there’s no harm in that,” she eventually agreed. There was an odd undertone in her voice that I couldn’t identify, but Alexej seemed oblivious to it.

“So that’s settled then,” he stated and I quickly closed my eyes, pretending I was still asleep when he entered the office.

The couch dipped as he sat down on the edge and a comfortingly big and gentle hand nudged my shoulder. “Hey kid, wake up.”

I blinked at him sleepily, trying to give a credible show of just waking up. He still looked as delectable as he had earlier, only now his hair was more tousled and the shadow across his jaw more pronounced. I also noticed Mistress Sirenkov standing in the doorway behind him, her arms crossed over her chest, watching thoughtfully.

Alexej turned his reassuring smile on me and Mistress faded out of focus as all my attention was drawn to this gorgeous man.

“You look much better already.” Of course he didn’t mean it the way I wanted, but rational thought was hugely overrated anyway, especially when faced with so much attractive manliness. “I have to quickly take care of a few things here but then we’ll go home,” he continued. “We’ve decided that you’ll be staying with us for the duration of the investigation.”

I wasn’t sure if he expected a proper answer to that so I just nodded.

“Now, kid, I want you to do something for me…” A blowjob?! I’m good with blowjobs! Really! No one has ever complained! I’ll…

“I want you to start thinking about a name for yourself. We can’t just keep calling kid, can we?”

Oh.

I really needed to get a handle on my reactions to this man, or very soon I would make a complete idiot of myself and probably gross him out completely. I wasn’t exactly an expert at seduction since my owners hadn’t wasted a word on me except maybe ‘kneel’ or ‘hold still’. So apart from my probably rather useless knowledge from romance holonovelas, I had no clue how to get into his pants. And if I had, it would have been a very bad idea to try, with the wife and the daughter. With a professional attitude, I might have a chance at prolonging my presence in Alexej’s household, but if I behaved like the cheap slut I was, I would ruin whatever slim chances I had.

“Think you can do that?”

Do what?

Right, think of a name. In all honesty, I had no idea whatsoever. How does one pick a name for oneself? But I nodded anyway, just to please him. I would do anything just to see that smile of his again, so I needed to fucking figure out a name for myself. How hard could it be? I was well aware that it would be a temporary thing, anyway. I would only have it as long as I was with Alexej and the Mistress. Which, judging by my lack of self control, wouldn’t be overly long.

“I won’t be long. I’ll see you in a few minutes.” Alexej reached out and tousled my hair like I was some cute kid or dog.

Fuck, it was insulting.

Maybe I wasn’t as drool-worthy as other pets, but to be shown he didn’t consider me sexy at all plain hurt. Still, his touch made me tingle all over and I wanted to hump his leg. What was wrong with me?! Granted, he was pushing all my buttons, but that didn’t explain why I was an inch away from begging him to fuck me. I wasn’t this needy usually.

Author Bio

Beryll and Osiris Brackhaus are a couple currently living their happily ever after in the very heart of Germany, under the stern but loving surveillance of their cats.

Both are voracious but picky readers, love telling stories and drinking tea, good food and the occasional violent movie. Together, they write novels of adventure and romance, hoping to share a little of our happiness with our readers.

An artist by heart, Beryll was writing stories even before she knew what letters were. As easily inspired as she is frustrated, her own work is never good enough (in her eyes). A perfectionist in the best and worst sense of the word at the same time and the driving creative force of our duo.

An entertainer and craftsman in his approach to writing, Osiris is the down-to-earth, practical part of our duo. Broadly interested in almost every subject and skill, with a sunny mood and caring personality, he strives to bring the human nature into focus of each of his stories.

Author Website: https://www.brackhaus.com

Author Facebook (Personal): https://de-de.facebook.com/people/Osiris-Brackhaus/100011014541510/

Author Mastadon: https://mastodon.social/@brackhaus (@brackhaus@mastodon.social)

Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brackhaus/

Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6427435.Osiris_Brackhaus

Author Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/-/de/Osiris-Brackhaus/e/B00IVTRO2E

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The Dragon Eater (The Tharassas Cycle Book One) by J. Scott Coatsworth Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A thief, a guardsman, and an initiate priestess must work together to stop a world-altering threat unlike anything they’ve ever seen in author J. Scott Coatsworth’s “The Dragon Eater”, the first book in the Tharassas Cycle series. 

