Blog Archives
Out of Body
In Out of Body by Kimberly Baer, we meet Abby, a teenager grappling with the loneliness and loss she feels after her cousin and best friend, Logan, moves to a new town. Set against the backdrop of a town steeped in supernatural history, the story begins on Halloween—a night when Abby, now without Logan, finds herself alone. While attempting to distract herself with a horror film, Abby begins to notice strange and unsettling occurrences: objects shifting location and clothes seemingly moving on their own. These eerie happenings leave her questioning her sanity. However, when Abby uncovers the truth behind these strange events, her life takes a dramatic turn, revealing that her connection to Logan is far deeper and more mysterious than she ever imagined.
The book’s tagline, “Astral travel is amazing…if you survive the trip,” immediately draws readers into its blend of the supernatural and science fiction, and the story delivers on these promises. Baer’s novel is a captivating Young Adult fiction piece that dives into the spooky and unexplained. The opening line—“Dad’s recliner was rocking by itself again”—hooks readers right from the start, setting the tone for a story filled with intrigue and suspense. Beyond the central plot of a teenage girl discovering her hidden powers, Out of Body touches on themes that resonate deeply with its young adult audience. The novel explores common adolescent struggles, from friction with parents and feeling isolated at school to dealing with social anxiety. These relatable themes make the story not only an exciting supernatural adventure but also a meaningful exploration of the challenges that many young readers face.
Out of Body is a perfect escape for readers of any age, whether they are currently navigating the complexities of adolescence or have already been through it. It’s the kind of book you can easily imagine curling up with on a cozy autumn evening, offering both a thrilling story and an emotional journey. I highly recommend this novel to anyone looking for a captivating and relatable read.
Pages: 292 | ASIN : B0CQ34D8H5
Calliope Wakes
Calliope Wakes by Constance Kersaint introduces us to Callie Redmond, who at first glance seems like any ordinary eighteen-year-old. However, beneath the surface, something is distinctly amiss. Callie is plagued by relentless nightmares with no apparent cause, and her confusion only deepens when Erik, her former best friend from elementary school, suddenly reappears in her life. Erik, who had inexplicably distanced himself from her throughout high school, now wants to rekindle their friendship—and possibly even more. This sudden shift leaves Callie bewildered and questioning his motives. How could someone who once ignored her for years now desire to be close again? And more importantly, why now? As strange and uncontrollable events begin to unfold around Callie, she finds herself questioning everyone and everything in her life. Unexplained fears and an increasing sense of distrust gnaw at her, further complicating her situation. As these disturbing occurrences intensify and Erik’s presence in her life grows stronger, Callie realizes she must uncover the truth behind these events. What secrets about her past will she unearth? Why are these nightmares haunting her? And most crucially, are Callie and her family truly safe?
What captivated me most about this story was its ability to grip me from the very first page and hold my attention until the very end. The characters are so vividly drawn that they feel like real people—friends I wanted to root for and see succeed. I found myself particularly drawn to Callie and Erik’s relationship. Despite Erik’s mysterious behavior, it was clear that his intentions toward Callie were protective rather than harmful. I yearned for Callie to give him a chance, to let go of the past, and see where their relationship could go now that they were adults. Their shared history and deep connection made me hope they would find a way to move forward together. Ms. Kersaint has masterfully crafted a storyline that not only pulls readers in but also keeps them on the edge of their seats with each new twist. The suspense and action are so intense that I often felt my own heart racing, fully immersed in the danger and drama alongside Callie. This novel is so vividly written that I could easily envision it as an action-packed movie, full of tension and excitement. One of the standout aspects of Calliope Wakes is the brilliant fusion of Celtic and Viking cultures. The seamless blending of these two distinct and complex traditions is something I have rarely encountered in literature or film. The author’s creativity shines through in this unique and fascinating combination, adding an extra layer of depth to the story.
