1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
Hi! I’m Erika MacDonald, the CEO & Founder of Engaging New Media. My journey into writing began with my passion for storytelling and video production. I’ve always loved creating content that resonates with people and drives results. Writing a book felt like a natural extension of my work, allowing me to share my insights and strategies on a larger scale.
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2) What inspired you to write your book?
I wrote “Effective Video Marketing: How to Make Videos That Sell” because I saw a gap in the market. Many businesses struggle to create videos that truly engage their audience and drive sales. I wanted to provide a comprehensive guide that combines data-driven strategies with the art of storytelling to help businesses succeed.
3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
The core message of my book is that effective video marketing is about more than just creating content—it’s about creating the right content that tells a story and connects with your audience. I hope readers walk away with practical strategies and a deeper understanding of how to leverage video to boost their brand and sales.
4) What drew you into this particular genre?
Video production and marketing are my passions. This genre allows me to merge my creative and analytical sides, offering readers a unique blend of storytelling techniques and measurable results. It’s a perfect fit for my expertise and interests.
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5) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
LinkedIn has been incredibly valuable for me. It’s a great platform for connecting with professionals and sharing insightful content. It has helped me build a community of readers who are interested in video marketing and business growth.
6) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
Start with a clear vision of what you want to achieve and who your audience is. Consistency is key—write regularly and keep honing your craft. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, and leverage social media to build your platform and connect with your audience.
7) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
I’m excited about the future! A second edition of “Effective Video Marketing: How to Make Videos That Sell” is set to come out in 2025. This edition will focus on nonprofits and using video content to help them fundraise effectively. Additionally, I’m exploring opportunities to create more educational content and workshops to help businesses and nonprofits thrive.
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About the Author
Engaging New Media is the brainchild of Erika Mac Donald, an award-winning writer and producer with 15 years of experience in managing promotional production from concept to completion. She has partnered with renowned commercial and non-profit networks throughout her successful career, including Sirius Satellite Radio, MLB.com, PBS, and TruTv.
Erika has also developed top-notch television, radio, and web promotional video content that has reached over 20 million viewers across the New York metro area.
Her vision for establishing Engaging New Media was sparked by her passion for connecting the masses to the resources they need to change their lives and community. With the support of her highly skilled team, she aims to help businesses and brands connect with their target audiences across multiple platforms, increase their community engagement and accelerate their growth. Our team consists of experienced professionals well versed in their trade, dedicated to helping you connect with your ideal audience.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young man seeking to escape his troubled home falls for a young woman, and in the hopes of protecting his image must pull off a daring theft in author Zan Austin’s “The Girl from Jersey City”.
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The Synopsis
As the summer of his eighteenth birthday begins, Paul Nesbitt finalizes plans to escape his alcoholic, abusive father, enabling mother, and impoverished Jersey Shore town blanketed by the fumes of a chemical processing plant. Although the local police have Paul in their sights for a break-in and theft, he has been able to avoid arrest and has vowed to do his best to stay out of trouble. Unfortunately, his strategies are disrupted when he meets Laura, a vivacious young woman from the city, who takes an unexpected interest in him. To deepen her intrigue, he lies about himself. The biggest one is his acceptance into a very prestigious Ivy League college. But when the facade he’s created threatens to crumble, the only solution appears to be money. And the only way to get that money is for Paul to break his vow and take part in a very ambitious robbery that, if he’s not careful, may not only lead to his arrest but cause him to lose Laura.
The Review
This was a moving and compelling read. The author does a compelling job crafting a series of natural and engaging characters. The exploration of class systems and how they impact relationships was well done here, as was the balance of suspense and romance drama found within the narrative of this novel. The tension is perfectly lined throughout the story, allowing the reader to feel the impact of the protagonist’s journey throughout the book.
The theme of change, how to fight the pull of an old life, and the emotional pull of the character’s plights allowed the reader to get lost in this story. The memorable way the protagonist struggled with his past and the exploration of life’s impact on a person, especially in the protagonist’s case, as he struggled with an abusive father and run-ins with the law, kept the reader invested in this character’s arc. The reality of such a hard life and people’s interactions with one another felt very honest and authentic to the reader.
