Category: reviews

A Canadian Werewolf Series by Mark Leslie RECAP

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

Hey everyone!

I am honored to share my recap of this unique and creative take on the classic werewolf story with author Mark Leslie’s “A Canadian Werewolf Series.” This eight book (soon to be nine) series follows a Canadian transplant and author living in New York as he struggles with lycanthropy and his desire to help others in the process. Below you will find the synopsis for each book, as well as my review of the book and links to the full reviews and the books purchase links. I hope you will take the time to read each one carefully and take the plunge yourself to read this series and enjoy it as much as I did. Please enjoy.

A Canadian Werewolf in New York 

The Synopsis 

ALPHA WOLF. BETA HUMAN. BIG APPLE.

Michael Andrews seems to have it all. He’s a successful author and a minor celebrity living in Manhattan. It’s a pretty big step up from his humble Canadian upbringing.

Of course, his lycanthropy poses a bit of a challenge.

After waking up from his latest night of howling at the moon, he’s naked, he’s got a bullet hole in his leg, and he has a sneaking suspicion he ran into another wolf last night. A wolf that was stomping all over his home turf.

If he’s going to make an evening talk show appearance to promote his latest book, he’ll need to figure out what happened the previous night without letting his occasional heroics sidetrack him. Standing in his way are an agent, an ex-girlfriend, a variety of goons, and a fellow wolf encroaching on his territory.

It’s just another day in the life of a polite, small-town Canadian trying to stay alive in the Big Apple.

A Canadian Werewolf in New York is a humorous thriller about an ordinary man dealing with extraordinary circumstances. If you like seeing an every-man try to “do right” no matter the odds, then you’ll love this suspenseful and comedic tale of a Canadian bumpkin who happens to be part wolf.

My Review 

This was a compelling and gripping take on the werewolf genre as a whole. The balance of twist and turns within the narrative, and the humor found in the dialogue, will keep readers on the edge of their seat seats as the story progresses. Michael is a complex and captivating protagonist that readers will not be able to get enough of.

Rating: 10/10

https://amzn.to/4aOSTDW

Stowe Away (Book Two)

The Synopsis 

HOW DO YOU KEEP AN INNOCENT CHILD SAFE FROM A PREDATOR WHEN YOU HAVE NO CONTROL OVER THE BEAST THAT ASSUMES CONTROL OF YOU?

A train bound for Vermont leaves Manhattan at 11:35 AM. It takes approximately 9 hours to arrive. Sunset at the arrival destination occurs at 8:20 PM. How does Michael Andrews, a man on that train who is afflicted with a werewolf curse, resolve the fact that the math just doesn’t work out in his favor? Or in favor of the young girl who is trapped, and cornered?

Michael’s unequivocal desire to help usually thrusts him into the middle of tight spots. And though he has never been good at math, he is consistently good at compounding the peril in his day. On an urgent and last minute trip to help a dear friend in need, he finds someone else to help along the way.

Can Michael figure out how he’ll be able to protect his young, innocent traveling companion as she tries to make her own cross-country escape from the predator who relentlessly stalks her? And does this curious child hold her own answers that can, in turn, help Michael?

In a tale that has been described as Logan meets Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Mark Leslie has crafted a thrill-ride that explores Michael Andrews, Alpha Wolf and Beta Human as he embarks on a life-altering road trip that sends him hurtling towards his own psyche as it brings him miles away from his familiar home territory.

My Review 

This is such a thrilling and exciting urban fantasy meets horror story that is very character driven. The tension that builds as the protagonist strives to protect this young woman and the constant barrage of obstacles in their path reminds me of the narrative beats of Dean Koontz Odd Thomas series, while also becoming a deep dive into who Michael is as a protagonist and hero and what drives him to take on the task of saving this girl. 

Rating: 10/10

https://amzn.to/3OKkGhr

Fear and Longing in Los Angeles (Book Three)

The Synopsis 

WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE.

If New York is the city that never sleeps, then L.A. is the city where you have to sleep with one eye open.

Michael Andrews learns quickly that it’s not just the cut-throat world of Hollywood you need to fear. There’s something deeper, darker, and far more disturbing lurking just beneath the shadows of the city, waiting for any moment of vulnerability to grab you by the throat.

An extended trip to Los Angeles to be on set for the movie adaptation of his latest novel leads Michael into a twisted and macabre underworld where he becomes entangled with an intriguing, sexy, and mysterious woman. At times she seems just what he needs in order to finally get over the unrequited love of his ex-girlfriend; but at other times, she appears to be the gateway to a Pandora’s box of B-movie nightmares.

