I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A man must face a wrathful goddess for whom he rejected and find a way of stopping the chaos and destruction she is reigning down on the Mediterranean coast in author Myron Edwards’s “Scylla: The Revenge”, the second book in The Cyprus Mysteries.
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The Synopsis
She’s back and this time she brought a friend…
The story continues: the sequel to The Mistress of the Rock, is The Revenge.
Still smarting from Richard Cole’s rejection, Aphrodite plans a series of events that will bring about his return to the island. Only this time, his welcome will not be so warm, as he will have to battle bureaucracy and the islanders’ contempt for the devastating aftermath of his chance discovery and his sudden departure. In addition, he confronts his internal demons, and with his return to Cyprus, might completely consume him.
For Aphrodite is set upon a path of cold vengeance and summons the Scylla, a legendary cryptid of the deep, to do her bidding. The creature wreaks havoc on the once idyllic coast of Cape Greco and the tourist resorts of Ayia Napa, Protaras, and Paphos.
Richard must not only face his devils but also the goddess, if he is to stop the terror that now lurks in the Mediterranean’s crystal-clear waters.
But how is he going to do it?
The Review
This was an exhilarating and thoughtful read. The author once more brought a great deal of depth to the mythos and balanced the Greek supernatural and mythological forces that the protagonist was facing with the memorable, heartfelt character moments that made the characters so beloved and engaging to the reader.
The character development and world-building really pushed the narrative in new directions this time around. The author was able to hone in on the cruelty and vulnerability of Aphrodite and the determination and heroism of Richard Cole. The introduction of the Scylla and the higher stakes of the story and the life that Richard had carved out for himself were great to see come to life on the page, as was the relationship that Richard had with the people of Cyprus and the locals themselves.
The Verdict
Action-packed, emotionally driven, and perfectly tense, author Myron Edwards’s “Scylla: The Revenge” is a fantastic fantasy meets supernatural thriller with a large dose of mythology. The second entry into the author’s Cyprus Mysteries series, the novel has some great twists and turns, and the shocking finale will be both a gut-punch and a nail bitter to readers as they await the third book in the series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Born in 1952 in Orsett, Essex in England, the youngest son to Welsh parents Iris and Bill Edwards. Upon leaving school, he went into the travel industry, where he travelled the world, working in travel agencies, tour operators and airlines for some 30 years. In 1976 Myron began freelance writing for BBC, radio and television, his credits include the Two Ronnies, Week Endings, and the News Huddlines. In 1980, he joined JWT advertising, as a copywriter writing his first TV commercial for dog food inside 10 days. His love for the creative never left him and in 1987 he created Tubewalking, a new map concept, to help people get around London easier on foot, which still operates today. In 1990 he married Niki, whose family background is Greek Cypriot. On a family trip to Cyprus, visiting Aphrodite’s Rock for the first time, the beginnings of his passion to write the story of Mistress of the Rock came into fruition. Moving his family in 2005 to Cyprus to live, gave him the opportunity to write, as during this time he worked on campaigns for TV and Radio in an advertising agency in Limassol. The first manuscript of the book was completed in 2007, released by a local publisher it had a limited audience, but was well received by those who had read it. He has now completed the sequel and is working on the third part of this story. Myron has three children, two sons and one daughter all grown up.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young woman searching for her father and his supernatural unit in the wake of the deadly withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan discovers the deadly force they unleashed to stop the violent attacks by the Taliban in author Craig DiLouie’s “Djinn: A War on Terror Supernatural Thriller”.
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The Synopsis
In the violent aftermath of the American withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, a photojournalist arrives to learn the fate of the Witch Doctors, a fabled Army occult warfare unit. Holly believes her father, reported missing in action, ran this mysterious outfit that sought to weaponize black magic to win the War on Terror.
As the Taliban advances and the national government crumbles, Holly makes a harrowing journey into the deep desert to an abandoned base, which houses a terrifying secret. There, along with a group of American ex-soldiers, themselves cursed, she will face the ancient evil the Witch Doctors unleashed…
The terrors that live in the world of the djinn. The horrors that lurk in war itself.
A modern thriller, Djinn reimagines the witch for the War on Terror era, taking the reader on a journey into the heart of darkness that is both human and supernatural.