The Verdict
Thought-provoking, heartfelt, and compelling author Zan Austin’s “The Girl from Jersey City” is a must-read novel. The twists and turns in the story, the engaging cast of characters, and the rich dynamics found within this story will keep readers coming back repeatedly. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Zan A. Austin is a Los Angeles-based writer and teacher. His novel End Man was published in October 2022 by Cursed Dragon Ship. Kirkus Reviews recommended End Man as “an engrossing and well-crafted SF tale with timely themes.” His novel Nakamura Reality was published by The Permanent Press in 2016. Publishers Weekly gave Nakamura Reality a starred review and called the writing, “powerful and moving.”
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
One family must band together to take care of a young child suffering from Rett Syndrome in author Eitan Lev’s “One in Ten Thousand”.
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The Synopsis
Embark on a journey of resilience and hope with ‘One in Ten Thousand,’ the inspiring true story of a family’s fight to defy fate and find a cure for their daughter’s and granddaughter’s devastating genetic condition.
When Ori was born, no one could have imagined that among the billions of nucleic acids in her genetic code, a mutation lurked—a mutation so destructive that it would severely hinder every aspect of her daily life and the body that sustains her. It was only six months later that Ori’s parents began to notice that their blue-eyed daughter, with her dark, flowing mane of hair and constant smile, was different from other children. Ori had Rett Syndrome.
Based on a true story, ‘One in Ten Thousand’ recounts the journey of a toddler suffering from a rare genetic condition, and the story of her family members, who decide not to simply accept Ori’s condition as an inevitability, but to tirelessly seek a cure for her in every possible way.
The Review
This was such a powerful and emotional read. The balance the author found between the exploration of Rett Syndrome as a whole and the emotional journey this family goes on was highly engaging for a reader. The way the author drew readers in with this fictitious narrative while reflecting on his own experiences with his granddaughter throughout the novel was a genuinely creative and heartfelt direction to take readers in.
The education and realism of the novel and the inspiration of this family draw the reader in. The heartbreaking reality of drawback after drawback when combatting a rare disease while also finding the strength and courage to keep pushing forward and not giving up despite the odds really will resonate with so many readers, especially those who must live with various illnesses daily. The powerful imagery throughout this novel and the tense atmosphere that these situations often create bring that honesty and reality to the story that readers can readily identify with.
The Verdict
Resilient, memorable, and engaging author Eitan Lev’s “One in Ten Thousand” is a must-read book. The unique subgenera of fiction regarding disabilities and family drama meets family health played well within this narrative, and the awareness that this book drives to this rare ailment will stay with readers long after the book ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Eitan Lev, born in 1958, is a high-tech entrepreneur and the author of several thrillers.
In 2021, following the diagnosis of his granddaughter with Rett Syndrome, he founded a company dedicated to developing a gene therapy-based cure for her and others afflicted by this condition.
His book, ‘One in Ten Thousand,’ is a work of fiction written two years after the diagnosis and draws heavily on his personal experiences.
‘One in Ten Thousand’ was written with the hope of raising awareness about this challenging syndrome and other similar conditions, and to instill hope for potential healing in the hearts of those whose loved ones suffer from rare and incurable genetic disorders.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young pup named Little Joe goes on an adventure that explores the idea of friendship and the power found in communication in author Mike J. Darcys “Little Joe and the Big rain, illustrated by Tincho Schmidt).
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The Synopsis
Dive into the enchanting world of Little Joe and the Big Rain, where a little puppy named Little Joe embarks on an unexpected adventure that will take him far beyond the familiar fields he calls home. Along the way, he meets Hopper, a frog with a leap as big as his heart, and Roxy, a bear who’s more about warm hugs. This trio of unlikely friends sets off on a journey filled with laughter, challenges, and a few surprises, teaching them—and the reader—about the power of communication, the importance of understanding, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship.
Perfect for young readers, Little Joe and the Big Rain is more than just a story; it’s a journey into understanding differences, embracing diversity, and finding common ground. With its gentle lessons interwoven with delightful adventures, this book promises to be a treasure on any child’s bookshelf, encouraging them to look beyond the surface and find the friend in everyone.