Can he trust her? Can he trust himself with her?

Michael’s supernatural wolf-enhanced powers and special abilities might not be enough to survive this particular harsh and gritty jungle and the unique and deadly predators that crawl out of the shadows.

My Review 

This was a truly engaging and entertaining read. The author has crafted a unique world full of paranormal creatures and relatable characters. Although I am a newcomer to this series, the author writes in a way that allows each book to stand on its own while creating a new layer to the mythos the author has crafted for this series. 

The protagonist is the heart of this story. While many of the side characters add depth to the narrative, the beating heart is Michael’s journey. Balancing his supernatural powers and gifts with the more emotional core of his story, from the heartbreak of his relationship with Gail to meeting the mysterious and alluring Lex as he navigates the dark underbelly of Los Angeles makes his story really shine brightly. Pair this with the underscoring of political themes as a group of hateful domestic terrorists begins attacking the citizens of LA, and you have a fantastic new horror and action thriller.

Rating: 10/10

https://amzn.to/4tT55wh

Fright Nights, Big City (Book Four)

The Synopsis 

STOP SPREADING THE NEWS

THERE’S NO LEAVING TODAY

Not when the Big Apple comes under attack from an infectious worm threatening to rot it, and the entire nation, to the core.

Michael Andrews thought he’d found the perfect woman. A companion whose own powers neutralize his werewolf curse and bring the balance he has always wanted. But his plans on settling down and giving up the vigilante lifestyle are fleeting.

The hatred, the fear, and the monstrous attacks on innocent civilians grow and spread as supernatural monsters roam the city streets at night. The neo-Nazi Proud Fighters for America have already seeped their way across the continent and have nefarious plans for the city that never sleeps.

With Michael’s powers nullified in Lex’s presence, the couple is forced to divide in their attempt to conquer, and Michael turns to his ex-girlfriend’s knowledge of the occult and an ally he thought was his enemy to fight this rising evil.

But will three supernatural humans and one paranormal scholar be enough to vanquish the growing legion of evil?

My Review

This series just keeps getting more and more engaging. The balance of character development with grounded storytelling and rich mythology never ceases to amaze me. The evolution of new and existing paranormal creatures and individuals was great to see here, as was the dive into what it means to be the wolf for Michael, as his love Lex’s gifts keep the wolf from coming out, but at what cost? The exploration of that cost early on was so fascinating to see and shows the duality that comes from werewolf transformations in literature.

I also loved seeing the developing relationships between Michael, Lex, and Gail, as the sparks between Lex and Michael were so prominent but the author didn’t shy away from the complex relationship Michael has with Gail still, and the shared love that still exists there. The exploration of these characters and how they mesh together was so well done, and the author’s emphasis on character growth really elevated the overall narrative of this novel. The dive into the racism and violence our world has seen in recent years and how it impacts the paranormal community as well was such an inspired choice and was the perfect mirror of real-world problems in a paranormal setting.

Rating: 10/10

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Lover’s Moon (Book Five)

The Synopsis 

He’s an alpha wolf and a beta boyfriend.

She’s dated every monster in New York City.

It’s time for their Meat-Cute.

Michael Andrews, a Canadian living in New York, is learning to live with the side effects of lycanthropy. Other than waking up naked and bloody in Central Park once a month, he’s managing just fine. If only he could finish the book he’s supposed to be writing. If only he could find someone he trusted enough to tell the truth to.

Gail Sommers may not have her love life in order, but at least she’s smart about things that really matter. She runs the coolest occult shop in the city, and is a pre-eminent scholar of the occult. She’s made a vow of celibacy so that she can spend this year focusing on her work and her self-care. She’s even been hired to help out a very famous and very sexy horror author.

As a new era in the Canadian Werewolf saga begins, Lover’s Moon flashes back to the romantic and comedic story of how Michael and Gail met and fell in love back in the summer of 2011. Told through both Michael and Gail’s unique perspectives, it also explores Gail’s past, introduces new characters, and reveals some of the deeper secrets of both of their lives.

A special Canadian Werewolf tale co-authored by Mark Leslie and contemporary romance author Julie Strauss.