Calliope Wakes is a young adult novel that will appeal not only to its target audience but to adult readers as well. If you enjoy stories that combine action, suspense, and paranormal romance, this book is a must-read. Constance Kersaint has delivered a compelling tale that will leave readers eagerly anticipating her next work.
Pages: 258 | ASIN : B0CS5PKNKT
The Kindred Chronicles: Between Two Worlds
The Kindred Chronicles: Between Two Worlds, by D.A. Chan, introduces readers to a world where individuals with extraordinary powers, known as kindred, walk among us. Among them is Elline, engaged to the Magister of Demos Geras—a union she isn’t thrilled about. However, this engagement might prove advantageous as a violent war between kindred factions looms. Meanwhile, Chris, deeply in love with Elline, finds himself entwined in a complex web of emotions. Elline caused his death and subsequent return to life, and now, her feelings are beginning to mirror his. Their star-crossed romance is just one facet of a larger conflict; if Chris cannot maintain the fragile peace between humanity and the various kindred families, an unprecedented war will erupt.
The Kindred Chronicles: Between Two Worlds is a potent blend of fantasy, teen fiction, and sci-fi. Some readers might draw parallels to the Twilight series, while others may be reminded of the X-Men comics. Chan’s storytelling prowess shines as he deftly weaves multiple plot threads, maintaining a relentless pace that thrusts readers into the heart of the action from the very beginning. The novel is replete with epic battle sequences, behind-the-scenes intrigue, and sneaky-good character development driven primarily by dialogue. Chris and Elline stand out as compelling characters. Their yearning for each other is palpable, yet numerous obstacles stand in the way of their happiness, making their romance captivating and relatable.
One of the most impressive aspects of Chan’s novel is its genuine unpredictability. It is rare to find a story so unafraid to explore unlikely avenues or a writer willing to make significant sacrifices to heighten emotional impact. Without giving away too much, it is safe to say that if you think you know who will emerge unscathed from this conflict, you may be in for a surprise.
The Kindred Chronicles: Between Two Worlds is a masterfully crafted novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats, eager to uncover the fate of its richly developed characters and the world they inhabit.
Pages: 434 | ASIN : B0CBR99Y7Q
Darien Shockra and The Bermuda Triangle – Part 1 (Darien Shockra & The Bermuda Triangle)
Darien Shockra & The Bermuda Triangle by David Kneisler and Stefan Lukjanczuk tells the captivating story of Darien, Ecio, and Serenity, whose parents fled from the planet Nibiru to Earth for safety. On Nibiru, every generation produces three individuals, known as ‘the Tritem,’ who inherit exceptional powers meant to safeguard the planet from attacks. These three play a crucial role in defending Nibiru against threats, the most significant being Ophidion, a powerful being from Saturn. Imprisoned after attacking Nibiru, Ophidion seeks the orb that empowers the Tritem for himself and his master, Lucifer. The pressing question remains: will Ophidion stay imprisoned, and are the young trio ready to face this looming threat and defend their planet?
The main theme of the book underscores the importance of self-discovery in unlocking one’s full potential, highlighting that unity and collaboration are key to overcoming darkness and evil. Darien, Ecio, and Serenity are encouraged to embrace their unique abilities while working together to combat the threats against their planet. This engaging prequel sets the stage expertly for the main story to come. The characters are well-introduced, and their roles in the narrative are clear. What distinguishes this book from other fantasy novels is its refreshing simplicity. The world-building is intricate yet comprehensible, and the plot is straightforward and easy to follow. The story strikes a perfect balance, being neither overbearing nor dull, leaving readers eager for the next installment in the series. It’s a promising start to an exciting journey!
Darien Shockra & The Bermuda Triangle lays a solid foundation for the main story, featuring a clear and straightforward plot that makes for an entertaining read. I highly recommend it to readers of all ages, especially those who enjoy fantasy novels.