The Review
This was such a compelling and memorable horror thriller. The vast amount of culture and detail that went into bringing both modern-day Afghanistan and the “War on Terror” to life with the ancient mythology and world-building surrounding the Djinn, witches, and faith overall was thrilling to see come to life. The imagery the author infused into the writing really allowed the setting and chilling nature of the Djinn to come to life on the page.
The evolution of Holly as a character, from her hard-hitting journalism and the strength to plunge into the depths of war-torn Afghanistan to the respect she comes to have for the people and their culture and the bravery she shows facing this terrifying threat made her a remarkable protagonist to really root for. The character interactions that help drive this narrative forward and the commentary that the plot makes on things like America’s hand in what has happened to the country, the line between morality and cultural differences, and the impact that war has on people, in general, made this a brilliant story to get lost in.
The Verdict
Haunting, compelling, and entertaining, author Craig DiLouie’s “Djinn” is a must-read horror thriller of 2023. The unique setting and cultural development of this narrative, as well as the attention to detail and the collective work by the characters in this story, will have readers hanging onto the author’s every word. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Craig DiLouie is an author of popular thriller, apocalyptic/horror, and sci-fi/fantasy fiction.
In hundreds of reviews, Craig’s novels have been praised for their strong characters, action, and gritty realism. Each book promises an exciting experience with people you’ll care about in a world that feels real.
These works have been nominated for major literary awards such as the Bram Stoker Award and Audie Award, translated into multiple languages, and optioned for film. He is a member of the HWA, International Thriller Writers, and IFWA.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A conspiracy of biblical proportions takes over as a powerful demon on a mission to reunite Eve with her son Cain in heaven must match wits with apocalyptic angels, the antichrist, and God himself in author Caleb T. Brabham’s “Godthread”.
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The Synopsis
A demonic investigator.
A Heavenly conspiracy.
Whatever he finds … he’s damned already.
Azrael Abaddon, better known to his demonic peers as “The Destroyer”, has been summoned to Heaven on a mission of mercy to reunite Eve with her son, the murderous Cain. Motivated by a rare desire to aid the infamous mother, Azrael pits himself into Satanic plots, angelic assassinations and matches wits with apocalyptic angels, an enterprising antichrist and Almighty God, Himself. But when the devil is found dead, Azrael realizes a far more sinister game is being played and the mysterious “Godthread” may be the most important piece of all.
The Review
This was an engaging and captivating read. The sheer volume of mythos and world-building the author did was great to see come to life, with a vast array of different characters from various religious beliefs and mythologies melding together in a vast series of settings that feel almost as fantastical as the narrative itself. The imagery the author uses in the book really brought the chilling nature of the demonic protagonist and the fierce and terrifying presence of the angelic host to life in a unique way, and the interwoven story of Eve, Cain, and the start of humanity really came to life through these passages.
The heart of the story rested in the blend of world-building with the natural change in perspectives within the narrative. By which I mean the way the author explores both the moments of history within the context of the Bible through the lens of the protagonist as they witness these moments that resound so tightly to the Christian faith and the modern-day storyline within the kingdoms of “heaven and hell” made this a compelling and imaginative story to get lost in.
The Verdict
Captivating, entertaining, and memorable, author Caleb T. Brabham’s “Godthread” is a must-read fantasy and supernatural noir thriller that will keep you glued to the book’s pages. The unique perspective of a protagonist with such a mischievous and complex history and modern-day perspective and the way morality and politics play into the hierarchy of these two worlds made this a rich world to behold. While only available to preorder on Barnes & Noble, be sure to preorder your copy today and be on the lookout for links to other sites soon, with the book releasing sometime this summer!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Caleb Brabham is an editor, journalist and photographer currently living in New Orleans. His first book, Apocalypse of Bob, was published in 2010 by Charisma Media.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
After the client she successfully defended is murdered, a lawyer must rely on her sister’s motorbike club to help defend her from a secret justice society and their assassins when they come after her next in author Joanna Vander Vlugt’s “The Unraveling”, the first book in A Jade & Sage Thriller Series.
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The Synopsis
Jade Thyme celebrates successfully defending Jules Cranbury on a murder charge. Her celebration is short-lived when she finds Jules murdered. Jade investigates and uncovers a secret justice society whose members hide behind white tabs and black robes while delivering their own vigilante justice. Jade locates a once prominent and respected lawyer, now known as Noxzema Man, homeless and panhandling in Fan Tan Alley. He warns Jade. Judges, lawyers and police make up the Society. Trust no one. The MotoCityDolls, her sister’s all-female motorcycle gang, save Jade from a Society assassin. Forced to take a leave of absence, Jade packs up her office, but not before coming face-to-face with another assassin–Jules’s murderer.