My Review 

This was such a fun surprise in a very heavily paranormal thriller and romance series. The authors did an amazing job taking readers deeper into the romance aspect of this narrative than ever before, with the story serving both as a prequel to the main story and evolution of these two characters in the modern day of the main series narrative. The passion and humor that is infused into this narrative is both a great tribute to the character development of novels in the series that came before and a great departure from the more action and paranormal-driven narratives fans have gotten used to over the years.

What really made this story unique was the character development between these two characters. The raw emotions and the way the authors gave each of the protagonists their own unique perspective on their relationships both past and present felt both relatable and heartfelt to the reader. The mixture of desire, passion, and heat with the secret lives that initially drives a wedge between them and the hurdles they have to overcome individually to finally find their way back to one another made this story such a compelling read.

Rating: 10/10

https://amzn.to/4cHAgV6

Hex and the City (Book Six)

The Synopsis 

HER LOVE WILL BRING ABOUT HIS DEMISE.

Michael Andrews and Gail Sommers have finally found the love that had eluded them for so long.

But their romance has uncovered an ancient evil curse neither of them could have anticipated. It does more than bring down a plague on their houses – it unleashes something far more sinister that can destroy humanity.

Now they must choose: battle the evil forces out to destroy them, or continue to meet in secret while the rest of the world burns.

If you like thrilling action, paranormal adventure, and quirky humor, you’ll love Hex and the City. Read it today!

Though this is book six in a series, it can be enjoyed as a stand alone novel. A “the story so far” summary is available for readers.

My Review 

This was a captivating and emotional read. The authors did an incredible job of creating a novel that stands on its own two feet while also paying homage to the wild entries in the series that came before. The action and magical suspense that the narrative delves into with the curse and the impact it begins having on the world around them brought the reader into the fantasy and paranormal thriller elements that this series has become known for.

For me, the heart of this narrative rested in the balance of mythos, romance, and world-building. The shock and awe that comes with this prophecy revelation hit the main characters immediately, and the shocking way it connects the events of the rest of the series made this story really flow. The heartbreaking reality of their circumstances made both Michael and Gail’s journey so emotional and kept the reader invested as the stakes got higher and higher. Getting to learn more about Gail’s family and connection to the paranormal world was fantastic to watch come to fruition.

Rating: 10/10

https://amzn.to/46VUGpC

Only Monsters in the Building (Book Seven)

The Synopsis 

WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG WHEN A WEREWOLF NEEDS THERAPY?

Michael Andrews has suffered the slings and arrows of his outrageous fortune while living with lycanthropy. But the blackouts from when he transforms into a wolf and the latest loss of his one true love have finally pushed him over the edge.

In desperation, he checks into a secret and remote retreat in upstate New York to undergo group therapy with a motley crew of other Paranormals.

When their therapist is found dead—apparently the victim of a brutal murder—Michael and the other supernatural misfits (a studious fairy, a vegan vampire, a shy mermaid, a clingy werecat, and an extroverted troll) look at one other as suspects.

Will his years of writing mystery novels be enough to help him through a case where he may be the one who is responsible for Dr. Laurier’s condition?

Only Monsters in the Building is a humorous and mysterious adventure that will keep you laughing on the edge of your seat.

This book can be enjoyed as a stand alone but is the seventh book in the continuing Canadian Werewolf series.

My Review 

I loved this masterful approach to the murder mystery narrative. The supernatural retreat is a fun setting, delving into the humor found often in creative retreats for those who become stuck in their lives. The balance of mystery and action is a great juxtaposition to the self reflection that the protagonist undergoes to reflect on the heartache and doubt they are experiencing in this point of their journey. 

Rating: 10/10

https://amzn.to/3P0tBeJ

Once Bitten (Book Eight)

The Synopsis 

He came to New York as a writer with a dream. What he became was something out of a nightmare.

It’s the summer of 2003, and twenty-two-year-old Michael Andrews has finally escaped his small Ontario mining town for the city of his Spider-Man daydreams. But a wolf attack on a lonely highway changes everything. Now he’s navigating Manhattan with powerfully sharp senses well beyond normal human limits, a transformation he can’t control, and a beautiful woman he’s terrified to let close.

By day, Michael shelves books in a Greenwich Village shop, using his uncanny ability to read emotions to connect with customers. Those same abilities have given this previously undateable book nerd an unexpected confidence—enough to win the attention of Rachel, an aspiring actress whose kindness draws him in.

But when the full moon rises, he loses himself to his alter-ego: a six-foot grey wolf. Haunted by guilt and longing for connection, Michael must decide whether his curse will define him—or if he can transform it into something more.

