My Book Reviews

Category: Supernatural

  • Pirates’ Curse by Susan McCauley

    Pirates’ Curse by Susan McCauley

    Pirates' Curse

    Pirates’ Curse (Ghost Hunters #2) by Susan McCauley

    Release: March 2nd 2021 
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Celtic Sea Publishing
    Source: Rockstar Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle

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    In this ghostly and fast-paced adventure, twelve-year-old Alex must use his psychic gifts to speak with a pirate ghost to solve the curse of an old pirate hangout—if he fails, his best friends could be trapped there forever.

    Ghosts are commonplace in this dark and exciting world, and the psychics who deal with “The Problem” are rare. Apprentice Psychic Investigator Alex and his two friends take on their first solo case to discover who’s haunting an old New Orleans pub. They battle ferocious winds, driving rain, and raging spirits to put the pirates’ curse to rest.

    Ghost Hunters: Pirates’ Curse (Book 2 in the Ghost Hunters series) is filled with rich characters, spooky moments, and action-packed fun.

    About the Author:

    Twelve-year-old Alex may have lost his ability to play sports, but he gained the ability to see ghosts. Now he must figure out how to put an evil spirit to rest–or die trying.

    Once an athlete and popular kid, Alex is in a terrible car accident that severely injures his hip and leaves him with a rare power: he can hear and see ghosts. All Alex wants is to be normal. But when a malevolent spirit begins haunting him, Alex must accept his unwanted psychic powers and work with his best friend, his paranormal investigator cousin, and two friendly spirits to solve the mystery of the bones in the wall and put the vicious ghost to rest. If he fails, he’ll lose his family and friends to a gruesome fate

    Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

    Pirates’ Curse Review:

    Click to view on Instagram

    “Pirates’ Curse” is a thrilling continuation in the “Ghost Hunters” series and better than the first book!

    The main reason why I loved this book is that the author matures the characters and gives us a story that is entirely different from the first book. I liked how Alex grows up in this story, where he still misses his mother but learns to move on. The plot is also unique, where we deal with pirates and ghosts, which I thought made it exciting to read. Another reason why I liked this book was because of the drama between the friends. I could not put down the book when Alex, Jason, and Hannah argue and say harsh things when Alex touches the brick. It was interesting to see how their friendship would affect throughout the tale.

    The author also did an excellent job with the supporting characters. I loved that we got to see some of my favorites, like Mrs. Wilson back. On top of that, the author introduces new characters like Madame Monique and Onyx, who add beautifully because of their mysterious nature. Even the side storyline with Mr. Gallows intrigued me.

    Probably my only slight criticism of the tale is the father’s role. I miss the scenes between Alex and his father that we had in the first book. Moreover, some shocking moments even disturbed me, like when our team saw a pool of blood and had to investigate it or when Alex met Mr. Graves. I wondered if these scenes would be too much for middle graders.

    Apart from that, I enjoyed this book a lot! The author paces the story wonderfully, leading to a thrilling climax that places someone’s life in danger. Overall, “Pirates’ Curse ” is a lovely addition to the series.

    Giveaway Details:

    2 winners will receive a finished copy of book 1 in the GHOST HUNTERS series & swag (Ghost Hunters bag, Evil Eye pendant from Turkey, series branded bookmark), US Only.

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    Bones in the Wall

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on Pirates’ Curse (Ghost Hunters #2) by Susan McCauley Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

    Book Tour Schedule

    Week One:
    Two Chicks on Books-Excerpt-9-6-2021
    A Dream Within A Dream-Guest Post-9-7-2021
    Lexijava -Excerpt-9-8-2021
    Writer of Wrongs-Guest Post-9-9-2021
    Rajiv’s Reviews-Review-9-10-2021
    Jazzy Book Reviews-Excerpt-9-11-2021

    Week Two:
    bellesmiddlegrade-Review-9-12-2021
    BookHounds YA-Excerpt-9-13-2021
    YA Books Central-Excerpt-9-14-2021
    Rockstar Book Tours-IG Post-9-15-2021
    Wottaread-Excerpt-9-16-2021
    Amy’s Book Nook-Review-9-17-2021
    Books a Plenty Book Reviews-Review-9-18-2021

    Week Three:
    dinipandareads-Review-9-19-2021
    Don’t Judge, Read-Excerpt-9-20-2021
    I’m Shelfish-Excerpt-9-21-2021
    Jaime’s World-Excerpt-9-22-2021
    The Bookwyrm’s Den-Review-9-23-2021
    hauntedbybooks-Review-9-24-2021
    #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog-Review-9-25-2021

    Week Four:
    @Curlygrannylovestoread -Review-9-26-2021
    Locks, Hooks and Books-Review-9-27-2021
    Books and Zebras @jypsylynn -Review-9-28-2021
    The Momma Spot-Review-9-29-2021
    Two Points of Interest-Review-9-30-2021

  • Bones in the Wall by Susan McCauley

    Bones in the Wall by Susan McCauley

    Bones in the Wall

    Bones in the Wall (Ghost Hunters #1) by Susan McCauley

    Release: July 11th 2020
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Celtic Sea Publishing 
    Source: Rockstar Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible

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    Twelve-year-old Alex may have lost his ability to play sports, but he gained the ability to see ghosts. Now he must figure out how to put an evil spirit to rest–or die trying.