The Review
This was a heartwarming and engaging children’s book. The warmth of the illustrations instantly draws the reader in. The imagery instantly will resonate with young readers who love shows like Bluey, as the fun, cartoonish nature of the illustrations brings both fun and excitement to bring the reader into the narrative.
I greatly appreciated this children’s book’s wealth of character development. The heart of this story, seeing these characters from different walks of life come together in one common goal, was inspiring and will help younger readers value our differences rather than scoff at them. The themes of friendship, communication, and the power of helping others will resonate with parents who want to help instill these lessons into their children’s lives.
The Verdict
Memorable, vividly beautiful, and engaging author Mike J. Darcy and illustrator Tincho Schmidt’s “Little Joe and the Big Rain” is a must-read children’s book. The detail and adventurous atmosphere the author instills in the reader early on, and the sense of awe and wonder that readers take away from the journey will allow parents to read through this book over and over again with their child, becoming a hit classic that will stay with them for years to come. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Mike Darcy is a devoted husband, doting father, and animal lover who has nurtured a lifelong passion for wildlife. His deep connection with nature inspired him to pen his debut children’s book, which promotes adventure, curiosity, creativity, and forging unexpected friendships through small acts of compassion.
When away from the writing desk and his day job as a business manager, he can often be found experimenting with new recipes, wandering the wilderness on a long hike, and even mountain climbing. Mike currently resides in New Hampshire with his wife, child, and their dog and cat.
He hopes you enjoy his story as much as he enjoyed crafting it, and that you join Little Joe on his next adventures in Little Joe and the Big City and Little Joe and the Big Snow!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author and poet Mark Cox shares the best and worst of the human condition through the poetry collection, “Knowing”.
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The Synopsis
Mark Cox pulls no punches in these candid poems about family, relationships, loss, regret, growing older and our human condition, generally. “Looking back for a low point marking the worst of my insobriety, it might be that signal moment I put out my cigarette in the holy water font of St. Paul’s Catholic church, right in front of the priest, I might add. . . ” Sometimes wry, sometimes tender, always honest and thought provoking, this is the seventh volume of poetry from a lauded veteran poet who has been publishing prominently for almost forty years.
The Review
What immediately stands out from the author’s work is the honesty and depth with which they delve into the themes of this collection. The self-reflection and almost story-like writing style allow the reader to be drawn into each poem, and the author holds no punches as they bring the truth behind each theme that so many readers can identify with.
The themes that the author explores are truly remarkable. The poem True North, for instance, delves into the struggles and downfalls of insobriety, hitting when a person hits rock bottom or comes to see in themselves the narrow path they had put themselves on. Themes of family, divorce, grief, and loss all roll together, connecting the reader with the author profoundly.
The Verdict
Memorable, heartfelt, and honest author Mark Cox’s “Knowing” is a must-read poetry collection. The diverse nature of the themes and the compelling sense of empathy that the poems instill in the reader will stay with them long after the book’s final page. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
MARK COX has authored six other volumes of poetry, the most recent being Readiness (2018) and Sorrow Bread: Poems 1984-2015 (2017). He has a forty-year history of publication in prominent magazines and his honors include a Whiting Writers’ Award, a Pushcart Prize, the Oklahoma Book Award, and The Society of Midland Authors Poetry Prize. He chairs the Department of Creative Writing at UNC Wilmington and teaches in the Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA Program.
The queer poet, Sappho, renowned for dubbing the term “lesbian” since she was from the island of Lesbos, is remembered for saying, “Someday, someone will remember us.”
A lot has transpired for queer folx in the two thousand years since Sappho dreamed our possible realities. And with 500 proposed bills against LGBTQ+ rights awaiting rulings across the United States, the world has never needed our wisdom more.
Did you know that LGBTQ+ authors only account for only 16% of published books?
As a queer woman, this isn’t simply a statistic, but my lived reality. And after I had my first seven books published with four different presses, it dawned on me that it didn’t have to be this way. I didn’t have to be the only one my publishers represented, or the one who made it to the final round with a publishing company only for them to respond, “We really believe in this book, but we don’t know how to market to queer audiences.”
