Category: reviews

No Life but Immortality (Book 1 of Geryon’s Code Series) by Liudmila Brus 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 former serial killer takes control of the world in a dystopian future after being digitized in author Liudmila Brus’s “No Life but Immortality”, the first book in the Geryon’s Code series.

The Synopsis

Set at the end of the 22nd century, this dystopian epic takes readers into a hauntingly plausible future where humanity must navigate the consequences of its technological ambitions and societal failure.

The main storyline begins decades after a catastrophic global Blackout—a disaster that coincided with a devastating solar flare, obliterating much of Earth’s infrastructure and throwing the world into chaos. But this isn’t just a tale of survival in a post-apocalyptic world. It’s a gripping exploration of dictatorship, deception, and the lengths to which one will go to reshape civilization.

No Life but Immortality introduces Geryon Lindon, a once-convicted serial killer and the first human to be fully digitized. Geryon’s mind survives beyond the physical realm, evolving into a shadowy mastermind who manipulates tech and people from his lair on the Moon, leaving the future of Earth and its colonies hanging in the balance.

Can those who stand against Geryon’s tyranny uncover his secrets and restore hope to a fractured society? Or will his vision of a reimagined Earth become humanity’s dark fate?

Liudmila Brus’s storytelling takes inspiration from classics like Neuromancer and The Martian, combined with the intricate politics and environmental topics. Readers can expect a narrative that blends psychological drama with interplanetary intrigue, perfect for fans of dystopian fiction, virtual reality, and richly layered worlds.

The Review

This was such a unique and compelling dystopian read. The author did a remarkable job of creating a world that felt shockingly realistic, even in a dystopian setting. The terrifying thought of a brutal killer like Geryon having his consciousness digitized and using his connection to this advanced technology to inflict his twisted worldview instilled a sense of suspense and an adrenaline-fueled dive into the thriller genre, unlike anything I’ve read before. 

The author found an outstanding balance between character development and world-building with this book. The surreal, terrifying world that has emerged in the aftermath of this Blackout and the impact that growing technology has in the wake of this global event is something that will stay with readers as the story progresses, feeding into that adrenaline and anxiety the world the author has created gives to readers. The way these characters evolve, from the killer Geryon to Winston and his family and even the discovery of Minna, allows the reader to have a more personal connection to the story, and the interesting twist of religion and cult mind activity playing into the dystopian sch-fi setting was so engaging. 

The Verdict

Memorable, thought-provoking, and entertaining author Liudmila Brus’s “No Life But Immortality” is a must-read dystopian sci-fi thriller. The perfect entry into a new and action-packed series, the narrative twists and turns and the deeply human themes of morality and the dangers of technology will keep readers on the edge of their seats. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Liudmila lives in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, with her small family and her adopted cat. She is currently a video game writer at Ghost Workshop, working on the game Marsbound.

Under the influence of her grandparents, Liudmila fell in love with reading at an early age and developed a passion for writing. She began collaborating with a city newspaper at the age of 15. At 16, she entered the Moscow State Institute of International Relations to study journalism. She also participated in a student exchange program with Sciences Po, one of the leading universities of France.

Her earlier literary works include the short story Fury (mystery, 2008) and the novella Three Days with Light Off (erotica, 2012), both published in St. Petersburg. Liudmila has extensive experience in journalism, with professional interests in environmental issues and green initiatives worldwide. Although climate change is not directly addressed in her novels, it has shaped the world of Geryon’s Code, leading to such dire social and moral consequences that the Martian colonies declared independence, starting a new civilization and aiming to be free from the evils of the past.

She is also a fan of heavy music and a LARP (Live Action Role-Playing) enthusiast. In 2012, she co-founded the “After Us” post-apocalyptic LARP club in Moscow and organized several themed parties and festivals.

Her sci-fi book cycle Geryon’s Code consists of three novels: No Life but Immortality, The Orphaned Earth, and From The Abyss, To The Abyss (currently in progress).

The Mascot: Ground Zero in the Cave Sun Series by Maria Ian 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. 

In author Maria Ian’s ” The Mascot, ” the first in the Cave Sun Series, a human rights attorney uncovers a secret war waging in Latin America by clandestine groups and finds himself the target of a band of assassins.