The Review
This was such a compelling and chilling crime meets legal thriller. The haunting nature of the conspiracy that unravels throughout this narrative and the frightful tone that the dangers facing the protagonist emit help drive the narrative forward and keep the reader on the edge of their seats as one after the other the dominoes in the character’s lives begin to unravel. The rich setting and adrenaline-fueled blend of mystery and suspense (with a hint of supernatural storytelling elements) made this a completely engaging read.
The character growth and interactions really highlighted the growing mystery and dread that the dangers presented to the cast of characters. Jade is such a strong and inviting protagonist, and her bond with both her sister and Osmond was definitely a compelling element of her story. Yet it was the unraveling of the conspirators and the society that comes after her, as well as the haunting nature of the supernatural twist that affects her journey, that kept me invested in the overall narrative.
The Verdict
Chilling, entertaining, and thrilling, author Joanna Vander Vlugt’s “The Unraveling” is a must-read crime thriller that meets paranormal suspense and mysteries. The brilliant start to the Jade & Sage Thriller series, the rich dynamics between the characters and the haunting nature of the crimes, and even the connection between Jade and the first victim of the crime spree, will keep readers on their toes as these twists and turns up the ante of this narrative. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Joanna Vander Vlugt is an indie author and illustrator. She hosts a podcast called JCVArtStudio from the Dressing Room which provides authors and artists an opportunity to tell their story–a dress rehearsal before taking their book launch or art show on the road.
Her legal thriller Dealer’s Child is a 2021 Canadian Book Club Awards finalist and The Unravelling, the first novel in her paranormal thriller series, was a 2019 Canadian Book Club Awards finalist. Her previous publications include her short essay No Beatles Reunion for the Dropped Threads 3 anthology, Beyond the Small Circle; Egyptian Queen for the Dead in the Water mystery anthology and The Parrot and Wild Mushroom Stuffing for the Blood on the Holly mystery anthology.
Joanna’s art can be viewed on Instagram @jcvartstudio
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A monster-hunting gunslinger must traverse the Old West and stop an army of soul-devouring monsters arrive on Earth in author K.C. Grifant’s “Melinda West: Monster Gunslinger”.
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The Synopsis
In an Old West overrun by monsters, a stoic gunslinger must embark on a dangerous quest to save her friends and stop a supernatural war.
Sharpshooter Melinda West, 29, has encountered more than her share of supernatural creatures after a monster infection killed her mother. Now, Melinda and her charismatic partner, Lance, offer their exterminating services to desperate towns, fighting everything from giant flying scorpions to psychic bugs. But when they accidentally release a demon, they must track a dangerous outlaw across treacherous lands and battle a menagerie of creatures—all before an army of soul-devouring monsters descend on Earth.
The Witcher meets Bonnie and Clyde in a re-imagined Old West full of diverse characters, desolate landscapes, and fast-paced adventure.
The Review
I love this book. The author does an incredible job of finding the balance needed to connect this horror and supernatural plot with the Western setting. The imagery the author utilizes in their writing comes into play brilliantly when setting the stage of gritty old-west drama and the visceral and haunting creatures that the protagonist comes up against. The balance of tone was great to see as well, as the author was able to bring camaraderie and lightheartedness in some sections of the narrative while also providing a depth and emotional connection that keeps the reader invested in these characters.
The driving force of this narrative was not only the action and suspense that comes with these supernatural threats but the well-developed characters that inhabit this world. The immediate heroism and complexity of Melinda, as well as her leadership alongside Lance, was great to see, and her evolution as a protagonist when coming up against these larger and larger threats was mesmerizing to behold as a fan of these genres.
The Verdict
Haunting, chilling, and entertaining, author K.C. Grifant’s “Melinda West: Monster Gunslinger” is a must-read western horror novel of 2023! The story felt like a natural blend of The Witcher, the cult classic video game Darkwatch, and a mind-bending Lovecraftian story. The twists and turns in the narrative and the powerful draw of the protagonist will have readers enthralled with this brand-new saga that introduces a hero worthy of the reader’s attention. If you haven’t yet, be sure to preorder your copy today or grab your copy on February 2nd, 2023!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
KC Grifant is a Southern Californian author who writes internationally published horror, fantasy, science fiction and weird west stories for podcasts, anthologies and magazines.