    Once an athlete and popular kid, Alex is in a terrible car accident that severely injures his hip and leaves him with a rare power: he can hear and see ghosts. All Alex wants is to be normal. But when a malevolent spirit begins haunting him, Alex must accept his unwanted psychic powers and work with his best friend, his paranormal investigator cousin, and two friendly spirits to solve the mystery of the bones in the wall and put the vicious ghost to rest. If he fails, he’ll lose his family and friends to a gruesome fate.

    About the Author:

    Twelve-year-old Alex may have lost his ability to play sports, but he gained the ability to see ghosts. Now he must figure out how to put an evil spirit to rest–or die trying.

    Once an athlete and popular kid, Alex is in a terrible car accident that severely injures his hip and leaves him with a rare power: he can hear and see ghosts. All Alex wants is to be normal. But when a malevolent spirit begins haunting him, Alex must accept his unwanted psychic powers and work with his best friend, his paranormal investigator cousin, and two friendly spirits to solve the mystery of the bones in the wall and put the vicious ghost to rest. If he fails, he’ll lose his family and friends to a gruesome fate

    Website  | Facebook  | Twitter  | Instagram | TikTok |  Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

    Bones in the Wall Review:

    Click to view on Instagram

    I love reading spooky ghost stories, and the author wrote the book perfectly for the middle-grade audience in “Bones in the Wall.”

    Alex is the star of the story! My heart went out to Alex from the beginning as we found out what had happened to his mother. He feels guilty for what happened, and I thought the author portrayed his emotions realistically. As the story progresses, you see how he starts to adapt to his newfound powers, as well as interacting with people he would have earlier avoided. Moreover, I adored Alex’s friendship with Mrs. Wilson. The two of them shared a unique company and were one of the highlights. Another highlight of the story was Alex’s relationship with his father. I liked how the author blended the action with Alex’s moments with his family and how he feels skeptical about telling his father what is happening.

    Similarly, I also loved the author’s world-building, like ghostball, Untouched, and sigils, and how the characters blended it into their daily lives. The author also progresses the story nicely, where Alex soon finds himself attracting a dangerous ghost and needs to join Aunt Elena and the team to stop it. In some scenes, the story gets thrilling, mainly when Alex uses his EMF readings or meets Old Man Wilkes. Hannah was also intriguing because initially, I felt she was snobbish, but she is a sweet person. I also liked Jason and thought he was a wonderful friend to Alex. On a side note, I also adored how the author reference “The Graveyard Book,” which is one of my favorites.

    Overall, I felt “Bones in the Wall” is an exciting start to the “Ghost Hunters” series, and I can’t wait to see how it continues.

    Giveaway Details:

    2 winners will receive a finished copy of book 1 in the GHOST HUNTERS series & swag (Ghost Hunters bag, Evil Eye pendant from Turkey, series branded bookmark), US Only.

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    Bones in the Wall

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on Bones in the Wall (Ghost Hunters #1) by Susan McCauley Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

    Book Tour Schedule

    Week One:
    Two Chicks on Books-Excerpt-9-6-2021
    A Dream Within A Dream-Guest Post-9-7-2021
    Lexijava -Excerpt-9-8-2021
    Writer of Wrongs-Guest Post-9-9-2021
    Rajiv’s Reviews-Review-9-10-2021
    Jazzy Book Reviews-Excerpt-9-11-2021

    Week Two:
    bellesmiddlegrade-Review-9-12-2021
    BookHounds YA-Excerpt-9-13-2021
    YA Books Central-Excerpt-9-14-2021
    Rockstar Book Tours-IG Post-9-15-2021
    Wottaread-Excerpt-9-16-2021
    Amy’s Book Nook-Review-9-17-2021
    Books a Plenty Book Reviews-Review-9-18-2021

    Week Three:
    dinipandareads-Review-9-19-2021
    Don’t Judge, Read-Excerpt-9-20-2021
    I’m Shelfish-Excerpt-9-21-2021
    Jaime’s World-Excerpt-9-22-2021
    The Bookwyrm’s Den-Review-9-23-2021
    hauntedbybooks-Review-9-24-2021
    #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog-Review-9-25-2021