Some curses can’t be outrun. The only question is what you do when they catch up.

This origin story of the Canadian Werewolf series is told through “current day” 2017 bookends of a prologue and epilogue timeline that follow immediately after Only Monsters in the Building.

My Review 

After so many amazing adventures with Michael it was a great read to see how this protagonist became the hero and success he became. The self discovery and newness that comes with discovering his abilities and the haunting nature of his transformations are greatly felt in this novel. Getting to explore his relationships with the supporting cast of characters and how their bonds formed was a great service to fans of this incredible series. 

Rating: 10/10

https://amzn.to/4kRoglT

Now enjoy this preview of this year’s upcoming release, A Canadian Werewolf in London, Ontario, the ninth book in the series. 

The Synopsis 

BABY, YOU WERE BORN THIS WAY!

What if everything you believed about yourself was a lie?

Michael Andrews has spent fourteen years believing a roadside attack made him a werewolf. He was wrong.

Armed with the truth that he was born a lycanthrope, Michael must journey back to his Canadian roots. Accompanied by Ellie, the faerie whose soul is inexplicably bound to his, the quest takes them from the nickel mines of Sudbury, to the steel city of Hamilton, and to the university town of London, Ontario.

Along the way, Michael uncovers a trail of secrets, long-buried family connections, and an unexpected reunion with Bridget Wells, now thriving at Western University. But the deeper he digs, the closer he gets to a childhood memory so horrifying that his young mind buried it along with his wolf nature.

The answers he seeks may be more monstrous than anything he’s faced in the concrete canyons of New York or the jungle of Los Angeles. Because the one monster Michael has never been able to face is himself.

https://amzn.to/40pPiYe

Overall Impressions 

This is a fun, exhilarating, humorous and entertaining supernatural urban fantasy series that readers will be enthralled with. The dynamic and relatable characters and the twists on the genre, as well as the powerful mythos and compelling world that this story inhabits is a thrill ride that readers will be eager to return to time and time again. If you haven’t yet, check out the series for yourself today!

Dusty Edinger’s “Welcome to Our Demise” Single REVIEW

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

Most people around the world can count on one hand a shared experience they share with everyone around the world, from experiencing one’s first crush to losing a loved one and so forth. These experiences can shape the person we are meant to become, and help us to grow and learn so that mistakes won’t be repeated and achievements can be lauded. One such event or experience is the end of a serious relationship, and both the good and the bad that can come from it.

In artist Dusty Edinger’s “Welcome to Our Demise,” the artist’s latest track explores the end of a relationship from a place of clarity and insight. The song is an introspective look at a relationship from a mutual understanding, where both parties come to realize that the relationship has run its course and there is no coming back from where they ended up, and no reversing any of the damage that has been done. The powerful lyrics and emotional tone of the narrative is equally paired with a melodic, soft-rock approach to the music.

What immediately stood out in this track was the unique blend of different rock eras that this song seemed to embody, from late 50s to early 60s soda shop rock to more classic 70s era folk and blues rock and even a unique riff of 80s hair metal guitar work that underscores a particularly emotional part of the track. The energy and beautiful harmonies of the vocals give this an almost pop rock quality while also retaining a unique indie vibe, and the song retains a head-popping beat that will keep listeners invested in the song until its climactic end. If you haven’t yet, be sure to stream this song today!

VIDEO:

STREAMING:

ONLINE:

https://www.dustyedinger.com/
https://www.instagram.com/dusty_edinger
https://www.facebook.com/dusty.edinger.2025

Fire (The Spark Chronicles Book Two) by Pat Daily Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Two teens who survived a terror attack on the augmented world they met in find themselves pushed to the limits by new threats in author Pat Daily’s “Fire”, the second book in The Spark Chronicles series.

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The Synopsis

WB and Feral have survived the attack on SPARK, but the terrorists are not through. Forces intent on stealing the technology behind Black Grass and the AI necessary to make it work are on the move again. As WB and Feral attempt to return to their normal lives, they realize that the enemy will never quit until they have the tech or SPARK itself is destroyed.

Flying below the radar kept them safe before, but increased notoriety works against the two as everyone from the FBI to gang members know who they are. Now, local bureaucrats, terrorists, and even fans intrude on the gamers’ lives. WB and Feral butt heads and hold hands as events and outsiders attempt to pull them apart.

Meanwhile the duo struggle to control an AI who has decided that killing humans can be an effective and efficient strategy.

