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Finders
Robert J. Collins’ Finders kicks off a sprawling story rooted in ancient mystery and young discovery. The novel follows a group of university students on an archaeological dig in Cornwall, where what starts as a search for pottery shards and Roman tiles quickly transforms into something much more extraordinary. At the center is Ozzie, a dry-witted archaeology student who stumbles into a buried enigma, an ornate stone with gem-encrusted carvings and hints of long-lost rituals. As the dig deepens, tensions rise among the team, strange local figures emerge, and what lies beneath the surface, both literal and emotional, begins to shift their reality.
Reading Finders felt like being caught between a campus comedy and a mythic awakening. I absolutely loved the banter between the students. It’s quick, playful, and often funny. Ozzie is a wonderfully grounded narrator, the kind who doesn’t take himself too seriously but still brings a lot of heart to his observations. Collins has a real ear for dialogue. It’s chaotic, clever, and completely believable. But what surprised me most was how seamlessly that humor folded into something deeper. The archaeological details are rich but not overwhelming, and the slow burn of supernatural or symbolic significance unfolding in the knotwork stone was addictive. I didn’t expect a book about digging to keep me turning pages this fast.
The writing isn’t afraid to take its time. Collins lingers in conversations and small moments, and sometimes that gives it a slower pace than I wanted. But by the end, I appreciated the buildup. The characters felt real, not in a polished, archetypal way, but in the clumsy, lovable, kind-of-annoying way real people do. I was drawn to Mercie and her mystical side, to Carl’s playful chaos, and even to the mysterious Petroc, who might be charming or dangerous or both. The book flirts with fantasy, but it keeps one muddy boot firmly planted in the real world. That mix makes it special. It reminded me of Susan Cooper or early Neil Gaiman, only with more beer and sunburns.
Finders is for readers who like their magic grounded and their characters messy. If you enjoy smart young adult fiction with ancient puzzles, witty dialogue, and the tension of something just-about-to-happen, this book is worth your time. It’s not flashy. It’s not fast. But it leaves you curious, unsettled, and thrilled. I can’t wait to see where the story goes next.
Pages: 260 | ASIN : B0FBXCM5BW
Buried Treasure
Buried Treasure is a spiritually rich and emotionally resonant novel that follows the intertwining journeys of Cassie and Stella, two women navigating pivotal crossroads in their lives. Cassie, grieving a miscarriage and at odds with her husband over the pace of healing and next steps, attends a mystical retreat that gradually reveals not only her emotional truth but a deeper, spiritual clarity. Meanwhile, Stella, a wise, older therapist also at the retreat, undergoes her own awakening, rediscovering a magical inner world tied to fairies, healing, and forgotten memories. Through soulful conversations, dreamlike sequences, and otherworldly encounters, the book guides readers through themes of loss, joy, self-discovery, and the ethereal presence of unseen guides.
From the first page, I was drawn into the gentle rhythm of Lovell’s prose. The writing is lyrical but never pretentious, with a voice that feels both sincere and tender. She writes like someone who truly believes in the healing power of storytelling. The emotional depth in Cassie’s inner journey, her grief, doubts, hope, and quiet courage, feels real. And then there’s Stella, whose spiritual adventure becomes something far more than fantasy—it reads like a deep meditation. Lovell doesn’t just tell a story; she invites you to breathe it in slowly. The blend of mysticism and raw emotional honesty never feels forced, it works.
The book walks a fine line between metaphor and message. There were moments when I felt swept up in the magic, especially when Stella stepped into the world of fairies and healing pyramids. Other times, it leaned into spiritual exposition, slowing the momentum. But maybe that’s the point. It’s a story you sit with, one that asks you to slow down and feel. Lovell’s voice is warm and wise, like she’s gently holding your hand through your own personal remembering.
Buried Treasure is not your average novel. It’s part love story, part spiritual manual, part soul balm. I’d recommend it to anyone who’s been through loss, who’s questioning their life path, or who just wants a reminder that magic can live in our most broken places.