    Week Four:
    @Curlygrannylovestoread -Review-9-26-2021
    Locks, Hooks and Books-Review-9-27-2021
    Books and Zebras @jypsylynn -Review-9-28-2021
    The Momma Spot-Review-9-29-2021
    Two Points of Interest-Review-9-30-2021

  • Defiance by A.S. Fenichel

    Defiance by A.S. Fenichel

    Defiance

    Defiance (The Demon Hunters #4) by A.S. Fenichel

    Release: June 22nd 2021
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Independent
    Source: Pumpupyour Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Kobo , Indigo , B&N

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    The Demon Hunters are about to face their biggest test, and they’ll need a lady to make the grade…

    Lady Serena Thurston had big plans—attend the best balls, meet a fine gentleman, get married, have a child or two and live happily ever after. But plans change. Serena knows firsthand what demons can do, and nothing will stand in the way of her goal to become a Demon Hunter—not even her absentee fiancé.

    Tad Douglass is furious his fiancée has enrolled in the Demon Hunters’ school. Admittedly, he should have been more attentive after her capture by demons, but important Hunter business demanded his presence. Now, he’s forced to watch her transformation from an innocent young woman to a formidable Hunter. He’ll use every resource at his disposal to change her mind and return her to the simple life of a debutante.

    When people go missing in London, Serena and Tad must investigate—together. The mistrust and love simmering between them during their perilous mission is brought to a boil at the gateway to Hell. With the lines between good and evil blurred, and death lurking at every turn, it will take a leap of faith to embrace this new partnership—as heroes and as lovers.

     

    About the Author:

    A.S. Fenichel (Andie) gave up a successful IT career in New York City to pursue her lifelong dream of being a professional writer. She’s never looked back.

    Andrea adores writing stories filled with love, passion, desire, magic and maybe a little mayhem tossed in for good measure. Books have always been her perfect escape and she still relishes diving into one and staying up all night to finish a good story.

    She is currently writing Regency romance for Kensington Publishing and you can learn more about Andrea’s books at http://asfenichel.com or visit her on her Facebook page, where she spends entirely too much time. https://www.facebook.com/A.S.Fenichel.

    Originally from New York, she grew up in New Jersey, and now lives in Missouri with her real life hero, her wonderful husband and a fussy cat . When not reading or writing she enjoys cooking, travel, history, and puttering in her garden.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

    Defiance Review:

    “Defiance” is the fourth book in the Demon Hunters series and stands out from the rest because of Serena.

    I have read this series in order, and I feel the author ups the game for female leads. I liked Serena, and she was the reason why I enjoyed the book. She doesn’t want to be a traditional wife to Tad but instead wants to be a Demon Hunter and involve herself in action. I thought the author expressed her emotions nicely, especially when she experiences her first kill. It was also exciting to see how she trained to become a demon hunter and all the assignments she manages. One of the memorable ones is the one involving Mr. Babbitt and the demand. The author also wrote the conflicting relationship with her mother realistically, and it was interesting to see how she changed her mind.

    Moreover, the series doesn’t fall short in the romance, and we get to see it with Serena and Tad in this book. However, the only downside to this was how they used to involve themselves in steamy moments and continue arguing in the next chapter. I didn’t feel like their relationship progressed evenly in this story compared to the previous books. But, I did enjoy the moments when Serena helps Tad recuperate. Also, having read all the four books, I hoped there would be more progress on the Master and their plot to find him. While I enjoyed the characters’ assignments, it would have been nice to see the progression of the Master’s storyline.

    Apart from that, I must say, I have enjoyed reading the books till now, and am curious to see what the next installment will bring.

     

     

    The Demon Hunter

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on Defiance (The Demon Hunters #4) by A.S. FenichelBlog Tour hosted by Pumpupyour Book Tours.

    Book Tour Schedule

  • The Second-Best Haunted Hotel on Mercer Street

    The Second-Best Haunted Hotel on Mercer Street

    The Second-Best Haunted Hotel on Mercer Street

    The Second-Best Haunted Hotel on Mercer Street by Cory Putman Oakes

    Release: August 18th 2020
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
    Source: Amazon
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N

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    A family-run haunted hotel’s livelihood is under threat when a bigger haunted hotel opens nearby in this hilarious, spooky story

    Twelve-year-old Willow Ivan’s family has run the Hotel Ivan for four hundred years. Through thick and thin, they’ve held on tight to their title as the Best Haunted Hotel on Mercer Street. That is, until the Hauntery—a corporate chain of haunted hotels—moves in down the street. As the Ivan’s business fades, so do their ghostly staff. And Willow begins to worry about the future of  The Ivan.