Her writings have appeared in magazines and podcasts including: Andromeda Spaceways Magazine (cover story for issue #70), Unnerving Magazine, Aurealis Magazine, Fission Magazine, Cosmic Horror Monthly, Dark Matter Magazine, Tales to Terrify, the Lovecraft eZine, Sley House Podcasts, and many others.
In addition to a Weird West horror novel, MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER (Feb 2023), she has also written stories for dozens of anthologies, including: Chromophobia; Dancing in the Shadows: A Tribute to Anne Rice; Musings of the Muse; Field Notes from a Nightmare; The One That Got Away; Six Guns Straight From Hell; Trembling with Fear: Year One; Shadowy Natures; Beyond the Infinite: Tales from the Outer Reaches; and the Stoker-nominated Fright Mare: Women Write Horror.
In addition, she is a member of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association (SFWA), as well as the co-founder of the Horror Writers Association (HWA) San Diego chapter, an organization that helps to connect writers and fans of horror literature.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A powerful vampire seeking the truth behind a betrayal and hoping to atone for his past meets a grad student and begins a powerful romance just as a pack of vicious vampires begins to descend on their town in author R.L. Merrill’s “Sundowners”, the first book in the series of the same name.
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The Synopsis
From the author of the supernatural suspense series Gifted (Healer, Connection) comes a new queer paranormal romance series.
Praise for Connection: “The romance element is complemented nicely by the relentless action and adventure throughout, creating an emotionally intense and page-turning narrative…A fast-paced and fun fusion of supernatural romance and mainstream thriller.” ~Kirkus
Vampire Creed Lowell drifts from town to town working with the elderly as a night nurse and looking to avenge his harrowing past. His youth and vitality make him a favorite of his patients and his gifts bring them peace. At long last he’s arrived in the place where he hopes to find the truth about those who betrayed him…but first he finds an unexpected love with a man who might understand him—or end him.
Grad student Roman San Angelo is struggling to handle his courses, teaching schedule, and research for his dissertation on an obscure cult. He spends every spare moment with his beloved yet demanding grandmother Frances who’s recently moved to an assisted living facility—and he’s fascinated by her night nurse, who is able to bring out the inner light which had faded during her battle with dementia. Something about Creed doesn’t add up, however, Roman finds himself fighting an undeniable attraction. His concerns multiply when Roman discovers a connection between Creed and a bizarre series of vampire-wannabe assaults in the area. A moment of weakness leads to a night of passion between them, and the promise of something more, and yet Roman can’t shake his concern that Creed is not what he seems.
Creed knows better than to bring a mortal into his world, even one who could help him find the link between the pack of violent vampires preying on the people of Santa Cruz and Creed’s past. When he discovers Creed’s secret, Roman is ready to step outside his comfort zone and accept everything a life with a vampire entails, and when Creed disappears, Roman will go to the ends of the earth to find the man who brought the light back to his grandmother and the warmth back to his own heart.
*This book contains violence and sexual content. It is meant for audiences 18+
The Review
For any readers or cinematic aficionados out there who know their vampire history, the book immediately serves up some great callbacks to iconic vampire stories, with the narrative taking place in Santa Cruz, CA, the same location as the iconic The Lost Boys film. Yet this is no retelling, as the author ups the stakes and delivers an LGBTQ+ driven urban fantasy and supernatural horror narrative with an adult romance spin. The mystery and suspense of the narrative were so engaging, and the rich setting of Santa Cruz played such a unique and in-depth role in the narrative.
Yet it was the beautiful balance of mythology and character growth that really drew me into this story. The heated and passionate romance that bloomed between Creed and Roman was felt powerfully throughout this story, while the rich mythos that the author created allowed for some really unique and original takes on the vampire lore overall, allowing for a beautiful fusion of LGBTQ+ romance and supernatural urban fantasy.
The Verdict
Adrenaline-fueled, passionate, and entertaining, author R.L. Merrill’s “Sundowners” is the perfect first book in a brand new LGBTQ Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy series. The unique take on the vampire lore we’ve all come to know, as well as dashes of twists and turns that include cults, magic, and heated romances will have readers flocking to read more of this incredible author’s work. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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R.L. Merrill has a new MM paranormal romance out: Sundowners. And there’s a giveaway.