Pages: 162 | ISBN : 1763689905
Awakening 52
In Awakening 52, Jamie Smith recounts a moving spiritual experience that began with a near-death moment in 2014 and led to what he calls a “soul awakening.” The book details his journey through what he describes as portals into the afterlife, guided by eternal beings and flooded with divine love, revealing deep metaphysical truths. Across 22 chapters, Smith uses vivid, emotional storytelling to connect his near-death vision with lessons about faith, life purpose, the soul, and human existence beyond the physical realm.
Smith doesn’t pretend to have it all figured out, which actually makes the book feel more relatable. Right in the first few chapters, he takes us through the intense pain of cluster headaches and his desperate, heartfelt prayer at 2:52 PM, the moment that opened the gateway to his spiritual odyssey. It didn’t feel like a story he polished for effect; it felt like he ripped it out of his chest and laid it bare. His description of the “two-dimensional picture” appearing on his wall was so specific and unusual that it stuck with me; it was the kind of moment that cannot be fabricated, and it set the tone for the deeply personal nature of everything that followed.
Smith’s writing is unfiltered and emotionally charged. While it occasionally digresses and leans heavily on repetition, this stylistic choice ultimately proves effective. It conveys the sense that the author is not merely recounting experiences, but emphasizing the profound impact of each personal revelation. A notable example appears in Chapter Three, Cleansing of Soul, where he describes reuniting with the souls who shaped his life. His recollection of mowing a neighbor’s lawn as a child is unexpectedly moving, not merely nostalgic, but imbued with a sense of reverence. Through such memories, he transforms ordinary, seemingly trivial interactions into meaningful, even sacred, soul connections. The passage evokes reflection on one’s own past and the individuals one might hope to encounter again in a realm of pure light, a deeply resonant and powerful notion.
The imagery, such as valleys of light, swirling cocoons of love, and temples of wisdom, at times, evokes the tone of a guided meditation script. However, it raises a fair question: who is to define the appropriate language for describing a soul’s journey? There is, undeniably, a sincere charm in his unwavering commitment to articulating the ineffable. Chapter Fourteen, Valley of the Hidden Sun, stood out to me. The notion that diverse cultures and belief systems ultimately converge toward a singular, divine source offers a vision of hopeful universalism that is both compelling and deeply resonant.
Awakening 52 reads less like a conventional book and more like a deeply personal confession, an urgent, almost intimate appeal as if the author is quietly imploring the reader to understand something difficult to express. It is not a work that will resonate with everyone; those who seek empirical evidence or neatly defined theological frameworks may find it lacking in structure or rigor. However, for readers who have ever gazed at the night sky and felt a longing for something beyond the tangible, for a deeper, more mysterious truth, this work may offer a powerful sense of recognition. It is heartfelt, sincere, and unmistakably human. And perhaps that, ultimately, is its greatest strength.
Pages: 173 | ASIN : B0F3JV4TV3
Life Beyond Our Human Boundaries
The Gift chronicles your transformative journey from skeptical seeker to confident spiritual guide, uncovering intuitive gifts and ancestral wisdom through decades of metaphysical exploration. Why was this an important book for you to write?
My journey showed me that there is much more to life on earth than we discern with our five senses and I felt it was important to share this with others who are embarking on a similar path. Not only to know of this expanded view of the world but to utilize this dimension to enrich one’s life as well as elevate group consciousness.
What moment during the writing of The Gift felt the most vulnerable to put into words?
Although I believe this memoir made me more vulnerable in general because of my experiences with the beyond, I would say being contacted by extra-terrestrials was by far the most compelling and significant encounter confirming there is life beyond our human boundaries. Admitting to having contact with extra-terrestrials back in the eighties was controversial and looked upon with disbelief.
Were there any spiritual encounters you chose not to include in the book because they felt too personal or unbelievable?
Funny that you should ask that question. Yes, there are many more incredible occurrences that were left out. For instance, my psychic abilities have expanded exponentially. I have met strangers and been able to connect with their loved ones and give a meaningful message. It is not something I consciously do, but when someone who passed on knows I can relay a message they get excited and ask me to do so. I also am able to tune into the years that trauma occurred in one’s life by looking at their energy field which can facilitate healing. Now that I have established a presence, my next book will include a deeper level of exploration.