    Then Willow meets Evie, a Hauntery ghost who’s forced to play the part of a Spooky Little Girl even though she longs to be a Terrifying Phantasm. So when Willow offers her a job at The Ivan, Evie accepts—but she doesn’t tell Willow that she’s still working for The Ivan’s competition, for fear of losing her new job and friend.

    Together, the girls come up with a plan to save The Ivan. But with The Ivan ghosts already fading and Evie’s secret threatening to come out, will it be too late

    About the Author:

    Cory Putman Oakes was born in Basel, Switzerland, but grew up in Novato, California and attended Marin Catholic High School. She then spent three fantastic years at the University of California at Los Angeles before graduating in 2001 with a B.A. in Psychology. In 2004, Cory graduated from Cornell Law School with a Juris Doctorate Degree and her husband, Mark (the first was the intended consequence of attending the school, the second was a bonus). Since then, she has been an associate at a big law firm, taught business law to undergraduates at Texas State University and written several books for young people.

    Cory now lives in Austin, Texas with Mark and their two kids. In addition to writing, Cory enjoys reading, cooking, running, and hanging out with her family and pets.

    Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Linkedin

     The Second-Best Haunted Hotel on Mercer Street Review:

    Click to view on Instagram

    “The Second-Best Haunted Hotel on Mercer Street” is a charming middle-grade novel of friendship and family mixed with spooky ghosts and haunted hotels.

    I enjoyed the way the author executed the story. She includes a lot in the story, like grief, loss, friendship, humor, and even suspenseful moments. The author also makes the tale so creative, like coming up with GhouledIn, a professional networking site exclusively for ghosts. I also loved the movie references she includes, like the twins from the Shining. Moreover, the author created the setting in an atmospheric yet family-friendly manner. If this hotel were actual, it would be one of the very few Haunted Hotels I would not mind checking out.

    The main characters are well written. Willow and Evie are lovely, and I enjoyed how the author progressed the story alternating between their perspectives. It was interesting to see how they meet and form a friendship. They have contrasting personalities, and you would think they have nothing in common, but they fit nicely. Moreover, I liked how the author handled Willow’s relationship with her father over the loss of her mother. The author also adds exciting moments, particularly around Mr. Renard’s character. I also found Pierce to be a memorable character.

    Similarly, the illustrations by Jane Pica adds beautifully to the book, and I loved the way she drew the expressions on the characters. The pictures give the story a whimsical feel and would appeal to the reader.

    Overall, “The Second-Best Haunted Hotel on Mercer Street” is the perfect middle-grade book to pick up for Halloween or if you are in the mood for fun haunted house (or, in this case, Haunted Hotel) story.

  • Betrayal by A.S. Fenichel

    Betrayal by A.S. Fenichel

    Betrayal

    Betrayal (The Demon Hunters #3) by A.S. Fenichel

    Release: April 27th 2021 
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Independent
    Source: Pumpupyour Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, Kobo , Indigo

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    In service to His Majesty, one must be prepared for Hell.

    To survive as a scullery maid requires hard work, discipline, and a stiff upper lip. To survive as a Demon Hunter is something else entirely. Elizabeth Smythe learned this after she was captured by Demons and rescued by Hunters. Now a Hunter herself, Elizabeth’s first task in this new and strange world is to aid the recently wounded Reece Foxjohn, and get him back into Demon-slaying shape. . .

    Reece Foxjohn is used to defying convention. He enraged his family by becoming a Demon Hunter, and prefers eviscerating demons to mixing with society. He is a man who doesn’t hesitate when he knows what he wants, and what he wants is Miss Elizabeth Smythe. To watch her behead the progeny of Evil is to behold a thing of beauty—one he must claim for his at all costs. . .

    About the Author:

    A.S. Fenichel (Andie) gave up a successful IT career in New York City to pursue her lifelong dream of being a professional writer. She’s never looked back.

    Andrea adores writing stories filled with love, passion, desire, magic and maybe a little mayhem tossed in for good measure. Books have always been her perfect escape and she still relishes diving into one and staying up all night to finish a good story.

    She is currently writing Regency romance for Kensington Publishing and you can learn more about Andrea’s books at http://asfenichel.com or visit her on her Facebook page, where she spends entirely too much time. https://www.facebook.com/A.S.Fenichel.

    Originally from New York, she grew up in New Jersey, and now lives in Missouri with her real life hero, her wonderful husband and a fussy cat . When not reading or writing she enjoys cooking, travel, history, and puttering in her garden.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

    Betrayal Review:

    “Betrayal” is the third book in “The Demon Hunters” series and an attractive continuation.