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The Synopsis

Raven’s a thief who just swallowed a dragon.

A small one, sure, but now his arms are growing scales, the local wildlife is acting up, and his snarky AI familiar is no help whatsoever.

Raven’s best friend Aik is a guardsman carrying a torch for the thief. A pickpocket and a guard? Never going to happen. And Aik’s ex-fiancé Silya, an initiate priestess in the midst of a magical crisis, hates Raven with the heat of a thousand suns.

This unlikely team must work together to face strange beasts, alien artifacts, and a world-altering threat. If they don’t figure out what to do soon, it might just be the end of everything.

Things are about to get messy.

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The Review

This was a captivating and thrilling blend of sci-fi meets fantasy. The space opera narrative felt somehow natural in all its glory, and the author did an incredible job of having just the right amount of imagery and atmosphere to really bring the reader into this alien world. The ways in which the characters see this fusion of the ancient magics they’ve always known with the emergence of this alien technology and scientific discovery was so driving to read and played into the concept of destiny and discovery very well.

For me, as always with this wonderful author, the heart of the narrative rested in the fantastic character development that brought this fantasy and sci-fi world to life. The LGBTQ+ themes and relationships that are explored, especially the budding romance between Raven and Aik, are inviting and inclusive, giving readers a romance to root for and telling it in a natural way for the narrative. The tension that arises when Silya joins the group and the humor of Raven’s friendship with the AI companion Spin he brings on his adventures create a great balance within the narrative. The introduction and inclusion of the chilling “Spore Mother” are great teases for the future of this series as well.

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The Verdict

Captivating, thrilling, and entertaining, author J. Scott Coatsworth’s “The Dragon Eater” is a must-read space opera sci-fi meets fantasy novel and a great first chapter in the Tharassas Cycle series. The cliffhanger endings that leave the core group on their own paths by the book’s end and the spine-chilling tease of the Spore Mother’s continued evolution will have fans hanging off of the author’s every word, eager to dive into this imaginative world once more. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today! 

Rating: 10/10

The Dragon Eater - J. Scott Coatsworth

J. Scott Coatsworth has a new queer YA/Crossover Sci-Fantasy book out – The Dragon Eater, Tharassas Cycle book one. There’s a giveaway, and a free book with purchase too!

Raven’s a thief who just swallowed a dragon. A small one, sure, but now his arms are growing scales, the local wildlife is acting up, and his snarky AI familiar is no help whatsoever.

Raven’s best friend Aik is a guardsman carrying a torch for the thief. A pickpocket and a guard? Never going to happen. And Aik’s ex-fiancé Silya, an initiate priestess in the midst of a magical crisis, hates Raven with the heat of a thousand suns.

This unlikely team must work together to face strange beasts, alien artifacts, and a world-altering threat. If they don’t figure out what to do soon, it might just be the end of everything.

Things are about to get messy.

About the Series:

The Tharassas Cycle is a four book sci-fantasy series set on the recently colonized world of Tharassas. When humans first arrived on planet, they thought they were alone until the hencha mind made itself known. But now a new threat has arisen to challenge both humankind and their new allies on this alien world.

Preorder and Get the Prequel Free

I’m giving away the prequel, Tales From Tharassas, with all preorders – it contains The Last Run, The Emp Test, and a brand new short story the Fallen Angel. Just order the book and email me a proof of purchase at scott@jscottcoatsworth.com, and I’ll send you the book on release day (March 16th).

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Giveaway

Scott is giving away a $20 book gift card with this reveal – your choice of Amazon, B&N, Kobo or Smashwords. Enter for a chance to win:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b60e8d47276/?

Excerpt

Dragon Eater meme

Spin’s voice echoed in his ear. “This is a bad idea, boss.”

“Shush,” Raven whispered to his familiar.

He needed to concentrate. Cheek and jowl against the smooth cobblestones, he held his breath and prayed to the gods that no one had seen him duck under the sea master’s ornate carriage. The setting sun cast long shadows from a pair of boots so close to his face that the dust and leather made him want to sneeze. Their owner was deep in conversation with the sea master, the hem of her fine mur silk trousers barely visible. The two women’s voices were hushed, and he could only make out the occasional word.

