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Phantom of StainedSteam
Phantom of StainedSteam is a thrilling dive into a London veiled by fog and filled with magic, secrets, and danger. At its heart, the story follows William Blackwood, a suave investigator with a knack for solving supernatural mysteries, as he confronts a dangerous cult, the Black Thorns. Alongside his eccentric companions, William races against time to unravel a plot that threatens to rip apart the fabric of reality itself. With vivid imagery and rich character dynamics, Sparr weaves a story that’s as enchanting as it is darkly mysterious.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its atmosphere. From the foggy streets of London to the eerie glow of Highgate Cemetery, Sparr creates a world you can almost smell and touch. The opening chapter immediately sets the tone with Lilly Ravenwood navigating a mist-laden street, her sharp eyes catching glimpses of a magical underworld hidden in plain sight. The sense of wonder and menace is palpable. Sparr’s descriptions, like William’s brush with reanimated corpses on a frozen bridge, are so visceral.
That said, the characters are what truly made this book shine for me. William is charming yet layered, with his calm, sarcastic exterior masking a fierce determination. His dynamic with Jaxon Westwood, the scholarly sidekick, is a highlight. Their banter, especially in the scene where Jaxon warns William about the dangers of meddling in the supernatural, adds levity without undercutting the tension. Lilly, with her icy demeanor and fierce independence, is another standout. Her bravery during the docks confrontation, despite her injuries, shows her depth. The supporting characters, from winged cat Midnight to the gruff constable Theo, each leave their mark without feeling like filler.
While I adored the worldbuilding and characters, the pacing occasionally felt uneven. Some chapters, like the extended exposition on the origins of the Black Thorns, slowed the narrative’s momentum somewhat. I found myself wanting to jump back into the action. Additionally, while the villains are suitably menacing, I feel their motivations sometimes veer into cliché territory—power for power’s sake felt underwhelming compared to the rich complexity of the protagonists.
Phantom of StainedSteam is an absolute delight. It’s perfect for readers who love steampunk fantasy, Sherlockian mysteries, or stories steeped in magic and danger. Sparr’s London is a place I didn’t want to leave, and his characters feel like old friends by the end. If you’re looking for a tale of high stakes, rich worlds, and unrelenting adventure, you won’t regret stepping into this fog-laden gaslamp fantasy.
Pages: 738 | ASIN : B0CW1GCX1N
Death or Volentus: Macabre Masquerade
Death or Volentus: Macabre Masquerade, by David V. Mammina, is a dark fantasy tale filled with necromancers, undead armies, and high-stakes political intrigue. The story follows Volentus, a powerful necromancer ruling over a bleak land called Edengard, and his interactions with other factions in a world filled with rivalries, magic, and deep secrets. Volentus is at the heart of a macabre game, facing threats from kingdoms and individuals alike. The novel sets the stage with battles, betrayals, and an eerie atmosphere that constantly hovers over the storyline. The key tension lies between Volentus and various factions, especially as he faces a pending summit where political and magical powers will collide.
The writing is heavy on detail, immersing readers into a world that feels vividly crafted, but at times, it can be dense. Mammina’s strength lies in his ability to evoke haunting imagery. Whether it’s a necromancer’s undead army or the ruins of Edengard, the setting is always atmospheric. The prose is rich with long passages of descriptive text that I feel sometimes slow down the narrative’s momentum. However, these passages contribute to great world-building within a fascinating narrative.
One thing that really stands out is how the novel delves into the psychological and emotional turmoil of its characters. Volentus isn’t just a power-hungry necromancer; he’s haunted by past decisions and relationships, particularly his complex history with Malkira, a priestess and former lover. The moments where Volentus grapples with his isolation and the consequences of his actions bring a depth that grounds the otherwise fantastical elements. I appreciated how the novel explored his internal conflict and didn’t just paint him as a stereotypical villain. A scene where he sits in front of the fire, reflecting on his power and the fear he instills, felt particularly poignant. The dynamics between different factions, like the Koralins and the Apparatum, are intriguing, but I believe they can occasionally impact the clarity of the narrative. While fascinating and well-developed, side stories centered around characters like Dragan and Alicent are engaging but sometimes distract from the book’s central point.