    Elizabeth is probably my favorite character in the series because of her strong will. She does not let anyone bring her down and is not intimidated to speak her mind. Even when Lillian says something hostile towards her, Elizabeth gives it right back. Moreover, she has strong feelings towards Reece Foxjohn but doesn’t immediately agree to his demands for marriage when he proposes. I liked how cautious she is about making decisions and took her time. Moreover, in keeping the trend with the series, the author writes the romance between Elizabeth and Reece charmingly. I loved their scenes together of drama, angst, and romance.

    Moreover, the author also adds some exciting, adventure elements to keep the story fresh. Again, the team has to figure out what the Master is plotting and fight various forces like the Trebox and malleus. Some of the memorable moments in the story for me were when Elizabeth finds herself trapped in the Master’s lair or when she sees the horrid sight of Carlotta. Some of the supporting characters like Connie and Drake were memorable.

    However, while I found the plot exciting, I hoped that the story would differ from the previous ones. At times, the action felt repetitious to the earlier books, where not much progressed in capturing the Master.

    Apart from that, I enjoy this series for the lovely character and romance the author brings into the exciting historical world with supernatural elements. Overall, “Betrayal” is a beautiful addition and my favorite in the series, mainly because of Elizabeth. I look forward to reading the last book, “Defiance.”

     

    The Demon Hunter

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on Betrayal (The Demon Hunters #3) by A.S. Fenichel Blog Tour hosted by Pump up your Book Tours.

    Book Tour Schedule:

  • Deception by A.S. Fenichel

    Deception by A.S. Fenichel

    Deception

    Deception (The Demon Hunters #2) by A.S. Fenichel

    Release: April 20th 2021 
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Independent
    Source: Pumpupyour Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, Kobo , Indigo

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    When Demons threaten Regency London, only a Lady can stop them…

    Lillian Dellacourt is beautiful, refined and absolutely lethal. She’s also the most feared and merciless demon hunter in The Company. She’s come a long way from the penniless seamstress’s daughter sold to the highest bidder, and it wasn’t by trusting a man, let alone an exiled Marquis with more on his mind than slaying the hellspawn…

    For Dorian Lambert, Marquis de Montalembert, being sent to keep track of Lillian is no mean task. He’s wanted the fiery vixen since he first heard of her five years ago. But wooing the lady while fighting the demon uprising is difficult, especially when the lady’s tongue is as sharp as the Japanese sai blades she favors the hunt.
    These two will have to learn to trust each other fast, because the demon master is back, and he’s planning to turn Edinburgh into a living hell… 

    About the Author:

    A.S. Fenichel (Andie) gave up a successful IT career in New York City to pursue her lifelong dream of being a professional writer. She’s never looked back.

    Andrea adores writing stories filled with love, passion, desire, magic and maybe a little mayhem tossed in for good measure. Books have always been her perfect escape and she still relishes diving into one and staying up all night to finish a good story.

    She is currently writing Regency romance for Kensington Publishing and you can learn more about Andrea’s books at http://asfenichel.com or visit her on her Facebook page, where she spends entirely too much time. https://www.facebook.com/A.S.Fenichel.

    Originally from New York, she grew up in New Jersey, and now lives in Missouri with her real life hero, her wonderful husband and a fussy cat . When not reading or writing she enjoys cooking, travel, history, and puttering in her garden.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

    Deception Review:

    “Deception” is the second one in the Demon Hunters series and focuses on Lillian and Dorian.

    The story starts a bit slower than the previous book because initially, it focuses only on Dorian and Lillian spending time together. However, I felt the story picked up once Mrs. Higginbotham, the witch, came into the picture. I found her fascinating and wanted to know how she would create an impact.

    Similar to the previous novel, the author writes the romance between the leads very nicely. I enjoyed the moments when Dorian and Lillian are in the pond, and she reveals her past to him about her mother. Some of the moments are also very steamy. It was also lovely seeing some of the characters appear from the previous story, like Brice and Belinda.

    But it’s not just romance. The author also balanced the story with an intriguing plot about the demons overtaking. There are parts where Dorian and Lillian talk only about how to find the gate to the master’s lair. It was also interesting to see their dynamic once Drake came into the picture and worked with Lillian. The author adds a few action moments, like when Dorian fights the hostage. However, one of my favorite moments was when Lillian received information from Jacinda and made the story thrilling. The author ends the story with an exciting and satisfying climax.

    However, I feel like Lillian’s personality changed from the previous novel. In the first book, she comes across as a no-nonsense, tough woman. While she still shows all those traits, I felt the author made her too vulnerable and changed her personality to a more romantic tone.

    Nevertheless, “Deception” is a lovely continuation of “Ascension,” and I look forward to reading the next book.