Pages: 122 | ASIN : B0D54TQQNV
Murder At Monterey
Ellen Read’s Murder at Monterey is a quintessential traditional murder mystery that transports readers into a world reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s iconic tales. The story revolves around two devoted sisters, Alexandra and Edith, who are invited to a grand party by Prudence, the enigmatic hostess. Their initial reluctance to attend, due to past encounters with the guest of honor, is overridden by the allure of a weekend getaway. Upon arrival, the sisters and their entourage mingle with the eclectic mix of guests, setting the stage for a suspenseful and tragic turn of events.
The narrative takes a dark twist when a guest is found dead, and another is discovered standing over the body, leading to a classic “whodunit” scenario. This homage to Christie’s masterpieces, such as the Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple series, grips the reader from the opening line, “Alexandra felt the loss…” The story is laced with foreshadowing, as exemplified by the line, “I, for one, hope we don’t have any murders while we’re there,” which expertly builds tension leading up to the murderous climax. Ellen Read’s adept use of dialogue enhances the suspense and character development, although the story takes its time to dive into the core action. This deliberate pacing allows readers to become intimately acquainted with the characters and their possible motives, enriching the overall narrative. As the sixth book in the series, Murder at Monterey showcases Read’s ability to create compelling characters and intricate plots.
Murder at Monterey by Ellen Read is a masterfully crafted murder mystery that pays homage to the classic works of Agatha Christie. Through meticulous character development and a well-paced narrative, Read weaves a tale of suspense and intrigue that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Whether you’re a long-time fan of traditional murder mysteries or new to the genre, this book is a must-read that promises a thoroughly engaging experience. I eagerly await the next adventure in this series.
Pages: 217 | ASIN : B0D48RQQFL
I Gave Each An Essential Flaw
A Sinister Love follows a demon in Purgatory who is fired from her desk job and sent to Earth as a Sinister whose job is to make a human sin and condemn his soul to Hell. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I had several inspirations which all hit at different times. One of the main ones came from a webcomic. I used to read them voraciously, and I once came across one where one of the main villains was essentially teddy-bear-Satan with two succubi at his sides at all times. Unfortunately, that’s about all I can now remember from it. But I do recall a single frame where one of the succubus girls stayed behind and looked at the main character with a blush on her face, which got my mind thinking.
A lot of the setup was influenced by C.S. Lewis, in particular “The Screwtape Letters” and “The Great Divorce.” The former was essentially written as a group of letters from a demon to his subordinate, directing him on how to properly tempt a human. When I put these two ideas together, a succubus in love and a demon rookie being shown the ropes, it led to more and more of the story forming around it.
Another inspiration was a line from a They Might Be Giants song about the singer being the “nicest of the damned.” This is where I came up with the idea of Scribble, the main character in my novel, being the demon that was closest to making it to Heaven.
I enjoyed the depth of the main character, Scribble. What was your process to bring that character to life?
I wanted all the characters to undertake a journey, to change. For the demons, I gave each an essential flaw that caused them to fall from grace, and Scribble’s flaw was cowardice. So I knew from the get-go that she had to overcome this throughout the course of the story. I also wanted her to be able to connect with both the reader and her love interest, Paul. The one thing that linked them all was reading itself, which opened up her past and helped guide her interactions with Paul. She had to know enough about humans to get by on Earth, but be ignorant of enough things that her naivety would be charming. Finally, she became a good tool for Rotworm (her mentor) and Surli (her digital assistant) to provide essential information to the reader without making it boring or expository. Beyond that, I wanted it to sound like my female lead was written the way she would want to be written.
I felt that there were a lot of great twists and turns throughout the novel. Did you plan this before writing the novel, or did the twists develop organically writing?
I’m definitely a plotter! I used a variety of methods while writing this novel before I found what really works best for me. It also underwent about a dozen revisions and has changed a lot since the first draft. I always knew, for instance, that I wanted to turn your typical romance on its head by making it so that the only way Scribble can truly love Paul is by giving up loving him, but it was only in the final draft that I realized how the story needed to end. That said, there were definitely times when the story or characters did things I hadn’t planned. But I like to say, “There are no such things as plot holes, only plot opportunities.” A lot of the fun was solving a plot hole in such a way that it ended up returning in a natural way to the plot.