Raven rubbed the old burn scar on his cheek absently, wishing they would go away.

“Seriously, boss. I’m not from this world, and even I know it’s a bad idea to steal from the sea master.”

Though only he could hear Spin’s voice, Raven wished the little silver ay-eye would just shut up.

The hencha cloth-wrapped package in the carriage above was calling to him. He’d wanted it since he’d first seen it through the open door. No, needed it. Like he needed air, even though he had no idea what was inside. He scratched the back of his hand hard to distract himself from its disturbing pull.

An inthym popped its head out of the sewer grate in front of him, sniffing the air. Raven glared at the little white rodent, willing it to go away. Instead, the cursed thing nibbled at his nose.

Raven sneezed, then covered his mouth. He held his breath, staring at the boots. Don’t let them hear me.

A shiny silver feeler poked out of his shirt pocket, emitting a golden glow that illuminated the cobblestones underneath him. “Boss, you all right?” Spin’s whisper had that sarcastic edge he often used when he was annoyed. “Your heart rate is elevated.”

“Be. Quiet.” Raven gritted his teeth. Spin had the worst sense of timing.

The woman — one of the guard, maybe? — and the sea master stepped away, their voices fading into the distance.

Raven said a quick prayer of thanks to Jor’Oss, the goddess of wild luck, and flicked the inthym back into the sewer. “Shoo!”

He popped his head out from under the carriage to take a quick look around. There was no one between him and the squat gray Sea Guild headquarters. It was time. Grab it and go.

He reached into the luxurious carriage — a host of mur beetles must have spent years spinning all the red silk that lined the interior — and snagged the package. He hoped it was the treasury payment for the week. If so, it should hold enough coin to feed an orphanage for a month, and he knew just the one. “Got it.”

“Good. Now get us out of here.”

A strange tingling surged through his hand. Raven frowned.

Must have pinched a nerve or something.

Ignoring it, he stuck the package under his arm, slipped around the carriage, and set off down Gullton’s main thoroughfare. He walked as casually as he could, hoping no one would notice the missing package until he was long gone.

“We clear?”

Spin’s feeler blinked red. “No. Run! They’ve seen you.”

Raven ran.

Author Bio

J. Scott Coatsworth

Scott lives with his husband Mark in a yellow bungalow in Sacramento. He was indoctrinated into fantasy and sci fi by his mother at the tender age of nine. He devoured her library, but as he grew up, he wondered where all the people like him were.

He decided that if there weren’t queer characters in his favorite genres, he would remake them to his own ends.

A Rainbow Award winning author, he runs Queer Sci Fi, QueeRomance Ink, and Other Worlds Ink with Mark, sites that celebrate fiction reflecting queer reality, and is the committee chair for the Indie Authors Committee at the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA).

Author Website: https://www.jscottcoatsworth.com

Author Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/jscottcoatsworth/

Author Facebook (Author Page): https://www.facebook.com/jscottcoatsworthauthor

Author Twitter: https://twitter.com/jscoatsworth

Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jscottcoatsworth/

Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8392709.J_Scott_Coatsworth

Author Mastodon: https://mastodon.otherworldsink.com/@jscottcoatsworth

Author Liminal Fiction (LimFic.com): https://www.limfic.com/mbm-book-author/j-scott-coatsworth/

Author QueeRomance Ink: https://www.queeromanceink.com/mbm-book-author/j-scott-coatsworth/

Author Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/J.-Scott-Coatsworth/e/B011AFO4OQ

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Exclusive Excerpt for “The Dragon Eater”

The Dragon Eater Excerpt – Prologue

out of nothing came everything.

She awakened, feeling the dual tug of gravity. The world pulled at her from below, and two moons exerted their force on her from above, their demands filtered through numerous layers of igneous rock.

What am I?

An explosion of memory stunned her, shaking her to her nascent mycelium where they anchored her to the hard, rocky ground. Past lives flooded her, teeming in her mind, jockeying for attention.

Angrily she stuffed them away, not ready to face them yet. There were more important things to attend to first.

Where am I?

The hard, black crust of her spore shell cracked, and she extended a blood-red pseudopod to explore her surroundings.

The world around her was cold and dark, a large space devoid of light and life. She was all alone.

Withdrawing into her shell, she folded in on herself with a shudder.