     

     

    The Demon Hunter

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on Deception (The Demon Hunters #2) by A.S. Fenichel Blog Tour hosted by Pumpupyour Book Tours.

    Book Tour Schedule

  • Ascension by A.S. Fenichel

    Ascension by A.S. Fenichel

    Ascension

    Ascension (The Demon Hunters #1) by A.S. Fenichel

    Release: April 13th 2021
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Independent
    Source: Pumpupyour Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, Kobo , Indigo

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    When demons threaten London, even ladies must answer the call…

    Lord Gabriel Thurston returns home from war to find his fiancée much changed. She grows from a sweet girl into a mysterious woman who guards her dark secrets well. When he sees her sneaking away from a ball, he’s convinced it’s for a lover’s rendezvous. Following her to London’s slums, Gabriel watches in horror as his fiancée ruthlessly slays a man.

    Lady Belinda Clayton’s only concern was her dress for the next ball—until demons nearly killed her, and a group of Demon Hunters saved her life. Now, a lady by day, and a demon hunter by night, she knows where her duty lies. Ending her betrothal is the best way to protect Gabriel from death at a demon’s hands.

    Gabriel soon realizes, like him, Belinda has been fighting for her country. He joins in the fight, determined to show her that their love can endure—even at the gates of Hell. 

    About the Author:

    A.S. Fenichel (Andie) gave up a successful IT career in New York City to pursue her lifelong dream of being a professional writer. She’s never looked back.

    Andrea adores writing stories filled with love, passion, desire, magic and maybe a little mayhem tossed in for good measure. Books have always been her perfect escape and she still relishes diving into one and staying up all night to finish a good story.

    She is currently writing Regency romance for Kensington Publishing and you can learn more about Andrea’s books at http://asfenichel.com or visit her on her Facebook page, where she spends entirely too much time. https://www.facebook.com/A.S.Fenichel.

    Originally from New York, she grew up in New Jersey, and now lives in Missouri with her real life hero, her wonderful husband and a fussy cat . When not reading or writing she enjoys cooking, travel, history, and puttering in her garden.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

    Ascension Review:

    Click to view on Instagram

    Ascension is the first book in “The Demon Hunters” series. It is like a historical version of “Buffy the vampire slayer,” and I enjoyed reading it a lot.

    What I loved about the book is the concept of the tale. I loved the image of a demon-fighting warrior set in historical times. Belinda is also outstanding in the role as she tries to fight the creatures and locate the Master. She has a troubled past, and it was interesting to see how her past shaped her into the person she becomes. Similarly, I liked Gabriel too and thought he blended in Bella’s life nicely. Since he returned from the war, it was interesting to see how he adjusted to Bella’s news. Even the supporting characters like Lillian and Reece add nicely to the story. The book has a lot of action and adventure, particularly towards the climax.

    Another aspect of the tale is the romance. The author made the story hot with some intimate scenes between Belinda and Gabriel. However, at times. I felt like the author added too much romance to the tale. I felt like every other chapter had a steamy romance between Gabriela and Belinda, which was unnecessary. While it was entertaining to read at certain parts, it mainly hindered the plot.

    Apart from that, the story is exciting and fresh, and fun to read. I would recommend reading this series if you love romance with a touch of paranormal, set in a historical backdrop. Overall, “Ascension” is a dynamic start to the series, and I look forward to seeing how it continues.

     

    The Demon Hunter

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on Ascension (The Demon Hunters #1) by A.S. Fenichel Blog Tour hosted by Pumpupyour Book Tours. 

    Book Tour Schedule

    When demons threaten London, even ladies must answer the call…

  • Karolina Dalca Dark Eyes by M.R. Noble

    Karolina Dalca Dark Eyes by M.R. Noble

    Karolina Dalca Dark Eyes

    Karolina Dalca, Dark Eyes by M.R. Noble

    Release: December 16th, 2020 
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Wild Rose Press
    Source: The WriteReads
    Find it at Goodreads, Kindle, Amazon Paperback, Barnes and Noble, iBooks

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    Blindsided by an attack that destroys her home and blamed for the murder, Karolina Dalca, a half-vampire, escapes, only to plunge into the magical societies from which she was sheltered.

    After the betrayal of those around her, she abandons her dreams of becoming an investigator and flees, trusting only herself. Her police internship would never prove more useful. Hoofing it through the wilderness, she makes it to her university dorm, disheveled but delightfully deflowered.

    Enter a full vampire: one wielding dark magic and a ride out of Canada. Karo complies with his demands to escape a fugitive from the law, unsure whether he has bewitching requests. She vows to clear her name and avenge her mother’s death, but Karo’s family secrets aren’t so easy to forget.