When will book 2 be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
I have a second book, “Fate & Fortune,” with an editor right now. I am hoping to launch a Kickstarter for it in August and release it before the end of the year. It is about a young man named Alex who made a deal with Lady Luck and her sister Dame Destiny to change his fate and reverse his fortune. After years of success, though, he discovers that this means he will never be with his soul mate, Amanda, who is engaged to a malignant narcissist. So he is given the opportunity to go back and relive any point in his life in an attempt to undo this and win her back, but for every second he spends reliving life, he loses a second at the end of it. As he starts running out of time, he has to come to terms with the possibility that he can’t save her from an abusive relationship without giving her up himself.
I have a third book, “A Date with Destiny,” ready for revisions and I hope it will be out next year. It continues the story of Alex and Amanda. Alex goes missing and Amanda discovers he is in the world of Lady Luck and Destiny, being hunted by a monster. Now she has to fight to save him, but starts to learn secrets of his past that could cause Dame Destiny to be banished from their world.
However, the sequel to “A Sinister Love”, entitled, “A Sinister Hope,” has been plotted out and is currently being written. In it, we find out who Rotworm’s real master is and only Scribble and Paul can stop him from causing the end of the world, but Paul has forgotten her and Scribble is reunited with her old flame. It will lead into the third installment, “A Sinister Faith.” I hope to have them out in 2025 and 2026.
Author Interview: GoodReads | Amazon
With the help of her mentor, Rotworm, she borrows the body of a succubus to tempt him better; however, she soon starts falling in love with him instead. She must make a decision—give in to her desires and damn him to Hell, or surrender love for the sake of love.
But when she finds out what happened to Paul’s former Sinister, a mystery unfolds, pointing to a foul scheme that puts everyone in danger. On top of that, Scribble and Paul must deal with their dark pasts before they can move forward. With time running out and both Heaven and Hell after them, can Scribble stop a demon Prince before it’s too late… without losing Paul?
PULSE
In Pulse, J.Z. York presents an imaginative fusion of military precision, scientific intrigue, and fantasy. This debut novel introduces Staff Sergeant Grace Woods, a cryptographer who immerses herself in work to cope with her family’s loss. Her existence takes an unexpected turn when a cataclysmic electromagnetic pulse propels her into a parallel universe dominated by Fae. This new world, echoing the fantastical stories once told by her grandmother, captivates and challenges her in equal measure.
York excels in world-building, crafting a parallel realm with precision and flair. The environments are vivid, drawing readers into a universe where magic mirrors the functionality of electricity in our world—a clever twist that enhances the believability of the fantastical elements. The transition between worlds is handled with finesse, providing a seamless narrative experience. The plot advances at a measured pace, deftly balancing action, suspense, and character development. Grace’s evolution from a grief-stricken soldier to a pivotal figure in an unfamiliar world is depicted with depth and sincerity. Her interactions, particularly with the skeptical Fae authorities who see her as a potential threat, are portrayed with a realism that underscores the narrative’s emotional stakes. York not only spins a tale of adventure but also weaves in profound themes of humanity, fate, and destiny. As Grace confronts the pattern of loss that haunts her, the story probes philosophical questions, elevating it beyond mere escapism. The novel also reflects on contemporary societal challenges, using its fantasy elements to explore issues such as resilience and adaptation.
Pulse is a standout novel that deftly combines elements of science fiction and fantasy. It offers a fresh perspective within the genres, bolstered by York’s adept blend of detailed military knowledge and rich imaginative storytelling. This book will appeal to enthusiasts of both genres and marks J.Z. York as a promising new voice worth following. I look forward to her future works with great anticipation.
Pages: 332 | ASIN : B0BWR7FV6B
