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Allow Me To Ruin Your Christmas by Freddy Cruz 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 man descends into rage and vengeance after he discovers the man dating his mother may be involved in the death of his father in author Freddy Cruz’s revenge thriller and suspense holiday novel, “Allow Me To Ruin Your Christmas”.

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The Synopsis

He just discovered why his dad died. Now ‘tis the season for a rampage of revenge…

Beckett needs his eyes bleached. Catching his mom and his favorite podcaster doing things that will get them on Santa’s naked and naughty list is enough to turn his stomach. And after he agrees to officially meet the new boyfriend, his slightly nauseous Yuletide cheer devolves into rage when he learns the guy was involved in his father’s death.

Driven by the need for vengeance, the incensed son sets out to stuff the home-wrecking grinch’s stocking with burning coal—by going after the loser’s wife and daughter. But as Beckett’s gore-trimmed plan descends into chaos, another ghastly secret could send him into murderous overdrive.

Is he about to unwrap a no-holds-barred retribution spree?

Allow Me to Ruin Your Christmas is a perfectly gruesome revenge thriller. If you like characters pushed over the edge, dark acts, and family drama, then you’ll love Freddy Cruz’s bloodstained holiday treat.

Buy Allow Me to Ruin Your Christmas to put the “x” in X-mas today!

The Review

This was a chilling and haunting revenge thriller. The fast-paced and atmospheric nature of the narrative played well into the imagery and tone that the author established in his writing. The shock and awe the author used in the story elevated the mystery of this novel, as the protagonists fought to not only reveal the truth behind their past but wrestle with the growing rage inside them. These themes of rage, vengeance, and family were felt heavily throughout this narrative and kept me invested in these characters.

Yet it was the character development that felt the most gripping and shocking to read, as the author played well into the grating relationship developed between Beckett and Lex, the twisted journey of revenge Beckett went on, and the harsh truths that made his mission flip on its head with a greater impact than he could have ever imagined. The rich dynamics and intensity of the narrative were a great juxtaposition to the holiday settings, keeping readers intrigued as the narrative unfolded before them.

The Verdict

It is often said that when seeking vengeance, be sure to dig two graves. In this twisted, captivating, and entertaining read, that has never been more true. In author Freddy Cruz’s “Allow Me To Ruin Your Christmas”, readers will be shocked and invested in this haunting journey of revenge that gets more and more insane as the story plays out. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy or preorder your book today, as the book releases this November!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Freddy Cruz is a Houston area author and host of Freddy’s Huge ASK Podcast. He’s obsessed with music, books, running, and coffee, and not necessarily in that order.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B5Y9GWN6/ref=x_gr_w_glide_sin?caller=Goodreads&callerLink=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goodreads.com%2Fbook%2Fshow%2F61492132-allow-me-to-ruin-your-christmas%3Fac%3D1%26from_search%3Dtrue%26qid%3D0lkFMg74eZ%26rank%3D1&tag=x_gr_w_glide_sin-20

Interview with Author Steve Malik Swayne 

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1) Tell us a little bit about yourself? How did you get into writing?

I am Steve Malik Swayne. I was born in Ogden, Utah and raised in Salt Lake City, UT and Las Vegas, NV. I became fascinated with words in elementary school, where I began writing short stories and poems. This eventually led to me writing music and fictional novels.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

Traitor was inspired by actual events. Traitor gave me the chance to express how I felt during my first few years of incarceration on a poetically creative level. The story was a release for me – the transformation of darkness into light, if you will.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

In this specific piece, I would like for the reader to recognize the in-depth expression of what can dwell inside of each one of us when driven or pushed by betrayal. Secondly, I would like the reader to be dazzled by poetry and comparison to life and recognize we all have some kind of monster inside of us, rather it be negative or positive. Finally, I would like the readers to enjoy the various plots, twists, and craftiness of mental perception that Traitor delivers.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

I am a complex thinker. Psychology was one of my favorite classes in college, not to mention, I am a major fan of thriller and suspense. I honestly put myself to the test with this one; I wanted to see if I truly had an understanding of what it is to create suspenseful dissimulation in the context of an urban thriller.

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5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

This is a difficult one, I mean, I am essentially the creator of their thoughts. So, there isn’t an answer they’d provide that I wouldn’t know. I guess if anyone, I would sit down with Xavier. Many times throughout the book, Xavier vowed he would never go back to prison. I would ask Xavier if he was nervous, worried, or concerned he could possibly be found connected to the downfall of his former friend, Tyson, causing him to go back to prison.

6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

I would have to say Facebook thus far, although we have barely begun adventuring into our social media campaigns.

7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

Just let the ideas flow. What begins as a simple thought may very well snowball into something monumental. As long as you believe in yourself, there is nothing you can’t accomplish, for creativity has no bounds.