Death or Volentus: Macabre Masquerade is perfect for those who love dark fantasy with intricate political intrigue. Fans of necromancy, morally complex characters, and rich world-building will enjoy this novel. It’s a book that requires patience and attention to detail, but the payoff is a richly woven, eerie tale that lingers long after you’ve turned the last page.
Pages: 281 | ASIN : B0D9SXRWVY
A Bad Price to Pay for Love
In the third installment of The Bad Series, A Bad Price to Pay for Love, by Jerry F. Westinger, readers are drawn into a captivating blend of fantasy and mystery. Nella Dormanni eagerly reunites with her colleague, Lieutenant Mainu, only to discover that he is in New Montres not for leisure but to investigate the disappearance of a wealthy socialite. Nella’s expertise becomes invaluable as they uncover layers of deception and intrigue far beyond their expectations. Meanwhile, Thessa faces a challenging murder case at the esteemed Garden of Lilies, questioning the city guard’s conclusions. With her loyal friend Corlis by her side, Thessa embarks on a quest for justice, unearthing secrets that could shake the city to its core.
This novel skillfully encompasses themes of collaboration, crime-solving, and resilience. Nella Dormanni is a well-rounded character, displaying admirable traits such as a strong sense of duty and dedication. Her tendency to internalize criticism and doubt herself adds depth to her character, making her more relatable and engaging. This vulnerability enhances readers’ investment in her story. The close relationship between Nella and Mainu, including their intimate moments, enriches the narrative without overshadowing the plot or compromising their mission. It serves as a portrayal of their vulnerability and loyalty to each other, adding a layer of emotional depth to the story. Thessa, despite her vulnerabilities and moments of self-doubt, emerges as a likable character due to her humanity and eagerness to connect with others. Her journey resonates as she grapples with an identity crisis and searches for a sense of belonging amidst uncertainty. Her determination and growth throughout the novel are compelling and inspiring. The fictional world of New Montres is vividly brought to life, with its stark contrast between high society and the slums highlighting themes of social disparity. This setting strongly mirrors real-world issues, making the story both fantastical and relevant.
A Bad Price to Pay for Love, by Jerry F. Westinger, is a highly engaging read that offers a rich tapestry of characters, intricate plotlines, and thought-provoking themes. It is a must-read for fans of fantasy and mystery, promising a journey filled with suspense, emotion, and insightful commentary on society.
Pages: 315 | ASIN : B0D58H91D8
Healthy Dose of Fiction and Fantasy
Houdini’s Last Handcuffs follows three friends from Manhattan in the 1950s who are contacted by Houdini through a set of handcuffs and asked to go on a mission to find his hidden journal. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Perhaps oddly, the first inspiration for the novel came from our father’s obituary in the New York Times. Douglas Martin wrote about a third of a page about our family, its magic, and related interests as well as the connection to Houdini. Upon reading that, it was perhaps the first time I realized I grew up in an unusual family.
I began writing what was essentially a memoir. I was aware that my high school English teacher had gone on to become Editor-in-Chief at Random House (Daniel Menaker), I sent it off to him asking for his thoughts…even though I was now about 50 years old. He was kind enough to send it back with a critique, handwritten, on company letterhead. Ultimately with that, and having inherited from my father the last handcuffs to leave the brothers Houdini and Hardeen’s estate, my imagination began turning a memoir into a historical fiction. Houdini’s Last Handcuffs was born.
Your characters are wonderfully emotive and relatable drawing in readers of all ages. Were you able to use anything from your own life to inform their character development?
Absolutely, as the characters are reflections of ourselves, events we were involved in, and family and family friends, we wanted our characters to be true to ourselves, even as we delved into areas of fiction wherein we wanted them to respond how we might have responded. Most of the events, places, and people are drawn from the crucible of our memories along with a healthy dose of fiction and fantasy.
Did you plan the tone and direction of the novel before writing or did it come out organically as you were writing?
We both “lived” with the characters in our minds as we wrote about them.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
We are in the process of writing a sequel. The expected release date is October 31, 2026, the 100th anniversary of Houdini’s death.
Author Links: GoodReads | Book Trailer | Website | Amazon
While the adults attempt to reach Houdini in a Séance at his former residence, the children unknowingly call upon the great magician, not through the Ouija board or séance but via an enigmatic pair of handcuffs from their father’s magic collection.