    About the Author:

    M. R. Noble has played a tug of war between science and art her whole life, but the rope broke when she wrote The Dark Eyes’s first lineSeries’s first line. Totally into her keyboard, she enjoys blending the real with the surreal. The only drawback is that she misplaces her mug while dreaming up her next scene and soon finds six cups overpoured.

    Keeping to her Lake Simcoe roots, she is a member of the Writers Community of York Region (WCYR).

    Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page | BookBub

    Karolina Dalca Dark Eyes Review:

    Initially, when I started reading the story, I did not know how to feel. There are many things to get the hang of, like “Dyads” and “Forged” and the various “Charms.” Moreover, the author dwells right into the action before we even know to get to know the characters correctly.

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    However, once I got past the first two chapters, I could not put this book down. It has been a while since I read a gripping supernatural tale of werewolves and shapeshifters, and this book was very entertaining!

    Karo is a likable character, and you learn more about her as she goes on the quest to meet her Uncle. She shares dynamic chemistry with both her co-stars Roman and Andre. For some reason, I liked her angle with Andre more than Roman. The author writes the angst at an excellent, balanced level, which does not overtake the story’s plot. I also loved some of the supporting characters like Ina and Miruna.

    The main highlight of the story is the action-adventure. There is never a dull moment in the book, as there something happens to Karo in nearly every chapter. From facing storms at sea to high-speed chases at the Parade, the author keeps the reader on their toes. While I love character development, this is one of the few books where I thoroughly looked forward to the adventure. The climax is epic, concludes the story wonderfully, and sets the next book’s pace in the series.

    As I mentioned earlier, my four-star review’s only reason is the initial bumpiness in setting up the plot. I could not put this book down once Bronwyn enters the picture and Karo runs for her life. Overall, “Karolina Dalca, Dark Eyes” is a gripping supernatural fantasy that I could not put down.

    Blog tour

    Karolina Dalca

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Karolina Dalca, Dark Eyes by M.R. Noble Blog Tour hosted by The WriteReads. 

     

  • The Searching Dead by Ramsey Campbell

    The Searching Dead by Ramsey Campbell

    The Searching Dead

    The Searching Dead (The Three Births of Daoloth #1) by Ramsey Campbell

    Release: February 16th, 2021
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Flame Tree Press
    Source: Amazon
    Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N,  Kobo

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    “An absolute master of modern horror. And a damn fine writer at that” – Guillermo del Toro.

    Book 1 in the Three Births of Daoloth trilogy.

    1952. On a school trip to France teenager, Dominic Sheldrake begins to suspect his teacher Christian Noble has reasons to be there as secret as they’re strange. Meanwhile, a widowed neighbor joins a church that puts you in touch with your dead relatives, who prove much harder to get rid of. Hence, as Dominic and his friends Roberta and Jim investigate, they can’t suspect how much larger and more terrible the link between these mysteries will become. But, a monstrous discovery beneath a church only hints at terrors that are poised to engulf the world as the trilogy brings us to the present day…

    FLAME TREE PRESS is the new fiction imprint of Flame Tree Publishing. Launched in 2018, the list brings together brilliant new authors and the more established; award winners and exciting, original voices.

    About the Author:

    Ramsey Campbell was born in Liverpool in 1946 and still lives on Merseyside. The Oxford Companion to English Literature describes him as “Britain’s most respected living horror writer.” Also, he has got more awards than any other writer in the field, including the Grand Master Award of the World Horror Convention, the Lifetime Achievement Award of the Horror Writers Association, the Living Legend Award of the International Horror Guild, and the World Fantasy Lifetime Achievement Award.

    In 2015 he was made an Honorary Fellow of Liverpool John Moores University for outstanding services to literature. Among his novels is The Face That Must Die, Incarnate, Midnight Sun, The Count of Eleven, Silent Children, The Darkest Part of the Woods, The Overnight, Secret Story, The Grin of the Dark, Thieving Fear, Creatures of the Pool, The Seven Days of Cain, Ghosts Know, The Kind Folk, Think Yourself Lucky and Thirteen Days by Sunset Beach. Needing Ghosts, The Last Revelation of Gla’aki, The Pretence, and The Booking are novellas. His collections include Waking Nightmares, Alone with the Horrors, Ghosts and Grisly Things, Told by the Dead, Just Behind You, and Holes for Faces, and his non-fiction is collected as Ramsey Campbell, Probably. Limericks of the Alarming and Phantasmal are what they sound like.

    His novels The Nameless, Pact of the Fathers, and The Influence have been filmed in Spain. He is the President of the Society of Fantastic Films.

    Website | Twitter |  Goodreads

    The Searching Dead Review:

    “The Searching Dead” is a creepy, suspenseful horror that had me wanting more!