I was sick and tired of seeing straight, white men thrive with mediocre books because their advances, royalties, and stories had an advantage from the very start, because when they looked around at the presses that represented their books, they saw a bunch of other straight, white cis dudes staring back at them. What about our queer dreams?
The world was missing out on the precise perspectives and stories we need most.
In writing and publishing Queering the American Dream, I was able to create and imagine a different world, a world where women, queer folx, and BIPOC have equitable access to publishing, to fulfilling our dreams.
Queering the American Dreambegins the day the Supreme Court ruled our marriage legal, my queer little family traversing the American landscape for two years in a camper named Freya, following in the footsteps of revolutionary women from history and myth. Amid our wanderings, I grappled with the loss of faith, addiction, death, and what it means to reimagine the so-called dream promised to so many. With unapologetic grief, humor, and radical imagination, I created a new dream, not just for myself, but for all marginalized people living in America.
One of my favorite writers, Gloria Anzaldúa, inspired this dream. This queer Chicana feminist claimed: “The world I create in my writing compensates for what the real world does not give me.”
The “real world” has given us, on the whole, an old-school, white, male, predatory publishing industry that, at best, doesn’t understand the nuances of queer and feminist writing, and at worst, preys upon us for capital gain. So, I created Tehom Center Publishing to compensate for what the real world has not given us. Tehom Center Publishing is a press publishing feminist and queer authors, with a commitment to elevate BIPOC writers.
Publishing Queering the American Dreamwith my own press was not only empowering, but it also galvanized me to coach other marginalized authors in the power of living the authorpreneur dream. Yes, Tehom Center publishes authors at absolutely no cost, but we also offer just and equitable coaching programs empowering authors in creating entire businesses aligned with their books, thereby sustaining a financially abundant life.
Traveling throughout the country with my queer little family taught me that the world not only needs queer authors to be published, but we deserve to live abundant lives. This is our iteration of the American dream.
*****
To join us in queering the American dream and stay connected with book and publishing events, visit www.tehomcenter.org/booktour
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Book Summary
Beginning the day the Supreme Court ruled her marriage legal, Angela Yarber’s queer little family traversed the American landscape for two years in a camper named Freya, following in the footsteps of revolutionary women from history and myth. Amid her wanderings, this queer clergywoman grapples with the loss of faith, addiction, death, parenting, and what it means to reimagine the so-called dream promised to so many. With unapologetic grief, humor, and radical imagination, she creates a new dream, not just for herself, but for all marginalized people living in America.
Rev. Dr. Angela Yarber is an award-winning author of eight books and a highly sought public speaker. She is the Founder of Tehom Center Publishing, an imprint publishing feminist and queer authors, with a commitment to elevate BIPOC writers. With a Ph.D. in Art and Religion and over a decade serving as a Professor of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, five of her books were listed in QSpirit’s Top LGBTQ Religion Books. Her work has been featured in Forbes, HuffPo, Ms. Magazine, Tiny House Nation, and more at https://angelayarber.org
Join us at WOW’s blog The Muffin as we celebrate the launch of Dr. Angela Yarber’s memoir Queering the American Dream. You can read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of the book.
You can visit Jan’s blog for her review of Queering the American Dream. Plus read a guest post by Dr. Angela Yarber about disenfranchised grief, particularly as it pertains to losing someone to addiction.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young man and his sister are whisked away to the future to protect them from a rising darkness, and the man must discover a way to rise to power in order to face it in author Nathan Helm’s “Kingdom Society: The Black Hood”.
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The Synopsis
Sometimes the only way to conquer darkness is to embrace it.
From the moment Alyeth Zane was torn from his home, his dreams of becoming the next warlock of Dun’Nahar were dashed. Forbidden by his parents to pursue the arcane arts, Alyeth’s destiny takes a darker turn when the legendary Black Hood escapes his bonds, threatening the realm itself.
In a desperate bid to safeguard the kingdom, the House of Zane stages a grand tournament to marshal the land’s fiercest warriors against the encroaching evil. Yet, disaster strikes, and Alyeth and his sister Cindrel are left orphaned.
Taken in by the enigmatic and powerful wizard, Xylok Gray, he whisks them into the future to protect them.
Can Alyeth rise to claim the power he was once denied?