8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

I have three new projects that I have recently finished, all in different genres written from an urban perspective, delivering a unique message within each of them. I believe it’s invaluable to be able to deliver a relevant message through artful composure while still entertaining people. My ultimate goal is to bring my works to life on the big screen so that I may furnish people with entertainment on a broader platform.

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About the Author 

What’s up everybody! I am Steve Malik Swayne. I was born in Ogden, Utah and raised in Salt Lake City / Las Vegas, NV. I became fascinated with words in elementary school where I began writing short stories and poems which eventually led to me writing music. After years of pursing a music career, I began running the streets, headed down the wrong path eventually leading to my incarceration. While incarcerated, (a father of three) I decided I wouldn’t become a statistic. I enrolled in college classes where I obtained two associate degrees, one in Liberal Arts and the other in General Business Administration. Still passionate about writing, I began writing fictional novels, calling home to my wife, where she would record my writings, then take the hours of recordings and type them into her laptop. From there, we pursued publication and now those publications are being introduced to the world.

Social Media:

Instagram @stevemalikswayne_theauthor

Facebook @SteveMalikeSwayne

Twitter @Malik_theAuthor

Website traitorthenovel.com

Available on Amazon & Barnes&Noble

Traitor by Steve Malik Swayne 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 man who lost years of his life in prison for a crime he didn’t commit seeks revenge against the one man he considered a friend, who rejected his pleas for help during his trial, in author Steve Malik Swayne’s “Traitor”.

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The Synopsis

Traitor is an intensely deranged mental excursion, full of poetically expressed vengeance and a mischievous plot for revenge.

The main character, Xavier Ruffin, has just been released from prison after serving a 12-year sentence for a murder he did not commit. He is hell-bent on getting back at his former friend, Tyson Carter – who is now employed by the state – for rejecting his impassioned plea for help during the preliminary stages of his case.

Taunted by an inner demon, Xavier vows to make Tyson pay for every moment of freedom that he feels was stripped away from him, considering Tyson a traitor.

The Review

This was definitely a gritty and hard-hitting story of vengeance. A much more modern take on classic revenge stories like The Count of Monte Cristo or True Grit, the reader is instantly brought into a heartbreaking yet brilliant narrative that highlights the injustice that exists within our modern justice system and the impact of the prison system can have on a person. The imagery and atmosphere the author brings to life in this novel elevates the narrative and brings a vivid image of these characters in an almost cinematic way. 

What really drove the narrative was the incredible character development that the author built. The resentment, determination, and heart that protagonist Xavier brought to the story and the shocking development that Tyson has early on made this story instantly click for readers. The tension that was built as the protagonist’s mission for vengeance built and grew over the course of the narrative kept me as a reader hanging off of the author’s every word.

The Verdict

Captivating, entertaining, and thought-provoking, author Steve Malik Swayne’s “Traitor” is a must-read modern-day revenge tale like no other. The heart and passion that the author writes with perfectly mirrors the gritty setting and engaging twists and turns that the story takes as this protagonist dives further and further into his need for revenge. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

What’s up everybody! I am Steve Malik Swayne. I was born in Ogden, Utah and raised in Salt Lake City / Las Vegas, NV. I became fascinated with words in elementary school where I began writing short stories and poems which eventually led to me writing music. After years of pursing a music career, I began running the streets, headed down the wrong path eventually leading to my incarceration. While incarcerated, (a father of three) I decided I wouldn’t become a statistic. I enrolled in college classes where I obtained two associate degrees, one in Liberal Arts and the other in General Business Administration. Still passionate about writing, I began writing fictional novels, calling home to my wife, where she would record my writings, then take the hours of recordings and type them into her laptop. From there, we pursued publication and now those publications are being introduced to the world.

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Minor Assassin by Jackiem Joyner 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 young boy who witnesses a horrific event is taken in and trained for the day he can deliver retribution in author Jackiem Joyner’s “Minor Assassin”.

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The Synopsis

Jon’s carefree life in the suburbs of Las Vegas is turned upside down by a horrific crime, but he’s only eight years old — how can a kid fight back and hope to win?

Taken in by mysterious strangers, Jon starts a new life in a secluded village, but can he trust them to help him do what needs to be done? When Jon learns what really happened back home, a terrible resolve hardens inside him.

Will he ever be able to deliver his retribution? Transformation — when it comes — is irrevocable. Will he find his enemy? And can he survive long enough to reunite with what is left of his family?

Features Spy tech, intense martial arts, and weaponry

The Review

A powerful blend of action, vengeance, and family, author Jackiem Joyner does a fantastic job of showcasing powerful character development and almost cinematic level action and adventure. The novel takes the classic vengeance story to new heights, exploring what happens when a young boy must quickly grow up faster than he should, and instead become a weapon to take out his enemies. 