The Review

This was a compelling sci-fi action read. The story creatively blends theme park culture with the growing use of augmented reality, and the action is perfectly balanced with strong character dynamics and emotional growth. The strong imagery in the author’s writing brought SPARK to life as a theme-park Augmented Reality world that readers and the gamers of this story alike could easily step into, and the rich mythos the author builds upon will have readers falling down the rabbit hole instantly.

The driving force of this narrative was the character development and world building that this game took on. After the threat the two protagonists faced in the first book, not only was the author able to up the ante so to speak, but gave each character their own personal and unique struggle to go through on their own, allowing them both to grow and face the world on their own while also determining what that meant to them as a duo throughout the story. The way the author is able to touch upon more serious themes like teen relationships and surviving trauma while also keeping the story light with sci-fi action was incredible to see come to life on the page.

The Verdict

Thrilling, action-packed, and compelling, author Pat Daily’s “Fire” is a must-read sci-fi action novel and a great sequel in the Spark Chronicles series. The twists and turns the narrative takes, the lighthearted action, and the angst and drama of teen romance will keep readers invested until the book’s final pages. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Pat Daily is a polymath, serial entrepreneur, gamer, and the author of SPARK, a near future science fiction novel. Pat began his professional career as an engineer and Air Force test pilot. After leaving the military, Pat worked at NASA’s Johnson Space Center on both the Space Shuttle and International Space Station programs before launching his first company. He has worked globally as a human performance and safety consultant.

When not writing or trying to bring new airplane designs to life, Pat can be found gaming. He is a fan of role-playing games – particularly open worlds with engaging storylines where actions have consequences. Pat and his wife live in Houston.

Social media links:

Website: https://thepatdaily.com

Blog: https://feraldaughters.wordpress.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patdailyauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patdailypics/

Twitter: @patdailyauthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21521042.Pat_Daily

https://amzn.to/4kNqFyd

Fugitive Rifts by A-M Mawhiney Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Four teens have their lives changed forever by one debate in author A-M Mawhiney’s “Fugitive Rifts.”

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The Synopsis

Does everyone have secrets?

When four teens are invited to meet after school with a teacher, the butterfly effect of this one small event soon changes their dreams about their futures. Thrown together to form, of all things, a debate team, the four—Grace, a popular star basketball player, Drew, a privileged hotshot, Ollie, an artistic new student, and Dottie a shy, brilliant loner—seem to have nothing in common. And not one of them believes they have what it takes to be successful debaters.

Over time, the four teens start helping each other through tough times and begin to realize they are more alike than they thought.

Taking part in a public debate turns out to have unintended consequences that affect the four teens, each in different ways. Then the disappearance of one upends not only the lives of the four teens, but it also creates a ripple effect that shapes, over time, what happens to other people from their communities, their country—and even the world.

Fugitive Rifts is a compelling and empowering story of coming of age, resilience, and friendship, with emotional passages that are authentic, visceral, and bring the characters to life.

The Review

This is such a powerful, heartfelt read. The balance the author finds in giving these characters the time to bring their own unique perspectives and viewpoints to the narrative while also highlighting their own personal struggles was rich and powerful to read, and the engaging debates the characters have with one another really pushes the reader’s knowledge and brings to life real-world struggles and hardship that needs to be highlighted more.

The heart of this narrative is in the strong themes and character arcs this coming of age narrative puts on the page. The struggles of the characters reflect these themes, such as domestic violence, homelessness, and parental hardship, and the subtle tension that runs through this narrative helps keep readers on the edge of their seat and engaged in the lives these characters lead.

The Verdict

Insightful, emotionally-driven, and compelling, author A-M Mawhiney’s “Fugitive Rifts” is a must-read coming of age novel. The twists and turns the story takes, the heartfelt connection readers make to these characters, and the memorable events that drive them closer together will stay with readers long after the narrative ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

A-M Mawhiney was deeply moved by the events of 2020 and the cries from advocates fighting for equity and justice for people living precarious lives because of structural barriers and discrimination. As a former social worker and academic she has spent her career seeking ways to improve lives of marginalized learners through inclusive education for all students. Mawhiney has hope for a better future for us all. Her vision of what this might look like inspired her to write Spindrifts.

Anne-Marie lives in Sudbury, Ontario, in the territory of the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek in the Robinson-Huron Treaty Area, with Dave McGill and their canine companion, Charlie.