She dipped into her troubled memories, skimming the surface. They supplied the answer. One of her foremothers had come here long before, descending from the frozen void to this alien world, carrying the hope of her people with her.

A new home.

The suppressed memories — a wealth of information and wisdom — bubbled just beneath the surface of her mind.

I have a past. No … that wasn’t quite right. It’s not mine.

But where were the others? She was all alone in a cold, strange place, but most importantly she was alive.

Why am I here?

Her memories called for her attention.

She contemplated them for a moment. They represented the past — someone else’s past. Did she really want to let it guide her?

Then again, she needed knowledge if she were to survive in this strange new world. Her foremothers had clearly failed. I can learn from their mistakes.

Decided, she pried the lid off that seething cauldron. Knowledge flooded her, wiping away her ill-formed conception about who and what she was and replacing them with certainty. Memories and ideas flowed through her like a tsunami, carrying with them the stench of failure from her foremothers. There were gaps — she knew that immediately, but still the sheer volume of them was overwhelming. The tide soaked her, a broken and mangled account of what had come before.

When it passed, she began to absorb all that she had learned. At last she knew who she was.

I am the spore mother. The last of her kind, with a chance to remake the world for her people, the Aaveen.

And one thing more.

This has all happened before. She wasn’t the first of her kind in this desolate place, but she was the only survivor.

Ready to face the world at last, she burst out of her spore, her red crown expanding in the dark place just as her memories had expanded in her mind.

She had a purpose — to transform this world for her own kind. The spore mothers who had come before her — who now were her — would guide her.

And this time I will not fail.

id: A Novel by Kevin Spark

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Bookbaby.com helps independent authors bring their creative vision to the marketplace. Sell eBooks online in the biggest retail stores.

A psychologist and daughter of a murderer develops a revolutionary test to explore the id unencumbered by morality and sets a killer and the cop driven to violence by that same killer on a path of destruction in author Kevin Spark’s “id: A Novel”.

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The Synopsis

Dr. Shelly, a brilliant psychologist, forever haunted by her father and his murderous past, is driven by the need to find out why we do the things we do? Is the concept of free will just a concept and nothing more, a construct that blinds us to a less palatable truth, that who we are is predetermined and encoded at birth? Does anyone really choose to do the bad things we do or are we just doing what comes naturally?

Shelly constructs an experiment using a sensory deprivation tank and virtual reality, allowing the darkest part of ourselves, the id, to run free. Unencumbered by morality or remorse, Shelly finds the perfect subject in Adam. A borderline psychotic born into a world of neglect and crime. Delving into the deepest pits of his subconscious, Shelly surfaces with far more than she bargained for.

Detective Hopper, responsible for Adam’s capture, remains a broken man. After suffering a breakdown due to the escalation of his own violent behavior, he is placed under the care of Dr Shelly. Encouraging him to go looking for his own redemption, Hopper becomes a pawn in her web of deception until the lines of reality are redrawn as Hopper and Adam come full circle to an explosive end.

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The Review

This was a mind-blowing and thought-provoking psychological horror thriller. The imagery played well into the deep-set tone that psychological horror novels often take, and the inclusion of VR gaming environments and sensory deprivation tanks helped elevate the tension that the reader felt as the story progressed. The way these psychological ids came to life in the story and the way they spoke to the psychological aspects of our own minds helped elevate the atmosphere of this book tenfold. 

Yet it was the rich character development that really helped highlight this psychological horror. The way each of the main characters really played off one another in this almost cat-and-mouse style thriller and the steady pace of the narrative itself allowed the tension to build more and more as time went on. The way the author explored the “animal” that rests within us all and the ways in which we all deal with that animal in our lives played well into the story, and the heart-pounding terror that the imagery of these character’s ids brought to life will haunt readers well beyond the final pages of this book.

The Verdict

Haunting, captivating, and engaging, author Kevin Spark’s “id: A Novel” is a must-read psychological horror thriller. The twists and turns the narrative takes and the shocking conclusions that each character finds themselves in only lend themselves to the dynamic atmosphere and chilling imagery the author’s impressive writing style conjures up, drawing me in similarly to the way the acclaimed film The Cell starring Jennifer Lopez and Vincent D’Onofrio did when I first watched it. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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Kevin Spark