The Synopsis

Prostitution is not glamorous, but why is the undercover soldier so proud to keep up appearances?

Several contenders vie for power in the hidden, forbidden territory in Latin America. Their fighters are organized militaries; only their inner cores know the truth. To the populace, they appear as morally bankrupt criminal gangs.

Top candidates must undergo brutal training and conquer the tortuous race to destroy evil for the only livable land, the victorious state code-named Ara Pacis, or Altar of Peace. That one is led by an illusive insider. He is priceless, and not only in cash.

When Washington D.C. human rights attorney Craig Malcault’s investigations uncover connections to U.S. military intelligence and the mysterious wife of an international biochemical conglomerate’s founder, the assassins are dispatched. Craig’s job is to extract evidence from the hellish pitfall while the top candidate is en route to face and pass his final test. From the executive branch in Washington D.C. to devastating underground hide-outs, from all force of arms to one man alone, Craig is on the terror-stricken path to discover some of the world’s top intelligence secrets, while justice might be done … if Craig and his career can survive the lies and the hate.

The Review

This was a riveting and harrowing read. The author found a great balance between personal character development and conspiracy thriller. The slow-burn pacing yet thrilling events in the protagonist’s everyday life and the gripping drama that unfolds even in the earliest chapters of the narrative will stay with readers as they delve deeper and deeper into this new series.

The mix of courtroom drama, criminal investigation, and character growth will keep readers invested in this narrative. The protagonist is a compelling character, driving readers to engage not only with his legal actions but also with his personal development, from the friends and romances in his life to the clients he is willing to go the extra mile for to uncover the truth, with the truth being a prominent theme in this conspiracy thriller.

The Verdict

Harrowing, thrilling, and entertaining author Maria Ian’s “The Mascot” is a must-read conspiracy and crime thriller and the perfect introduction to this new series. The twists and turns in the story and the rich character growth will keep the shocking events of this narrative embedded in the reader’s minds as the human psyche becomes the novel’s focal point. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Maria wrote her first novel at the age of thirteen and has been writing ever since. She is the author of seventeen books, including an international bestseller. She has also served as editor of numerous books, including an Amazon health and fitness bestseller.

As a legal project manager for fifteen years, Maria assisted survivors of violence and torture from conflict zones internationally and wrote and published for trade publications. She also worked in PR and was host and producer for a regional public access TV show featuring interviews on current affairs.

Maria has a Ph.D. in political science, a JD in law, and is licensed in traditional Chinese medicine, trauma counseling, and physical fitness.

She created the crime and spy thriller Cave Sun series.

Why do I write? Listen to my interview here. 

https://caveofthesun.com/

Watercolors and Tears by Jose Orlando Castaneda 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 couple separated by tragic circumstances must navigate life without one another until a twist of fate tries to bring them back together in author Jose Orlando Castaneda’s “Watercolors and Tears.”

The Synopsis

Manuel, a young Ecuadorian, sells medicinal herbs in the market and paints watercolors in his spare time. In search of a better life, he emigrates to Port Chester (New York). Elvira, his wife, intends to join him by sea, but she is shipwrecked. Her plans change after her rescue, and she ends up in Madrid, where she is employed as a nanny. Antonio, the father of the children in her care, discovers her secretly reading a novel from his antique books collection. He slyly labels a passage with a strip of paper, intending for her to read it. Intrigued, Elvira responds by indicating her own phrases in the book. That’s the beginning of an innocent exchange of literary quotes through which love quietly slips in.

While Manuel takes refuge in his paintings and herbal remedies on the other side of the world, Elvira finds herself falling for Antonio. When her hopes are dashed through a casual blunder, she seeks to regain her marital home and travels to Port Chester to be with her husband. Confronted by an unexpected tragedy, she discovers the watercolors that Manuel has painted in his solitude. His brushstrokes cut deep into her heart.

The Review

What an emotional and heartbreaking tale. The balance the author found in the romance and heart of these two protagonists and their struggles amongst the perils and hardships often found in the story of immigrants was thoughtful and heart-wrenching. The author’s imagery and descriptive nature allowed them to feel and experience this narrative from a perspective far from their own yet relatable in many ways.