For more information, please visit www.ammawhiney.ca

Follow @ammawhiney on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.

https://amzn.to/4qNmMdO

North of Broken & Furever Home by Holly B. Gutwillinger Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A woman must help rescue a pack of stray dogs while finding herself in author Holly B. Gutwillinger’s “North of Broken & Furever Home.”

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The Synopsis

Renley Nelsen’s life is unravelling. She’s caught between midlife melancholy, her sons have drifted away, and her mother’s mind is slipping beyond reach.

Sully, the youngest in a pack of abandoned dogs in Ontario’s northern woods, knows only survival. Neglected and scarred, his distrust runs deep.

When Renley’s closest friend begs her to join a dog rescue mission, she sees an escape. However, the broken animals—especially Sully—force her to confront more than she bargained for. As she works to save the pack, Renley discovers hidden strength and faces an impossible choice: keep running or find the courage to claim the life she deserves.

Told from alternating perspectives between Renley and Sully, this is a story of mutual acceptance, where woman and dog must learn that healing demands the bravery to stay—when everything inside you wants to run.

The Review

What a powerful, heartfelt and compelling story. The balance of emotional depth and world building was astonishing, and the connection readers formed between the characters and the world itself was strong. The alternating POVs of both Renley and Sully was able to give readers a fresh perspective of the relationship between a pet and their pet parent, or in more broad terms animal and man. 

The heart of this narrative was in the powerful themes and messaging behind these characters. From the close perspective on mental health and the special bond between people and their pets, to the struggles to find your own identity and find your footing in the world, these themes helped flesh out these characters greatly and keep readers both emotionally invested and engaged in their journey.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, entertaining, and memorable, author Holly B. Gutwillinger’s “North of Broken & Furever Home” is a must-read contemporary drama following family dynamics, a journey of identity, and heartfelt connection. The depth of heart and the rich, dynamic character development will keep readers glued to the page until the book’s final pages. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Holly B. Gutwillinger is an author and podcaster from a small northern Ontario town. Her debut novel, North of Broken & Furever Home, launches February 14, 2026, exploring a woman’s complex relationship with her rescue dogs.

Holly’s writing is shaped by her deep love of family—she is the proud mother of two adult sons—and her commitment to the animals who enrich our lives.

She holds a certificate in creative writing from the University of Toronto’s School of Continuing Studies and is currently completing her MFA in fiction at the University of King’s College. Holly serves on the board of her local writers’ guild and volunteers with the Women’s Fiction Writers Association.

https://amzn.to/3ZMcLCP

Deathcon: A Zombie Story by Nzondi Review 

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A young woman must stop an extinction event and contend with her darker half in author Nzondi’s “Deathcon: A Zombie Story.”

The Synopsis 

Love survived death—now it has to survive the apocalypse.

On the second anniversary of her boyfriend’s death, Cozy Coleman, a rising star in a world where necromancy is mainstream, boards DeathCon, a horror-themed convention cruise where she and her two best friends—the Scream Teens—are hired as headline necro-tainment.

When a brutal she-wolf attack kills Cozy, she awakens reanimated, caught between life and something far darker. Her resurrection reveals an extinction-level virus beneath the Pacific—one that could turn the Hawaiian Islands into ground zero for an undead apocalypse.

As the ship locks down, a covert military unit arrives to contain the outbreak, led by a hardened operative Cozy recognizes instantly: the boyfriend she’s been mourning isn’t dead, but deep undercover. Furious at the lie yet still madly in love, Cozy is forced to fight alongside him as the ship descends into chaos.

With ravenous creatures overrunning DeathCon and time running out, Cozy must confront what she’s becoming—and decide whether love, trust, and her dangerous power are enough to stop the end of everything.

The Review 

This was such a compelling and unique twist on the zombie apocalypse narrative. The balance of action and horror was thrilling to read and the compelling world building was astounding. The idea of necromancy being a source of influence and stardom was amazing and the infusion of culture was great to read.

The heart of this narrative was the rich character dynamics and the compelling mythos of the story. The way the author brought chilling horror and monsters to a more modern setting, and included things like the modern revitalization of cruises and social media influencers impact on our culture was fascinating. The emotional core of Cozy as a protagonist was in her loss and subsequent shock in finding her lost love alive again, and how their connection rises and falls back and forth as the story progresses.