Houdini, in dire need of their aid, reveals a hidden notebook filled with scientific formulas coveted by both benevolent and malevolent secret circles. This notebook is a puzzle, locked behind Houdini’s cryptic code.
The unexpected unfolds, setting off a thrilling chase, where the pursuit of Houdini’s notebook holds the key to secrets, mystique, and adventure. Houdini’s Last Handcuffs is a riveting journey into a world where magic meets science, tantalizing readers with every twist and turn.
Houdini’s Last Handcuffs
Houdini’s Last Handcuffs by Charlie & Cheryl Young weaves a captivating narrative that intertwines the lives of three friends with the enigmatic legacy of Harry Houdini. Set against the backdrop of the 30th anniversary of Houdini’s death, the story takes a thrilling turn while adults are performing a customary séance; the legendary magician himself reaches out to the children Cheryl, David, and Charlie through a pair of handcuffs with a mission to locate his concealed journal. This journal, brimming with secrets of Houdini’s illusions and potent scientific knowledge, becomes the linchpin of the story.
The authors creatively blend fact and fiction, presenting a reimagined scenario where Houdini mystically evades death. This journey into the unknown is marked by a confrontation with a malevolent faction intent on commandeering the journal for their own dark purposes. This novel thoughtfully examines the interplay between science and magic, challenging the reader to reconsider their conventional boundaries. It posits that both realms contribute to our understanding and mastery of the world.
The book demystifies phenomena like levitation and teleportation, attributing them to scientific principles and mathematics rather than solely to the mystical. Charlie & Cheryl Young’s unique storytelling transcends typical genre confines, skillfully merging elements of science fiction and fantasy. This blend affords a rich, diverse reading experience, appealing to a broad audience. The narrative gains a touch of authenticity by drawing on real historical figures, grounding its fantastical elements in a relatable context.
This imaginative foray into the realms of fantasy and historical fiction is well-suited for readers across various age groups, eschewing mature content for a universally enjoyable tale. Houdini’s Last Handcuffs stands out as an inventive exploration of the intersection of history, science, and the mystical, making it a delightful read for enthusiasts of both fantasy and historical narratives.
Pages: 189 | ASIN : B0CQLTCCY8
Nameless vs the Army of the Dead: Book one of the Nameless Saga
Set against the backdrop of the 19th-century Victorian era, Nameless vs. The Army of the Dead by Brett Comeau immerses readers in the beleaguered city of Geneva. Amidst the nightly terror inflicted by the enigmatic Darklings, who mercilessly target the impoverished, a unique hero emerges. This nameless, deformed youth, embodying resilience and bravery, stands as a beacon of hope during these harrowing times. Alongside two loyal companions, he confronts the Darklings, striving to unveil their sinister motives and protect the city.
Brett Comeau’s novel is a masterful blend of horror and adventure, paced with riveting momentum. The protagonist, though unnamed, captivates with his charismatic presence, making him a character readers will enthusiastically support. This narrative is a treasure for aficionados of the macabre, showcasing exemplary world-building skills and enthralling action sequences.
While primarily a young adult novel, this book ventures into the realms of Stephen King-esque gore and Gothic horror. The heart of the story lies in the profound friendship among the youthful trio, who display remarkable maturity and resolve in contrast to the ineffectual and divided adults of Geneva.
Comeau skillfully leads the narrative to a climactic unraveling of the mystery behind the Darklings’ reign of terror. The finale is brilliantly executed, leaving an indelible mark in the realm of young adult fiction with its ingenious and mind-bending resolution. Nameless vs. The Army of the Dead is not just a thrilling read but an exploration of courage, camaraderie, and the fight against overwhelming darkness.
Pages: 290 | ASIN : B0CQ4LQKXF
Foundations Of Love And Trust
Beyond the Gloaming Pass follows the adventurous journey of an aspirant mage and a humble laborer as they navigate a mystical land and face imminent threats to their homeland. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I wanted a classic narrative, reminiscent of some of the older fantasy works people know and love, but with some deliberate twists and deviations from common tropes. My goal was to create a world with the alluring opulence of high fantasy, yet grounded enough to feel relatable and inhabited. You rarely see mature characters with adult problems and adult relationships as the focal point in fantasy. I handed the reins of my story to two headstrong women with complex emotions and a lot of baggage accumulated over their lives, then let them drive the narrative.