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    The one thing which I like about Campbell’s novels is the slow burn suspense. The author does not disappoint in this book either! The buildup is slow but worth it. I felt like I was right next to Dominic as he tries to figure out the truth behind Mr. Noble. Dominic is a likable character who you root for from the get-go. Moreover, some moments had me at the edge of my seat, like what Dominic experiences in the cinemas’ mirror. Another memorable scene is when they are all hiding in the confession booth.

    Similarly, Mr. Noble played the villain wonderfully. He is charismatic and charming but hides many secrets. But, it was his daughter Tina that unnerved me. There is something very creepy and odd about that child. I also enjoyed the scenes revolving around Ms. Norris and felt sorry for her.

    The author also does a beautiful job setting up the people’s theme and lifestyle from the 1950s. He includes various highlights, like the Queen making her first address to the nation in 1952. Also, The author nicely makes numerous movie references to Kirk Douglas and Charlie Chaplin.

    However, probably the only minor gripe I have about the story is the ending. While the climax was thrilling and horrific, I wished it had ended with more of a bang. For all the buildup, the conclusion was not as effective as I had hoped.

    Apart from that, I thoroughly enjoyed the novel! The story is the first in a series and ends on a suspenseful note. I can’t wait to start reading the next one and find out how it continues. Overall, “The Searching Dead” is a gripping start to the series.

     

  • The Influence by Ramsey Campbell

    The Influence by Ramsey Campbell

    The Influence

    The Influence by Ramsey Campbell

    Release: October 24, 2019
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher:  Flame Tree Press
    Source: Amazon
    Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle.

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    “This is a chilling work and the fullest treatment of one of Campbell’s recurring themes – the psychic violence family members wreak upon one another.” Publishers Weekly

     

    Queenie is the aging matriarch of the Faraday family.  And even death can’t break her hold over her eleven-year-old granddaughter Rowan. Her buried body has a locket that contains a lock of Rowan’s hair. And soon afterward, Rowan is befriended by a mysterious, uncannily intelligent girl of her own age. Only her aunt Hermione suspects how sinister this is, but will retrieve the locket save her niece? By the time anyone sees what effect the ghostly influence on Rowan is having, it may be too late for her. if the child who takes her place in the family isn’t Rowan, Rowan maybe somewhere else not quite like our world…

    FLAME TREE PRESS is the new fiction imprint of Flame Tree Publishing. Launched in 2018, the list brings together brilliant new authors and the more established; award winners, and exciting, original voices.

    About the Author:

    Ramsey Campbell (born 4 January 1946 in Liverpool) is an English horror fiction writer, editor, and critic who has been writing for well over fifty years. Two of his novels have been filmed, both for non-English-speaking markets.

    Since he first came to prominence in the mid-1960s, critics have cited Campbell as one of the leading writers in his field: T. E. D. Klein has written that “Campbell reigns supreme in the field today,” and Robert Hadji has described him as “perhaps the finest living exponent of the British weird fiction tradition.” At the same time, S. T. Joshi stated, “future generations will regard him as the leading horror writer of our generation, every bit the equal of Lovecraft or Blackwood.”

    The Oxford Companion to English Literature describes Ramsey Campbell as “Britain’s most respected living horror writer.” He has been given more awards than any other writer in the field, including the Grand Master Award of the World Horror Convention and the Lifetime Achievement Award of the Horror Writers Association.  

    Website | Twitter | Goodreads

    The Influence Review:

    “The Influence” is a spooky tale about a family member who comes back from the dead to live longer, and it gave me chills! 

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    The author did an excellent job in setting up the eerie atmosphere. He writes the characters in a personal manner that makes you root for them. I loved Rowan and Alison’s relationship. Alison is a strong character who knows that something is wrong, even if she can’t pinpoint it. Rowan also has her moments, especially in the second half as she tries to find her way back home. 

    However, my favorite person was Hermione. My heart just went out to her in this story. Everyone considered her as eccentric and deluded, but she was closer to the truth than all of them. Similarly, Vicky is an eerie villain that made me scared to continue reading whenever she appeared. Honestly, I found the book scary whenever Vicky appeared, and I didn’t know what she would do to the family. 

    However, my only criticism of the storyline is in the climax. While I enjoyed the ending, I thought the reason Queenie did what she did, was a bit weak. “The Influence” is one of those stories where I would have liked a lengthier climax with more details. Also, there were a few unnecessary details at some parts, like Derek’s confrontation with Ken. Also, Derek was probably the only weak character because he seemed oblivious to what was happening to Rowan. 

    Apart from that, I enjoyed reading “The Influence.” Considering that the book first came out in the 80s, I think the storyline holds well even today and hardly feels dated. Overall, I recommend this book if you are in the mood for a spooky ghost story.