The Verdict 

Thrilling, compelling and entertaining, author Nzondi’s “Deathcon” is a must read occult horror story that readers will instantly be hooked by. The twists and turns of the novel and the dynamic character growth give readers a brilliant new world that is easy to get lost in. If you haven’t yet, please grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author 

Nzondi (also known as Ace Antonio-Hall) is an award-winning American author whose work blends psychological horror with emotionally driven science fiction. He holds a BFA from Long Island University and is a former Director of Education for New York City schools and Sylvan Learning Center.

His debut novel, Confessions of Sylva Slasher, was published by Montag Press in 2013. In 2019, his science fiction–horror novel Oware Mosaic won the Bram Stoker Award® for Superior Achievement in a Young Adult Novel, making Nzondi the first African American author to win the award in a novel category.

Nzondi currently resides in Los Angeles, where he continues to write speculative fiction exploring trauma, identity, and survival.

https://nzondiauthor.com/
https://amzn.to/46liVNQ

The Walker Chronicles (The Dying of the Light Book Four) by Jason Kristopher Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Explore the origins of the zombie apocalypse in author Jason Kristopher’s “The Walker Chronicles”, the fourth book and prequel to The Dying of the Light series.

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The Synopsis

The zombie apocalypse didn’t begin on Z-Day—it’s been raging in secret for 150 years. From an 1872 military unit’s first walker encounter to Nazi experiments in concentration camps, from Cold War cover-ups to the final days before collapse, these classified stories reveal the conspiracy that doomed humanity. While the world slept, Unit 73 and AEGIS fought a shadow war against the walking dead. Some secrets should stay buried—but like the dead themselves, truth always rises.

The Walker Chronicles expands the universe of The Dying of the Light trilogy, uncovering the untold history of humanity’s fight against the walking dead. While David Blake’s journey in END, INTERVAL, and BEGINNING shows the apocalypse and its aftermath, these essential stories reveal the covert battles that raged for decades before Z-Day changed everything. Each tale deepens the conspiracy, heightens the horror, and illuminates the sacrifices made to keep humanity alive.

The Review

This was a fun and exhilarating addition to this incredible zombie horror series. The author does an amazing job of continuing to bring rich character dynamics to this universe while also implementing a historical fiction element to the mix. The action and horror of this zombie virus is perfectly brought to life through strong imagery in the author’s writing, and the short story aspect of the book’s formatting allowed the reader to fully experience the world in which this virus thrived.

The heart of this narrative was in the historical fiction aspect of the genre and the world building that took place. Each story in this collection helms from a different era of history, and one that was truly chilling was the 1940s, exploring Joseph Mengele and the way his real-life atrocities during WWII could have been implemented into the zombie virus world. The way these events played into the main series and how the virus eventually overcame the world, as well as the formation of the organization that has fought this virus for so long, was powerful and engaging.

The Verdict

Memorable, entertaining, and visceral, author Jason Kristopher’s “The Walker Chronicles” is a must-read historical fiction meets action horror novel and a great addition to the “Dying of the Light” series. The haunting imagery and fast pacing of each story, and the compelling characters that the author both introduces and expands upon, will keep readers enthralled through the book’s end. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Jason Kristopher is the award-winning author terrifying readers with zombies in THE DYING OF THE LIGHT, thrilling them with 1940s noir in LOCO MOCO, and harrowing them with boy-meets-gryphon-meets-robot adventure in WHEN IRON WAKES. With the love of his life and the dog that rescued him by his side, he plots his next traumatizing stories from Florida beaches.

The Fire in our Heads

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Judgement Day (The Intern Diaries Book 5) by D.C. Gomez Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Death’s Intern must avert the apocalypse and all-out war without sacrificing the life of a friend in author D.C. Gomez’s “Judgement Day”, the fifth book in the Intern Diaries series.

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The Synopsis

Kidnapping, attacks, and the Horsemen want pay-back. Beware world…people will die.

What would you do for your family?

For Bartholomew, I would give up my soul.

If they harm him, I will doom the world.

We are in the middle of war. We have been betrayed. The enemy is coming at us from everywhere, and our fearless leaders’ solution is to start the apocalypse and destroy humanity. Too bad that would probably kill Bart as well.

Why is it up to me to come up with a solution to this mess? I’m not even the oldest of Death’s Interns. Bartholomew, hang in there, we are coming!

* Judgement Day is the final book in the Intern Dairies Series. This action-packed urban fantasy series will take you on a journey that will leave you holding onto your seats. Life and death decisions should never be made when you are mad at the world. Somebody should tell the Horsemen that.