The relationship between Molindra and Rubriel is unique. What were some driving ideals
behind your character’s development?
Examples of real-life friendships that transcend life stages and changing circumstances inspired me to dig deeper into the substance of a bond like that. There are people who come and go from your life as you grow up, move, change jobs, etc…but now and then–if you’re lucky–you meet someone whom you adopt as family. You’re so in sync with each other, that it feels like they’re part of you. That kind of relationship, while purely platonic, is exceptionally beautiful. I wanted to celebrate that beauty.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
As I mentioned earlier, the power of friendship is a big one, as well as the sense of inner truth that goes along with knowing someone so completely. The idea that if you strip away all external influences in a relationship, all motivations, all logic and reason, you’re left with this…purity; a shared truth built upon foundations of love and trust. It’s not easy to find, but if you are lucky enough to experience it, it stays with you forever.
The other concept, which is perhaps more subtle, but will persist throughout the Equilibria series, is the idea of balance in all things. There is a symmetry in Beyond the Gloaming Pass. The world exists on a spectrum, and straying too far in either direction causes people and systems to start to break down. This, in turn, leads to an understanding that people are more similar than they are different because everyone is trying to find balance on the same spectrum. The most good for the least harm, where every hero is someone else’s villain.
What can readers expect in book two of the Equilibria series?
Expect to see the aftermath of events in book one fully explored and have a profound impact on the world and characters. No one will get off lightly. Some minor characters from the first book will have a more central role, while others will see a temporary hiatus until they return to center stage later in the series. Beyond the Gloaming Pass raises a bunch of unanswered questions, which book two, Under an Emerald Sky, will slowly unravel.
Author Links: TikTok | GoodReads | Website | Amazon
An unlicensed mage, Molindra struggles to contain her innate magical abilities, while Rubriel bounces from one job to the next after industrialization leaves her skillset redundant. When a contract from a wealthy merchant offers a hefty payout for a dangerous mission in a mysterious land, Molindra seizes the opportunity for a better life.
Cold, barren, and brutally efficient, the Gloaming Mountains conceal a powerful nation, where the sun never rises and the dead watch tirelessly – a nation determined to claim Bantria’s abundant natural resources for themselves. In the heart of Langlythe, Molindra receives the mage training she so desperately desires. In return, she must retrieve an ancient artifact buried deep in the frozen north. Fears for her safety at odds with festering resentment, Rubriel chases Molindra through inhospitable territory. The pair soon find themselves swept onto opposite sides of a bitter conflict that spirals rapidly out of control.
Separated and pushed to the limits of endurance, their journey will put the bonds of friendship to the ultimate test and challenge their perception of the world to its very core. Will they reunite and save Bantria from the growing threat, or become unwitting agents of its destruction?
Raise the Dead
A doctor who happens to also be a necromancer named Emilio finds himself in the presence of his queen, but she is no longer alive. Queen Marisol has been murdered. Her spirit finds its way to Emilio, so she can finally be at peace. First, however, the truth must come out to those nearest to her as someone, or something, is impersonating her.
Raise the Dead by Tony Fuentes and C. S. Kading takes readers on an adventure that Emilio is unsure of, but he is willing to do anything to help his queen. The pair encounter skeptics of his work, shades, and other undead creatures as they search for a way to help Queen Marisol uncover the truth and share it with those nearest to her. However, during this time, unexpected feelings are growing between Emilio and Marisol.
The authors have created a unique, riveting dark fantasy novel with a slow-burn romance. The chemistry between the two main characters is subtle and sets readers up for a more extended storyline beyond this one novel. I found myself anxious to get to the moment when they would finally be together. The slow pace works with the story, as there is more at stake than love. The narrative and plotline flow smoothly, giving readers a complete picture of what is happening. Bringing the truth into the light comes off as the story’s focus and romance complement it perfectly.
Raise the Dead is a gripping dark fantasy and paranormal romance novel that takes readers into the world of necromancers. With richly developed characters, magic and adventure, there is something for readers of all fantasy to enjoy. This novel has a lot of potentials to be a fantastic series. I look forward to seeing how Tony Fuentes and C. S. Kading develop this budding romance.
Pages: 243 | ASIN : B0BKJP16PX