Vampire Creed Lowell drifts from town to town working with the elderly as a night nurse and looking to avenge his harrowing past. His youth and vitality make him a favorite of his patients and his gifts bring them peace. At long last he’s arrived in the place where he hopes to find the truth about those who betrayed him…but first he finds an unexpected love with a man who might understand him—or end him.
Grad student Roman San Angelo is struggling to handle his courses, teaching schedule, and research for his dissertation on an obscure cult. He spends every spare moment with his beloved yet demanding grandmother Frances who’s recently moved to an assisted living facility—and he’s fascinated by her night nurse, who is able to bring out the inner light which had faded during her battle with dementia. Something about Creed doesn’t add up, however, Roman finds himself fighting an undeniable attraction. His concerns multiply when Roman discovers a connection between Creed and a bizarre series of vampire-wannabe assaults in the area. A moment of weakness leads to a night of passion between them, and the promise of something more, and yet Roman can’t shake his concern that Creed is not what he seems.
Creed knows better than to bring a mortal into his world, even one who could help him find the link between the pack of violent vampires preying on the people of Santa Cruz and Creed’s past. When he discovers Creed’s secret, Roman is ready to step outside his comfort zone and accept everything a life with a vampire entails, and when Creed disappears, Roman will go to the ends of the earth to find the man who brought the light back to his grandmother and the warmth back to his own heart.
“Well, Mr. Lowell, I think we have everything we need. Your references all check out, and you passed your background check. Can you start on Friday?”
What a relief! I smiled and leaned against the wall of my dingy hotel room. Thank goodness for excellent references. I inhaled the combination mildew/chlorine smell caused by the permanent dampness from the ocean and the indoor swimming pool below my room, glad . This was the break I needed, or my current accommodations would soon go from bad to worse.
“Thank you, yes. What time does the evening shift start?” I kept my fingers crossed while I waited for the answer.
“Six o’clock. Just come to the front desk and our evening supervisor will get you set up. Lexi’s great. She’ll show you the ropes.”
“Wonderful. Thank you for this opportunity.”
“We should be thanking you, Mr. Lowell. You’re overqualified for the position, and we’ve had a difficult time keeping our evening staff. I hope this works out for the both of us.”
I thanked Yvonne, the Human Resources director, once more before disconnecting. Then the victory dance commenced.
“Did you hear that, Rhonda? We’re in!”
My red Doberman rested her jaw on her paws and made an old lady noise, indicating that she’d rather be napping than dancing.
I would not be thwarted, however. I danced a West Side Story routine across the room to the kitchenette and reached into the fridge with panache. There was one last bag of A-positive that I’d been sipping on since arriving in Santa Cruz, and now I could finish it off since I’d have a steady supply in just two days’ time. Not that I needed much—especially not when I was working—but it was important to never let my energy stores deplete. It affected my judgement and my ability to do the work that was so desperately needed.
I did a spin and a box step before kicking my leg out, and throwing my arms back in a layout. Hopefully I’d find a patient who knew the old dances at Puesta Del Sol, my new place of employment. They were the most fun to work with.
I reached into my lone duffel bag, which contained seven sets of scrubs, a suit, three white t-shirts, a pair of jeans, a Harvard hoodie, two pairs of shoes, and a small photo album that contained cherished pictures of my parents and younger siblings. The rest of my belongings and resources were hidden in pre-paid storage facilities around the country for when I got desperate…or had to run.
My family was all gone now. My little sister was the last, and she’d passed away four months ago according to the hometown newspaper in Macon County, Georgia. I read every copy that I could get ahold of through the local libraries. The internet had been such a great invention. Even though I hadn’t been home in nearly forty years, I’d managed to keep tabs on everyone. They’d all lived mostly happy, satisfying lives and died of natural causes at advanced ages, which was the best I could have hoped for.
But now that I had no worry of repercussions for my family, I could finally seek out the truth.
Puesta Del Sol was hopefully the end of the line. The last assisted-living home where I’d worked in Albuquerque had led me here, to Santa Cruz, California. “Go west, young man,” turned out to be the advice I’d needed all along.