The unique part of protagonist Jon’s story is the fact that he experiences both painful loss and a mission to save the only family he has left, giving him a powerful motivation to not only endure the training he is introduced to but to put himself in danger to save the lives of the innocent. The author does a great job of utilizing powerful imagery to bring Jon’s story to life, creating vivid scenes of action and suspense throughout the narrative. From Jon’s emotional and bloody journey to his sister Jayna’s fight for survival and a detective’s mission to uncover the truth, the author has crafted a powerful new adventure like no other.

The Verdict

The Punisher meets Taken and Kick-Ass in author Jackiem Joyner’s bloody, action-fueled, and evenly-paced thriller “Minor Assassins”. The novel’s fast-paced character development and expert blending of imagery make this a memorable read, filled with gritty fight scenes, emotional scenes as Jon must grow up in the face of tragedy, and a heart-racing finale that will leave readers on the edge of their seat. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Jackiem Joyner has loved Science Fiction ever since he was a child, fascinated by all the stories and imaginations of futuristic worlds. But it wasn’t until later in his life, after experiencing huge success in the recording business, that he decided to put pen to paper – the result of which is his debut novel, Zarya.

Gathering from his experiences traveling the world as a recording artist, he developed a knack for good science fiction stories after reading several books a month. Having used and operated many devices from the future, he incorporated exciting equipment and imaginary scientific ideas into dramatic thrillers that are sure to keep readers on edge.

Jackiem was born in Norfolk, Virginia and spent most of his young adult life in Syracuse New York before moving to Los Angeles, California where he currently resides. In addition to writing fun stories, Jackiem Joyner has experienced huge success as a recording artist, with multiple songs peaking at number 1 on the billboard charts and 5 international records released.

https://jackiemjoyner.com/

Lexington And Fifth (on Wattpad) http://my.w.tt/UiNb/cmdHKnwKmz

Vengeance is a dish best served cold! This is a lesson that Ella Garner and her friends will learn the hard way in Lexington and Fifth. Years after a college accident left Ella broken, she has picked herself up and is about the marry the man of her dreams. She has a great writing career, a blossoming video channel on the internet, and is happier than she ever thought she could be again. Yet as the holidays
quickly approach, she soon learns those responsible for the accident years ago, (and the people she called friends), are being targeted by a ruthless killer, and Ella will have to revisit the tragedy that has haunted her for years if she has any hopes of surviving the holidays.

Lexington and Fifth is an emotional roller coaster ride, which will have you squirming in your seat and changing your view on the characters and their story so many times that by the end of the tale, you won’t know who the true evil really is. Come along for this bone-chilling tale as week by week the story will slowly unfold over the course of this year, until by the end of 2016, you will find yourself hanging on to the edge of your seat as you read the final words of author Anthony Avina’s next great project. Come along for the journey, and take a ride to Lexington and Fifth today!

Lexington And Fifth – Chapter 48: Confession Part 2 (on Wattpad) http://my.w.tt/UiNb/pmeVLIdsQy

Vengeance is a dish best served cold! This is a lesson that Ella Garner and her friends will learn the hard way in Lexington and Fifth. Years after a college accident left Ella broken, she has picked herself up and is about the marry the man of her dreams. She has a great writing career, a blossoming video channel on the internet, and is happier than she ever thought she could be again. Yet as the holidays
quickly approach, she soon learns those responsible for the accident years ago, (and the people she called friends), are being targeted by a ruthless killer, and Ella will have to revisit the tragedy that has haunted her for years if she has any hopes of surviving the holidays.

Lexington and Fifth is an emotional roller coaster ride, which will have you squirming in your seat and changing your view on the characters and their story so many times that by the end of the tale, you won’t know who the true evil really is. Come along for this bone-chilling tale as week by week the story will slowly unfold over the course of this year, until by the end of 2016, you will find yourself hanging on to the edge of your seat as you read the final words of author Anthony Avina’s next great project. Come along for the journey, and take a ride to Lexington and Fifth today!

Lexington And Fifth – Chapter 1: The Text (on Wattpad) http://w.tt/1UBBz6x

Vengeance is a dish best served cold! This is a lesson that Ella Garner and her friends will learn the hard way in Lexington and Fifth. Years after a college accident left Ella broken, she has picked herself up and is about the marry the man of her dreams. She has a great writing career, a blossoming video channel on the internet, and is happier than she ever thought she could be again. Yet as the holidays
quickly approach, she soon learns those responsible for the accident years ago, (and the people she called friends), are being targeted by a ruthless killer, and Ella will have to revisit the tragedy that has haunted her for years if she has any hopes of surviving the holidays.

Lexington and Fifth is an emotional roller coaster ride, which will have you squirming in your seat and changing your view on the characters and their story so many times that by the end of the tale, you won’t know who the true evil really is. Come along for this bone-chilling tale as week by week the story will slowly unfold over the course of this year, until by the end of 2016, you will find yourself hanging on to the edge of your seat as you read the final words of author Anthony Avina’s next great project. Come along for the journey, and take a ride to Lexington and Fifth today!