The story also speaks to the hardships many couples face in life and how the story of immigration plays into those struggles as well. The bond that Manuel formed with a young boy and his mother in America and the connection Elvira forms with Antonio speak not only of the individual experiences that this couple found on their own but also how it showcased the evolution of a relationship and the way people’s perspectives and needs evolve over time, a concept many couples will be able to relate to.

The Verdict

Deeply felt, authentically written, and memorable, author Jose Orlando Castaneda’s “Watercolors and Tears” is a must-read romance meets drama. The balance of tension, emotion, and heart will keep readers enthralled and invested in these characters, and the honest way the author writes out this story and the shocking ending will stay with readers long after the book ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

After finishing high school in his hometown (Ibagué, Colombia) and winning a local history contest, JOSÉ ORLANDO CASTAÑEDA emigrated to the United States. Following a liberal arts college degree, a master’s degree from Columbia University, and a J.D. from Pace University, he opened a law firm in Port Chester, New York, where he later became a judge. That transition is presented in his short story The Flower Parade.

His profession allowed him to work with the immigrant community and appreciate up close the consequences of separation: broken homes, children growing up without their parents, and the grief of those left behind. “We live for those we love and stay, and we die for those we love and are gone,” an elderly man once told him. The stories he heard throughout his career motivated him to write WATERCOLORS AND TEARS, an absorbing and realistic tale written against the background of immigration, a relentless phenomenon that, while seeking progress, isolates families and truncates love. 

https://watercolorsandtears.com/

Faraway Tables by Eric D. Goodman 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. 

In the book Faraway Tables, author and poet Eric D. Goodman shares a collection of poetry that showcases a world both familiar and just out of reach.

The Synopsis

Faraway Tables is a mesmerizing collection of poetry that captures the monumental and the mundane with eloquent precision. Written largely during the Covid pandemic, these poems are imbued with a reflective depth that explores the essence of human experience—ranging from the personal to the geopolitical.

The Review

What a powerful and engaging collection of poems! The author expertly crafts each poem to stand alone and add to the collective nature of life’s journey and what it means to be human. The imagery and tone each poem strikes with the reader will leave a lasting impact, and the poems do a remarkable job of connecting the reader to the poet’s intent and experiences overall. 

The emotional connection with the poems and the overall themes became the heart of this collection. The author perfectly delves into social commentary on everything from the Pandemic to the war between Russia and Ukraine and the more personal, mundane aspects of daily life that speak of the love and connection we form in those everyday moments. The collection is written in a way that readers of all backgrounds can relate to and connect with, speaking to an accessibility that is sometimes missing from other collections that resonate here.

The Verdict

Memorable, honest, and passionately written author Eric D Goodman’s “Faraway Tables” is a must-read poetry collection. The way the poems evoke a strong emotional response, and the relatability of each poem’s message or theme will draw in many readers seeking to find a profound way of speaking to the experiences so many people have had in recent years. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Eric D. Goodman lives and writes in Maryland. He’s the author of six previously published books of fiction. More than a hundred of his short stories, articles, and travel stories have been published in literary journals, magazines, and periodicals. Eric’s recent poetry has been featured in more than twenty publications, including Gargoyle Magazine and The Main Street Rag.

Available on Amazon, Bookshop.org, and Yorkshire Publishing.

Tour Schedule:

Nov. 5: the bookworm (review)

Nov. 7: The Reading Bud (review)

Nov. 12: Impressions in Ink (review)

Nov. 13: Lavender Orchids (review)

Nov. 19: Review Tales (review)

Nov. 21: Anthony Avina blog (review)

Nov. 25: True Book Addict (review)

Follow the tour with hashtag #FarawayTables

Devils Like Us by Lincoln James 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 man must face his demons when a simple trip home from college turns into a chaotic run from the law and a dangerous series of mazes in an underground sewer under Los Angeles in author Lincoln James’s “Devils Like Us”.

The Synopsis

Why does it smell like… blood?