I was determined to find those responsible for sending me on this decades-long exile. It wouldn’t be long now. It was time to set things straight, and it seemed fitting to be back near where it all started.
March 2019
Two months later, the trail of promising leads had gone cold. Still, I loved my new life in California. I was surrounded by a competent and diverse staff at Puesta Del Sol that knew how to run a place of healing and hope with patients who were happy and well cared for. And I loved Santa Cruz. It was almost enough to make me consider letting go of the past.
What a great place for a guy like me. It was easy to fit into the college town that was also a magnet for transients, tourists, and folks who were followers of alternative lifestyles. Not only were there practitioners of Eastern religions and schools of thought, but also those who claimed to be creatures of the night, a holdover from the vampire craze that swept the area after a hit movie in the ’80s made them cool. I occasionally even found folks who didn’t mind a little role play.
My love of music meant I was a frequent guest of The Catalyst, a large music venue, bar, and eatery located downtown that drew fans from all over the Bay Area. One night they’d feature punk, the next rap, and sometimes even classic rock bands made their way to the club.
Tonight was a perfect opportunity to blend in as a lineup of alternative bands from the eighties was playing. I’d worn my black suit, skinny tie, and black Dr. Martens. I’d even slicked my dark auburn hair back and donned black eyeliner for the hell of it, the makeup highlighting my eyes, so blue they made people stop and stare. Of course, the rest of the package could also be to blame for that. My pale, freckled skin fit the role of a night walker perfectly to round out the look.
I made my way through the crowd to the bar and ordered a beer. A willing playmate soon appeared, and the game was on.
The young man, dressed in a velvet waistcoat and ruffled poet’s shirt, saw me approach the bar and immediately perked up. I took a swig of my beer and nodded at the Goth. When I moved away from the bar, I felt him at my back as I headed to a dark corner. Once there, I leaned against the wall and waited.
The young man approached with a sly smile, and I took it as an invitation. I reached for his shoulder, turned him around slowly, and pulled him back against my chest, enjoying the way his body fit against mine.
“I have your permission?” I whispered in the young man’s ear. “I promise you’ll enjoy it.”
The young man turned to face me and his eyes widened in surprise. “Here?”
I smiled at him and ran a finger down his neck, enjoying the way he shivered. The energy from his excitement would have been enough to nourish me, but I was feeling greedy tonight.
“Yeah, just um, be safe about it.”
I bathed him in a wave of calm. The manipulation of energy was effortless for me now. “You’re in good hands, my friend.” I turned him around and stopped him when he went to loosen his belt. “Relax, I’ve got you.”
I slid his long curly blond hair to the side. I had ways of making the experience pleasurable, so I poured energy into giving this guy one helluva good time, one he’d remember for years to come. He just wouldn’t remember that a vampire sank his teeth gently into his neck and took sustenance from his body.
Give unto them what they require.
Take only what you need to survive.
I would never forget what I’d been taught.
“Blessed be.”
After a few sips, I felt my playmate shudder against me and let out a satisfied moan. A few more pulls and his body tensed, gasped, and shuddered once more. It was nice to know I hadn’t lost my touch.
It had been a long time since I’d chanced feeding in public, but I felt safe here. Santa Cruz had welcomed me with open arms, and I wanted to stay.
The young man raised his arm and cupped the back of my head. He pressed his ass back against me, and I knew it was time to end this tryst.
“Thank you,” I whispered against his ear, and then pressed a kiss to his neck.
“I should be thanking you,” the guy said. “What’s your name?”
I disappeared into the crowd before the young man turned to look, and I was out of the club before he could wonder what happened.
I rarely drank blood—it was an infrequent need to maintain my existence as long as I had plenty of human energy to manipulate—and I always made sure my partner enjoyed it. But the act often left me feeling…empty. I worked hard to help others live a more satisfying life, and after all this time, I sometimes resented that I couldn’t pursue happiness of my own. I would have loved to take that young man home and enjoy more than just an Exchange. Someday I would find…someone. But not until it was safe. Not until I’d done what I came here to do.
Author Bio
“With a strong plot, an expertly crafted cast of supporting characters, and deep empathy, Merrill’s novel will keep readers hooked.” —Publishers Weekly review of Typhoon Toby.
