“In Blood Brothers: The Unveiling,” Ethan E. Westwood redefines the vampire myth with his chilling C'raether—a psychic, soul-stealing species that fee“In Blood Brothers: The Unveiling,” Ethan E. Westwood redefines the vampire myth with his chilling C'raether—a psychic, soul-stealing species that feeds on both the blood and memories of their victims. The blend of supernatural horror and personal struggle grips you from the start, with the author uniquely inserting himself as the protagonist. Plot twists abound, each driving the storyline toward its surprising conclusion. The novel’s raw portrayal of addiction and identity deepens Ethan’s journey, making it more than just a dark mythical tale. Introspective and unforgettable—a must-read for those addicted to mythological undead creatures....more
‘The Other Magic (Passage to Dawn Book 1)’ is the debut novel of Derrick Smythe’s high fantasy adventure series. Told through the eyes of two young pr‘The Other Magic (Passage to Dawn Book 1)’ is the debut novel of Derrick Smythe’s high fantasy adventure series. Told through the eyes of two young protagonists; one born to royalty, the other to poverty. Aynward is a highborn arrogant prince, sent to a strange land to be schooled in the art of humility. Kibure is a naive slave, with childlike fear and curiosity of his new found supernatural powers. It is a tale of two boys divided by social status and distant locals, brought together by the evil powers within the realm of mystical making.
Even in his fictitious universe, Derrick Smythe creates relatable characters; heroes with flaws, as well as villains with redeeming qualities. Rich in virtual texture and detail, his world building skills rival those of George R. R. Martin and Michael J. Sullivan. At a little over 600 pages, this was not a quick read, yet it kept me up late each night eager to discover what would happen next. ‘The Other Magic,’ is an epic adventure filled with suspense, action, a dash of humor … and most important … magic....more
Rivaling both Stephen King and Thomas Harris, without doubt, the edgy and provocative Luke Romyn is destined to emerge as the 21st century’s newest MaRivaling both Stephen King and Thomas Harris, without doubt, the edgy and provocative Luke Romyn is destined to emerge as the 21st century’s newest Master-of-Horror.
In his debut novel, “The Dark Path,” Luke showcases his writing talents through the eyes and actions of Vain, aka The Dark Man. Due to a horrific experience in a “past” life, Vain is transformed into a truly evil character. This raw and gritty anti-hero, charges through one scene into the next; leaving death, destruction and despair in his path. He rushes through life without making excuses for his grisly deeds, or feeling a trace of remorse for his victims. He is a man who is nearly impossible to like, but equally impossible to hate.
Be forewarned, journeying down “The Dark Path” is not an adventure for the faint of heart. The story overflows with gratuitous acts of violence, adult language and mature situations. Within the 184 pages, there are few dark-and-twisty topics that are off-limits or left unexplored. Vain ventures into the inky regions of the human psyche (literally into the depths of hell) and emerges bruised, battered and altered.
Although supernatural events are woven throughout the storyline, “The Dark Path” deals with real and often uncomfortable subjects: religious beliefs (and dis-beliefs), death (rape, mutilation, torture), greed and self-destruction. Like his contemporaries in the horror genre, Luke Romyn ecstatically crashes through the politically-correct-wall that modern society has built and fortified.
Like the writings of Stephen King and Thomas Harris, Luke Romyn pushes the boundaries of a reader’s senses. “The Dark Path” will keep you up late with a reluctance to turn off the lights and venture into the darken recesses of your own imagination....more
I have been a huge fan of Carole Sutton since becoming hooked on her first novel, “Ferryman.” She writes with the same concise and fast-paced style ofI have been a huge fan of Carole Sutton since becoming hooked on her first novel, “Ferryman.” She writes with the same concise and fast-paced style of one of my other favorite mystery writers, P. D. James.
Carole Sutton’s newest novel, “Blood Opal,” is another “keep you up late at night,” fast-paced, thriller. As with her other mystery novels, Carole does a skillful job of fully developing her plot while still paying close attention to character development. She allows the reader to crawl inside the heads, and often the hearts, of her main characters, as they stumble and glide through the storyline, to ultimately solve the mysteries behind the murders. And due to her non-human main character, the Blood Opal, there are numerous bodies strew throughout the story.
Although this is a thrill ride of a whodunit adventure, the main puzzle piece that connects the mysteries and murders is the elusive Blood Opal. Throughout history, opals have been associated with mystical powers; from healing to destruction. Carole skillfully manipulates the historical legends of opals, recreating her own folklore revolving around the deadliest of all opals: the cursed Blood Opal.
According to the novel’s opal history; this black opal, with its streaks of brilliant deep red, was first named Redback, as its color resembled the deadly spider of the same name. However, over the years, as the opal proved to be as deadly as the spider it was originally named after, it was rechristened the Blood Opal. Even though, or perhaps because of, the opal’s curse, and the fact that reds against black are the most rare of opals, the Blood Opal became a coveted stone. The legend is woven so realistically throughout the story, that as soon as you finish the novel, you’ll want to jump on your computer and “Google” Blood Opal. Be forewarned, that doing so, will only solidify Carole’s gift of storytelling.
Once again, in this new novel, Carole shares her extensive knowledge of sailing and her love of Britain’s Cornwall coast. Reading a Carole Sutton novel is not only an escape into her world of murder, mystery and mayhem, but also a travel and sailing adventure. I especially enjoyed how Carole brilliantly integrated familiar bits and pieces from her first novel, “Ferryman,” into her “Blood Opal” storyline.
“Blood Opal,” is one gem of a novel that you must put on your “to read” list.
Dee Marie (Author of the "Sons of Avalon" saga...more
I really wanted to like this book, as it is a classic. However, although I found the story well-written, it was a struggle to finish, mostly due to thI really wanted to like this book, as it is a classic. However, although I found the story well-written, it was a struggle to finish, mostly due to the diary format. ...more
C.J. Wright's, writing style reminds me of Bram Stoker. He has a mystical way of weaving a gothic tale; and is surely an author of another time, reincC.J. Wright's, writing style reminds me of Bram Stoker. He has a mystical way of weaving a gothic tale; and is surely an author of another time, reincarnated from a past century. The scenes in “Ritual of Blood” are fully realized, as are his characters. This new twist on an ancient vampire tale will surely keep you up late at night. ...more
Although it took a few chapters to get into this book, it ended up being a wonderful read. I enjoy a long story, and at well over 900 pages, Ken FolleAlthough it took a few chapters to get into this book, it ended up being a wonderful read. I enjoy a long story, and at well over 900 pages, Ken Follett's novel did not disappoint. The characters piqued my imagination, even the truly bad guys.
My only complaint was that the author would often have his characters recap events within a chapter, which became very annoying around page 600. He also has a tendency to “tell rather than show.” Yet, I immensely enjoyed the historical aspects of his story. I look forward to reading the sequel, “World Without End.”
Oh, as a side note, be sure to read the hardcover edition, as the paperback edition was printed with an 8 point font (maybe smaller). ...more
Loved the movie...the book...not-so-much, so far. But I'm only on page 60. So far it is a rather hard book to get into. The writer has a tendency to rLoved the movie...the book...not-so-much, so far. But I'm only on page 60. So far it is a rather hard book to get into. The writer has a tendency to rattle-on-and-on, instead of getting to the point.
This is the first book in over 10 years that I was unable to finish. I kept reading, hoping it would get better ... but it didn't, sigh. I am giving it no stars instead of giving it a low star rating. Perhaps I will try to revisit the story during the summer. Summer reads are always fun....more
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