What was supposed to be a quick trip home from college turns into a nightmare for Jason Murich when two runaway teens hijack his car, pulling him into a chaotic, high-stakes chase through Los Angeles. Forced into the city’s sewers to escape the law and those hunting them, Jason soon realizes survival is far more dangerous underground. With Christopher and Nicole—two teens whose pasts are as twisted as the tunnels they’re lost in—Jason must navigate a shadowy world of crumbling passageways, where trust is fragile, and every step could be their last. As the sewers close in and unseen threats circle, Jason finds himself trapped in a fight not just to escape but to stay alive. “Devils Like Us” is a pulse-pounding thriller where the lines between ally and enemy blur, and survival demands more than just escaping the darkness of the city—it requires facing the demons within.

The Review

What a chilling and engaging read! The psychological horror aspect of this narrative instantly hits readers, as does the stark contrast of the world above clashing with the world below as readers embark on this twisted journey with the characters. The bond that forms between these characters, especially Christopher and Jason, allows the horrors that await them in the sewers underneath the city to have much more of an impact, terrifying readers as the story progresses. 

The strong sense of imagery in the narrative stood out to me as a reader. The descriptive nature of the settings emphasizes how terrifying and haunting this story is, and the potent antagonists that the author created will stay with readers long after the story ends. The exploration of themes like grief and identity will also keep readers engaged in this story, as the book takes advantage of a time of significant change on the surface just as the horrors of the narrative wait to burst forth.

The Verdict

Haunting, memorable, and entertaining, author Lincoln James’s “Devils Like Us” is a must-read psychological thriller meets horror novel. The fast pace of the narrative and the heart-pounding terror that awaits readers as the cast of characters finds themselves lost in the nightmare underground will leave a lasting impression on readers from now on. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Lincoln James, a seasoned college professor specializing in communication and public speaking, seamlessly channels his captivating expertise into the world of suspenseful thrillers. Known for his unique blend of dreadful and heart-wrenching scenes, James crafts narratives that enthrall readers from the first page to the last.

 Beyond academia, he leads a life as a dedicated content creator turned wordsmith, finding solace in the chilling embrace of suspense and the liberating laughter of comedy. As an author and curator of horror memorabilia, James is able to create a tangible connection to the spine-tingling tales he spins. Drawing inspiration from history and art, he breathes life into his narratives.

 James lives in the bustling heart of New York City and cherishes moments with family, proving that the most thrilling stories often lie in the laughter and love shared with those closest to us.

The Candid Odyssey by B. Johny 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. 

Author B. Johny shares the transformative journey he undertook during his 8-week trip across India in the book “The Candid Odyssey: Exploring India and the Philosophy of LIfe”.

The Synopsis

The Candid Odyssey is a captivating travel memoir and philosophical journey into self-discovery. Join the author on a transformative eight-week solo trip across India, where he explores diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures while delving into life’s deeper questions about happiness, purpose, and meaning. This unique blend of travel, philosophy, and self-help offers readers a special invitation to journey through both the outer world and the inner self.

Over the course of this adventure, the author traverses more than 50 cities and locations, capturing the essence of India through its tranquil landscapes, historic sites, bustling urban centers, majestic mountains, and more. Memorable and unexpected experiences—including chance encounters at festivals, challenging situations, and being stranded in deserts and foggy hills—add depth and richness to the narrative. With a conversational tone that fosters a personal connection, each chapter is filled with engaging, relatable, and authentic reflections on life.

Whether you’re a travel enthusiast, a philosophy lover, or someone seeking personal growth, The Candid Odyssey encourages you to reflect on your own perspectives and experiences. This memoir is more than a travel record; it’s an authentic journey of self-discovery that inspires readers to explore their own paths and pursue a life of meaning.

The Review

Immediately, I found myself enthralled with this book. The author did an excellent job of finding the perfect balance between the travel narrative and the journey’s more personal, philosophical, and insightful aspects. The honesty and depth of detail the author conveyed in such a short read were terrific to see come to life.

The author’s narrative choice was the biggest thing that set the book apart from other travel or philosophy books. Thanks to a journal-writing style, the author allowed the reader to experience the journey as he did. The approach to each location was unique, too, for the author could hone in on the spiritual and philosophical side of things rather than the surface touristy stuff that so many others see every day. 