Whether she’s writing contemporary romance featuring quirky and relatable characters or diving deep into the paranormal and supernatural to give readers a shiver, R.L. Merrill loves creating compelling stories that will stay with readers long after. Winner of the Kathryn Hayes “When Sparks Fly” Best Contemporary award for Hurricane Reese, and a Foreword INDIES finalist for Summer of Hush, Ro spends every spare moment improving her writing craft and striving to find that perfect balance between real-life and happily ever after.
She writes diverse and inclusive romance, contributes paranormal hilarity to Robyn Peterman’s Magic and Mayhem Universe, and pens horror-inspired music reviews for HorrorAddicts.net.
You can find her connecting with readers on social media, advocating for America’s youth, raising two brilliant kids, or headbanging at a rock show near her home in the San Francisco Bay Area!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Tensions mount in one man’s life when he discovers a young girl locked in his basement soon after the loss of his daughter, claiming to in fact be his daughter, and he must decide if fate has brought his daughter back to him or if he is slowly losing his grip on reality in author Tom Starita’s “Delta”.
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The Synopsis
Jason Carico is a grieving father, desperately trying to come to grips with the loss of his eight-year-old stepdaughter, Delta, who drowned two months ago.
But if she’s dead, then why is there a little girl claiming to be Delta locked up in his basement?
Desperately wanting to believe her, Jason attempts to live a normal life while hiding his nightmare below. His anxiety explodes when his late wife’s sister appears on his doorstep. Can he trust her? Would she believe him? And what will the police think if they ever find out the only African American man in town has a white girl trapped in his basement?
The haunting motto of Mother’s death cult tolls throughout the book, “The Universe has a plan, independent from the wants of man.”
The Review
This was such a chilling and haunting read. The tension and heart-pounding suspense the novel’s narrative brings to life was the perfect way to marry both the horror and thriller genres that this story needed. The pacing the author set up perfectly allowed readers to develop this compulsive need to understand the circumstances surrounding this strange and troubling situation, as one minute readers see a tale of a man who has captured a young girl in his basement, and in the next a disturbing cult has set their sights on the same girl, and in the next a powerful force of nature threatens to converge on everyone at once.
This book’s narrative was definitely character-driven, and the characters really elevated the tension and atmosphere of this gritty suspense thriller meet horror read. The emotional pull of these characters, from Jason’s fractured psyche and desire to “protect” Delta, to Colleen’s struggle to right a grievous wrong and stop the madness she suspects is happening, really kept me invested in the narrative.
The Verdict
Haunting, engaging, and thrilling, author Tom Starita’s “Delta” is a must-read horror suspense read of 2022. The chilling atmosphere the author’s use of imagery creates and the shocking twists and turns that leave readers on the edge of their seats, eager for a second book, made this story shine so brightly. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Tom Starita is the author of three novels, “Two Ways to Sunday,” “Growth and Change Are Highly Overrated,” and his latest “Delta.” When asked for her thoughts about him, Oprah Winfrey said, “Who?” Tom Hanks refused to respond to an email asking for a quote, and former Mets great Mookie Wilson once waved to him from a passing taxi.
Originally from Staten Island, NY, Starita has now found a home in Connecticut with his amazing wife Shannon, their beautiful daughter Chloe and their potato of a dog Lola. But, most importantly, he loves the New York Mets.
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
For some reason, when I was 18, I got it into my head that I wanted to write a book. Being a child who was very focused on maths and science growing up, I wasn’t particularly good at writing. This meant I had to learn how to write while I was an adult. The process was a little shocking, actually. I couldn’t believe the things I didn’t know! Surely I went to school?
What inspired you to write your book?
Death, sadly. I cover this a lot at the end of the book. But after a good friend of mine died at 24, I felt lost. I have been an atheist since I was ten and was happy with the prospect of there being no afterlife. But when my friend died, I was faced with the reality that everything she was was no longer in the universe. That was hard. In a way, I wrote this book to rage against the unfairness of reality. The Archivist is my creation that will keep loved ones tethered to me. It’s a fantasy I can escape into. I hope others escape there too.
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What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
I hope they enjoy the story more than anything. I don’t like books that preach. However, I think it would be difficult for this book not to light some kind of spark inside the reader. What I hope I’ve portrayed is a flawed system, as opposed to something we can all agree is amazing like having superpowers. On the surface, archivists seem like a wonderful idea that we should want to have in our world, but scratch the surface and you learn they only bring suffering.