The Review

This is the most visceral and gripping narrative of the Intern Diaries series to date. The world building and mythos are well developed as always in this book, and the balance of action and fun and quirky dialogue kept the reader invested as the story progressed.

The characters and their connection to one another remains the heart of this series. The protagonist’s evolution as a character has been the most prominent, seeing her come into this leadership role and her unique relationship with Death itself as those boundaries between intern and boss are pushed to the limits was something to read, and the lengths she was willing to go to in order to save the life of Bartholomew was the emotional crux of this narrative. The depths of the supernatural world and the wider impact on the small town they call home was grown and evolved to all new heights this time around, and kept the reader on the edge of their seats.

The Verdict

Memorable, enthralling, and compelling, author D.C. Gomez’s “Judgement Day” is a masterpiece urban fantasy read and a great chapter in the Intern Diaries universe. The shocking twists and turns the story takes, the evolution of the characters and open-ended way their journeys leave off, and the dynamics of this paranormal world will keep readers eager to return to the series once that final page flips. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

D. C. Gomez, is a fast-talking extra-quirky Dominican with a dark sense of humor.

She used to enjoy long walks at the park and all that fun outdoors activities; unfortunately, due to a mysterious condition she is now allergic to the sun.

Rumor has it, that her true nature is coming out and her vampirism is now showing. While hiding from the sun, she is busy writing action packed adventures full of quirky characters and zany plots. As well as hosting her podcast, Inside the Minds of Authors.

If you would like to learn more about her, or join her at an event, check out her website. We promise she doesn’t bite (much…).

Happy reading.

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Aisha’s Secret by Zachary Hagen Review 

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A young woman falls for the man whose life she inadvertently stole in author Zachary Hagen’s “Aisha’s Secret.”

The Synopsis 

How many masks can one girl wear?

Aisha is the best thief in Easima, the capital of Makan Alsahar. She wants to survive and to thrive, but how can she? After all, an orphaned daughter of a seamstress without a single honest dinari can’t aspire to much more than stealing the very bread she needs to live…and maybe a few fancy jewels and golden trinkets.

On a particularly fruitful day of thievery, Aisha finds a bottle and unleashes the fiery djinn within. When the djinn, Qadira, offers her three wishes in gratitude for her freedom, she mistakenly wishes to become a princess. However, instead of becoming the daughter of a childless king, she switches lives with Prince Aladdin.

Thrust into the life of princess of Makan Alsahar, Aisha must navigate the convoluted intrigue of the palace court. Unfortunately, Rapha, a low-level advisor, knows who she is and blackmails her into helping him rise through the levels of the royal advisory.

When Aisha meets Aladdin in the markets of Easima, she starts to fall for him even though she stole the life that was rightfully his. Now Aisha must hide her true identity and help Rapha climb the ladder of success in the Makan Alsaharn court. Will she keep living a beautiful lie, or will the truth be what it takes to finally leave her old life behind for real?

From the author of the Eternal Chronicles comes a dramatic retelling of the story of Aladdin. The intrigue and drama of Aisha’s Secret will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

The Review 

A truly remarkable twist on an iconic story. The narrative flips the script so many know on the story of Aladdin, making him the known royalty of this land and Aisha the street thief who finds the magical djinn who grants her wish. The creativity is equally matched by powerful imagery that brings the unique setting of the city of Easima to life, and the tension that builds throughout the narrative was palpable.

What really brought this story to life was the character development and world building. The twist that makes Aisha’s identity from her past still in play and how she continues to fight for survival as a result showcases how no wish can undo trauma or hardship. Her bond and connection to Aladdin and the tension between them as she wrestles with her secret brings the emotional weight this story needs as well.

The Verdict

Captivating, thrilling, and entertaining, author Zachary Hagen’s “Aisha’s Secret” is a must read fantasy story. The twist and turns this story takes and the complex yet enthralling character dynamics at play will keep readers engaged in this evolving narrative. If you haven’t yet be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author 

Zachary Hagen is a fantasy author and editor. He lives his wife, Claudia, and their dog, Flynn. When he isn’t busy writing his next book or teaching, you can often find him walking around his neighbor hood or up hiking in Hanging Rock Park with his wife and their friends.

From a young age he was enthralled with the world of story. From the stories his parents read to him from his blue bedtime story books (if you know, you know) to the first two series that he read, The Chronicles of Narnia and A Series of Unfortunate Events, Zachary’s tastes continued to develop throughout his years of reading.

The influences for his first series, The Eternal Chronicles, include Christopher Paolini, J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, and others.

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