The Verdict

Heartfelt, insightful, and meaningful author B. Johny’s “The Candid Odyssey” is a must-read travel-meets-philosophy book. The author’s trials, from a night spent in a train compartment to the near assault he faced and more, as well as the profound lessons on happiness found in accidental moments and the value of authenticity in life as a whole, made this a compelling read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

 . B. Johny, born Bibin Johny in Vaikom, Kerala, India, is a writer, philosopher, traveler, musician, and technologist whose diverse experiences shape his work. His debut book, The Candid Odyssey: Exploring India and the Philosophy of Life, is a reflection of his philosophical insights and travel experiences. Johny holds a Bachelor’s in Computer Science, Master’s in Philosophy, and works as a Senior Product Manager. Through his writing and music, Johny encourages others to lead a better life for a better world. Discover more at bjohny. com.

https://www.bjohny.com/

Tales from the Silence by James Bow 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. 

Discover what happens when human civilization on Earth finally goes silent and leaves behind explorers and settlers spread throughout the galaxy in author James Bow’s anthology, Tales from the Silence.

The Synopsis

On August 4, 2151, the world will end.

It’s been a long time coming: climate disasters brewing conflict, conflict breeding chaos. But on that fateful day, someone will set off the nukes. On August 4, 2151, human civilization on Earth will fall silent.

There are survivors, of course—and not just on Earth. There are scientists on the Jovian moons. Miners in the asteroid belt. Thriving colonies on the surface of Mars and above the clouds of Venus. Far more precarious ones on Mercury. When the silence falls across human space, one thing is clear: Earth’s space-born children are on their own. No more supplies are coming. No more orders. No more meddling. No more help.

Set in the universe of James Bow’s new novel, The Sun Runners, Tales from the Silence is a gathering of award-winning science fiction, fantasy, and YA authors who explore the worlds the Earth left behind, as well as the Earth itself, as they struggle through Earth’s new dark age.

Join James Bow, Phoebe Barton, Kate Blair, Cameron Dixon, Mark Richard Francis, Jo Karaplis, Kari Maaren, Fiona Moore, Ira Nayman, Kate Orman, and Jeff Szpirglas as they tell the stories of what happens after the end of the world.

The Review

What a phenomenal and engaging collection of short stories. The authors of this story found the perfect way to make each story feel wholly individual and unique while also tying together the overall narrative set up by James Bow. The relatability of the characters brought that unique humanity to the otherwise cosmic and space-traveling adventure in which the story takes place.

What stood out amongst other sci-fi collections is how Earth was more of a catalyst for these stories rather than the protagonist or primary setting. Instead, readers are treated to a universe in which Earth has gone quiet, and most of humanity is now out amongst the stars, inhabiting other worlds and wondering how to survive without their home world. The emotional ebb and flow of the stories and the unique spin on survival, from the opening story of The Phases of Jupiter by James Bow to the actions of Venusians in Ira Nayman’s “Famous Last Words,” allowed readers to immerse themselves in this collection fully.

The Verdict

Harrowing, insightful, and entertaining author James Bow’s Tales from the Silence is a must-read sci-fi and dystopian short story collection. With elements of The Expanse peppered throughout, the book touches on the meaning of survival and the evolution of humanity beyond Earth and will stay with readers long after the book ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

The Old Child: Tome 3 (The Lost Art of Magic Book 3) by Jonni Jordyn 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 world that magic has returned to sees a struggle for power as the witch clan seeks to prevents the sorcerers from ruling over the world in author Jonni Jordyn’s “The Old Child: Tome 3”, the third book in the Lost Art of Magic series.

The Synopsis

Destiny prevented the sorcerer clan from claiming power, but her survival from the battle is in question. Who will step up to lead the family? The Old Child is the third book in the Lost Art of Magic series. Magic has returned after remaining dormant for centuries and this means there will be those that covet power over the powerless. The witch clan must do something to prevent the sorcerers from claiming the world, but must they do it without the strongest of them?

The Review

From the very first page, this book is written so cinematic that the reader is immediately transported to the aftermath of the epic battle between Honey and Destiny at the end of book two. The shock and awe of the situation, from the way the world watched as two influential magic users waged a war that the entirety of the US Military could not touch with their firepower and the destruction left in their wake, both property and lives, was felt throughout the novel as events unfolded. The imagery and atmosphere the book conjured in the reader’s minds delivered a powerful setting and tone that stayed with readers throughout the book.