I suppose then, if I want the reader to take away anything from the story, it is that death is real and one day they will have to face it. First, the people they love, then their own death. They can believe whatever story they need to calm their feelings, but that doesn’t shield them from the truth. Enjoy your life, enjoy the lives of others. We’ve all only got the one. Don’t waste it.
What drew you into this particular genre?
What genre is this? I called it dark fantasy, buy I’m not sure that’s accurate. Death fantasy, perhaps? Either way, I don’t think I was drawn to the genre, I think the book led me there. I wrote the story I wanted to write then when I took a step back, I understood that it was the genre it became. I never set out to write a specific genre, just a story I wanted told.
If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?
I’d ask Sun-young what would make her happy. Sun has been in my head for a long time and so she feels like a part of me. I want her to be happy. Perhaps if I write a sequel, I could give her that happiness.
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What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
Goodreads has been the best, though you do have to prepare yourself for some brutal reviews. I may not have received any of those myself, but I’m still prepared. I check for them around every corner, waiting to jump out at me and criticize my hard work!
What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
Work at your own pace and write your own story. Writing won’t make you rich. Make sure you have a job, or better yet, a career, and write for your own enjoyment. If you are self publishing, put your money where your mouth is. Don’t toss out some nonsense on KDP without going through several rounds of professional editing. Edit your story, pay for a professional cover and be exacting with what you want. When you get a great review, let that warm feeling of satisfaction run through you for day. When you get a bad review, tell yourself that no story is loved by everyone, buy yourself some chocolate and get on with your life.
What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
I have another book in second draft that I hope to get out in two to three years. This one is middle grade science fiction about a girl who sells time and lives with a robot at the base of a space elevator. I’m really excited by it. Totally different to The Archivist, but then I like books to be different and for authors to explore the wider universe of stories.
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About the Author
V S Nelson writes unconventional middle grade and young adult fantasy, science fiction and supernatural stories for readers who enjoy something a little strange.
Their first story was The Keeper of Portals, a middle grade fantasy/sci-fi with plenty of portal jumping and time slipping. Their second story, The Archivist, is a young adult dark fantasy all about death and what happens after.
V S Nelson loves big ideas, fantastical concepts and stories that unsettle the reader and set them thinking about something new.
V S Nelson lives in Winchester with their other half, two children and three cats. When not writing, they’re either working as a theoretical physicist or building Lego.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A London investigator and a private eye in the late 60s must work together to stop a ritualistic killer before it’s too late in author Alan Golbourn’s “The 666 Murders: A Supernatural Thriller”.
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The Synopsis
His time is now …
London, 1966
Fear grips the capital when a second ritualistically murdered victim is found in an alleyway — with their heart removed.
With no leads or motive, DCS Kendall Quincy is under intense pressure to find the sadistic killer before a third victim is claimed.
Out of luck Randolph Landon — disillusioned with his life as a private investigator and separated from his family, soon becomes embroiled with his biggest, challenging, and most terrifying case to date. The case leads him down a sinister road to a chilling discovery like no other, so that he regrets grumbling about his lack of work and misfortune …
The Review
This was such a chilling and haunting read. The author did an incredible job of building tension and layering the atmosphere with suspense that kept readers on the edge of their seats. The balance of mythos and world-building the author made with the complex yet nuanced character development was greatly felt throughout the reading and made the growing mystery of this series of occult murders so harrowing to read.
Yet it was the richness of the narrative itself and the slow growth of the characters and their backgrounds that really kept me invested. The ways in which the heroes all came together by the book’s end completely made me conjure up images of Van Helsing, Jonathan Harker, and Quincy Morris traveling to Dracula’s castle to slay the immortal monster. The well-developed villain of the tale is quite horrifying and yet mesmerizing to read, and the way his backstory plays into the narrative and the mythos as a whole was so creative and unique, making me hooked on the author’s tale.
The Verdict
Brilliant, entertaining, and spookily delightful to behold, author Alan Golbourn’s “The 666 Murders” are a must-read suspense horror read. The equal ways in which the author develops the thriller aspects of the narrative with the supernatural mythos and action that takes place throughout the read made this story a classic horror tale in the making. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Alan Golbourn was born in Essex, England. He has enjoyed writing stories since a young age, when he was recognized early for his writing abilities. Amongst several interests and hobbies, including football and computer games, he holds a love and compassion for animals.