If you could offer one piece of advice to readers who are just beginning to notice intuitive experiences in their lives, what would it be?
First, be open to the potential that there is much more to the world than what we can see. Secondly, meditate to calm the body and mind to allow a deep level of relaxation that prepares one for hearing their subconscious thoughts as well as connecting to the collective unconscious. These practices can lead to synchronicities and open the gate to the unseen world.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | YouTube | Amazon
Surrection
Surrection is a trippy blend of science fiction, philosophy, and espionage, following Malcolm Wallace—an eccentric, wealthy, and determined man obsessed with achieving what he calls “surrection,” the conscious separation of soul and body. Fueled by hallucinogens, sound frequencies, and a deep distrust of the establishment, Malcolm partners (begrudgingly) with two government operatives—Colin, the manipulative narcissist, and Macy, the no-nonsense pharmacologist. Together, they tiptoe along the edge of legality in pursuit of a breakthrough that could, quite literally, change how we understand reality itself.
Okay, first off: the writing is slick. It’s sharp and stylish, and it flows fast. I was hooked by Malcolm’s intense inner monologue and the weirdly poetic way Hemme makes a guy tapping a pencil sound like a cosmic ritual (“the beat of his lifeforce.”). Hemme does a great job keeping things grounded even as the story veers into the metaphysical. One of my favorite moments is when Malcolm first succeeds at surrection and finds himself free-floating above his own body, able to “see in all directions” while literally feeling space itself. It was equal parts beautiful and haunting. And the way Colin later replicates the experiment but ends up haunting the White House like some astral tourist was both funny and chilling.
Now, character-wise, this book hits a groove. Malcolm is weird but lovable. You root for him even when he’s off the rails. But Colin is the guy you love to hate—slippery, smug, and dangerous. His whole backstory—scamming universities, getting scooped up by the CIA, then crashing a Maserati just for the fun of it—was like something out of a Bond villain’s drunk diary. And Macy is the calm center of the storm. Ultra-fit, wicked smart, and low-key terrifying. The tension between her, Colin, and Malcolm adds this constant hum of paranoia that just works. Hemme nails that distrustful dynamic, especially when Malcolm starts hiding his breakthrough from them, and we’re all just waiting for the moment it explodes.
This book’s a mind-bender. It’s got techy stuff, sure, but it’s not overwhelming. It’s got drug-fueled dream science and astral projection, but it stays surprisingly human. I’d recommend Surrection to sci-fi fans who dig Black Mirror, readers who like their fiction with a dose of existential dread, and anyone who’s ever stared into the night sky and wondered what else is out there. Just be prepared to question a few things about your own consciousness.
Pages: 123 | ASIN : B0DRT19BHZ
Inspired By a Dream
A Fine Line: The Beginning follows a dying Union soldier rescued by a supernatural healer, sending him into a life where the veil between the living and the otherworldly grows thin. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Believe it or not, this story was inspired by a dream I had. I have other books that were inspired the same way. So, now I have a notebook and pen by my bed.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
The human condition is a fascinating topic. In my view, humans are the most intriguing creatures on Earth. The human condition encompasses the shared experiences, emotions, and challenges common to everyone. It also includes the essential characteristics and significant events of human life, such as birth, death, and morality. Exploring these traits and events can bring realism to a story. Manipulating these elements and transforming them into something more powerful captures the essence of what many of us aspire to be or the abilities we wish we had. I particularly enjoy tapping into these emotions to create compelling fictional narratives.
In fantasy novels, it’s easy to get carried away by the magical powers of characters. How did you balance the use of supernatural powers?
I explore the interplay between superpowers and real-life situations, such as love, loss, birth, death, and the internal and external conflicts of morality. My emphasis is more focused on personal dilemmas rather than societal disputes or global crises. Personal moral conflicts usually stem from individual choices, making them relatable to everyone.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Readers of A Fine Line Series will not have to wait long. A Fine Line: The Awakening is currently on pre-order and will be released on the 26th of March.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
Not by chance, but by design…
The Crew was formed, and their fate was sealed.