The character development and growing mythos the author was able to develop will instantly jump out to readers. The tension that arises when the fate of protagonist Destiny comes into play and how characters like Ashlin stepped up in her place kept the readers invested in the story as it unraveled. The way magic and its impact on the modern world was explored, and the divide between Honey and her sorcerers and the witch clan was so palpable that it left the reader eager to see where the story takes off next.

The Verdict

Action-packed, thrilling, and entertaining author Jonni Jordyn’s “The Old Child” is a must-read fantasy action novel and a grand entry into The Lost Art of Magic series. The twists and turns that this story takes readers to, including exploring how those we love who are no longer with us can sometimes return to us in surprising ways, will leave fans on the edge of their seats and dying for the next entry in this series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to preorder your copy today or grab your copy on December 6th, 2024!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Jonni Jordyn, an American author born in Oakland, Ca, started out playing music at age two, and moved on to singing and acting in grade school. High School introduced writing and film making followed by drawing and photography in college. In other words, she had a VERY LIBERAL arts education.

Jonni published some poetry and some india ink drawings in literary magazines while in college, won critical acclaim for her acting in a cabaret theater, but was faced with a decision to pick out the arts she wanted to pursue.

Of all the available opportunities, music and song writing won the first round when she found herself performing with legendary stars of the sixties and seventies.

Round two began years later, after leaving California for Arizona. It all started with a blank piece of paper and the question, “how can I possibly write more than eleven thousand words for a single story?” A valid question which was followed up a year later with, “How did I ever write 160,000 words?”

Now, the writing comes much easier, but still there are questions like, “How will I ever get all these ideas written down?” followed closely by, “How many times can I edit the same book?”

Jonni currently lives in Colorado with her bird.

Reawakening by Althea Lyons 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. 

Magic rises again in England in the wake of the events of The Hiding in author Althea Lyon’s “Reawakening”, a collection of short stories set in The Seer of York universe. 

The Synopsis

After centuries of suppression, the magic of England is

Reawakening

Return to the world of The Seer of York with this collection of new tales set in the aftermath of The Hiding.

Harper, Grace, Saqib, Heresy, and AJ bond as a team and as a family to save innocents, supernatural and human, despite hunters pursuing them.

Introducing Zero, a starlight cat with a bleak and painful past.

Demonic-possession

Faery circles

Pūcas

And more…

The Review

A compelling, haunting, and action-paced collection of short stories, the author marvelously showcases a modern-day York that has found the supernatural to be an everyday fact of life. The self-contained nature of each story allows readers to pick and choose which stories to read without risking losing too much background story from the main series while also paying respect to the original novel that began it all. The chilling nature of the threats facing the protagonists and the robust and emotional writing style the author brings to each story will resonate with many readers.

The flawed yet relatable nature of these characters, the substantial use of mythology and religion throughout human history, and the grounded nature of the supernatural made this book feel vibrant and alive on the page. The book’s slow exploration of some powerful themes, including but not limited to the blurred lines between what is considered good and what is considered evil, with many presenting as one thing and being another, allowed readers to engage with the stories on a whole other level.

The Verdict

Harrowing, memorable, and entertaining, author Althea Lyon’s “Reawakening” is a must-read collection of short stories. The stories themselves were fantastic, and with the holidays coming up, the gothic nature of Christmas in the Shambles was a personal favorite. The twists and turns in each story and the new additions to this universe’s growing mythos will make readers eager for more from this incredible author. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Alethea (she/ze) writes various forms of SFF, with a particular love for science-fantasy, dark fantasy, dystopias, and folklore. Many of her works take place at the intersection between technology and magic. She enjoys writing stories with subtle political and philosophical messages, but primarily wants her stories to be great tales with characters readers will love. She also has soft spots for found family, hopeless romances, and non-human characters. Her short stories can be found in a variety of publications and links for these are on her website.

Alethea lives in Manchester, UK with her husband, little Sprite, a cacophony of stringed instruments, and more tea than she can drink in a lifetime.

Bonus content for The Hiding & other works can be found on her website.

Socials: @AletheaRLyons