From multi-award-winning author J.C. Brennan comes a new edition of the A Fine Line series, starting with Book 1: The Beginning—a dark fantasy epic where history bleeds into myth, and survival demands a descent into the abyss.
May 1864
The Battle of Pickett’s Mill
__________________________________
Union soldier William T. Healthaway should have died in the mud, his body lost among the thousands littering Georgia’s blood-soaked earth. But fate… or something far darker… intervenes.
Rescued by a healer with uncanny gifts and his clairvoyant wife, William is thrust into a world where the veil between the living and the otherworldly grows thin.
In the war’s aftermath, he becomes the catalyst that binds an unlikely Crew—each drawn by unseen forces toward a fateful destiny, their paths shaped by whispers from powers unknown, guiding them toward a purpose they cannot yet understand.
The shadows stir.
The hour is late.
What secrets lie buried in their past?
What awaits them in the gathering dark?
And what price must they pay for a destiny they can’t escape?
Meet William and the Crew.
Your journey into the unknown begins now.
Blending the visceral grit of historical fiction with the creeping dread of gothic horror, J.C. Brennan’s A Fine Line Series is a masterclass in dark fantasy. For fans of The Terror and Between Two Fires, this epic saga weaves brotherhood, fate, and eldritch horror into a story as enduring as it is unforgettable.
Get your copy!
A Fine Line: The Beginning
A Fine Line: The Beginning is a gripping dark fantasy novel set against the brutal backdrop of the American Civil War. It follows William T. Healthaway II, a Union soldier thrown into the chaos of war, grappling with both the physical and emotional toll of battle. As he endures the horrors of combat, William’s fate intertwines with supernatural forces, making him question reality itself. Themes of destiny, brotherhood, and survival drive the narrative, making it an unforgettable journey through a world where history and the unknown collide.
One of the strongest aspects of Brennan’s writing is the visceral intensity of war. The battlefield is not romanticized. Instead, it’s a suffocating nightmare of gunfire, blood, and loss. The chapter Shattered Will hit me the hardest. When William and his best friend Buckner charge into battle, the carnage is unbearable, and the moment Buckner falls is gut-wrenching. Author J.C. Brennan doesn’t hold back—she forces the reader to sit with the weight of war, to feel the mud, the fear, and the unbearable grief of losing someone in an instant. The way she describes William’s descent into a mindless killing machine, fueled by rage and despair is some of the most hauntingly real war writing I’ve read.
Another standout aspect is the supernatural element woven into the story. The introduction hints at forces beyond human comprehension, and as the novel progresses, these eerie occurrences become impossible to ignore. Caroline, William’s wife, possesses the gift of foresight, which adds an intriguing layer to the story. Her ability to see into the future isn’t just a plot device—it deepens the emotional connection between her and William. When she writes to him, believing in his survival, it’s as if fate itself is guiding him. And then there’s Tyrone and Cecil, two runaway slaves who save William’s life. Their presence isn’t just historical—it’s mystical. The way Tyrone’s touch seems to ease William’s pain and how Cecil’s chants carry an air of the otherworldly suggest that fate, or something beyond it, is at play.
William is a man torn between duty and desperation, constantly longing for home but bound by the reality of war. His relationship with Buckner is a highlight—their banter, their loyalty, and the tragedy that unfolds between them make their bond one of the most compelling parts of the book. Tyrone’s backstory, detailing the horrific scars of slavery, is told with such raw honesty that it made my stomach turn. And Caroline, though physically distant for most of the novel, is a presence that looms over every decision William makes. Brennan has created a cast of characters that feel like real people, each carrying their own burdens, yet still holding onto hope.
I would absolutely recommend A Fine Line: The Beginning to anyone who enjoys dark fantasy and historical fiction with a twist. If you’re a fan of gritty war stories that don’t shy away from brutality, this is for you. If you love characters that feel real, with relationships that make you ache, you’ll find them here. Brennan delivers a powerful, immersive read that lingers long after the final page.
Page: 103 | ASIN : B0DTT9CJP3