Dive into a world where destiny is written in shadow and spell, and discover if Alyeth and Cindrel can turn the tide against an ancient evil.
This series is for fans of Star Wars, Harry Potter, Anime, Vidoe Games, and LoTR. Have you ever wondered what it would be like if Luffy met Harry Potter? What if they jumped on a spaceship and met an advanced version of Gandalf who used magic-infused technology? If you like the impossible, and ideas that are out of the box, this series is for you. Come give it a shot. What are you waiting for?
The Review
What impressed me with this author’s work was how descriptive the action and combat are in this book. The fights that this adventure and journey are littered with felt very cinematic in scope, creating a film or CGI-generated video game cut scene in the reader’s mind. This descriptive nature comes powerfully through the imagery in the author’s writing style, allowing the reader to connect to the vast world the author has crafted.
This narrative was powerful and well-written thanks to the vast world-building and character development. The action develops early on, bringing the intensity and tension that shows what’s at stake for the realm this story resides in, and the hero’s journey that Alyeth goes on will stay with readers. The mythos surrounding the magic system used during these combat scenes and the theme of good versus evil play very well in this heavily fantasy-driven story.
The Verdict
Thrilling, adventurous, and entertaining author Nathan Helm’s “Kingdom Society: The Black Hood” is a must-read coming-of-age fantasy novel. The twists and turns, splashes of romance and drama amongst the world-building and sci-fi elements, and epic conclusion that leaves readers wanting more will create the perfect reading experience for fantasy readers everywhere. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Award-Winning Author Nathan Helm doesn’t just have style, he puts the funk right into fantasy. Spending his days typing much faster than should be humanly possible, he creates stories for you to love and cherish. When he’s not driving his big rig bringing goods to all the country, he spends his time hunting, fishing, skiing, hiking, narrating audio books, singing, watching anime, going to church, and spending time with friends and family. He hopes you love the books to come, with two separate books series titled Dreamwalker, and Planet Conquest in the works, he will not leave you with a dull moment for years to come. You can follow this author on all social media by searching Author Nathan Helm or @thefunkyfantasyman. Author website is in the works, and he looks forward to the journey with all of you. Because as he says, “There’s nothing more important than making your fans happy!” God Bless you all and happy reading!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
The famed Viking warrior woman known as The Dokkrsdottir must continue her battle against the Dark as she finds herself in a time far from her own in author Bjorn Leesson’s “Rune of Renewal”, the second book in the Outside the Thalsparr Series.
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The Synopsis
The Dokkrsdottir is not your ordinary Norse woman of the Viking age. One of the great warriors of her time, she soon learns that the hardest battles are not always those fought with a sword and shield. Through countless trials and tests, she is led by visions and omens on numerous adventures with the help of steadfast friends and family to discover her mysterious supernatural destiny, one more extraordinary than anyone could ever have imagined.
RUNE OF RENEWAL (Book 2)
The story of the Dokkrsdottir continues in a strange new time and place finding her out of her familiar world, but the pressure on her to continue as one of the greatest warriors ever increases as the stakes are now world wide and on a grander scale than she could ever have imagined.
However, through the foresight and dedication of many of her descendants, she has the diehard support of friends and family to see her through to her destiny of thwarting the plans of the Dark.
The Review
The world-building and mythos that the author establishes in this series are amplified greatly in this sequel. The exploration of the time travel element is also amplified in this book, bringing the protagonist into one of human history’s darkest times, WWII. The development of the Dark and its forces and the suspense that forms with each step that Dokkrsdottir takes on her journey makes this a compelling story.
This story’s character development and action were the true highlights of the narrative. The rich development of the protagonist as she continues to engage with new allies and descendants and the out-of-this-world action, including one major battle that changes the entire landscape of the series, create a rich and dynamic story that will instantly draw the reader in.
The Verdict
Memorable, action-packed, and entertaining author Bjorn Leesson’s “Rune of Renewal” is a must-read epic fantasy novel. The fast pace of the narrative, the bountiful amount of setting changes, and the chemistry of the characters all converge on a story of twists and turns that ends with a cliffhanger, bringing forth an emotional reunion and a promise for an epic battle of light and dark that hopefully will carry over into new novels in this series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Bjorn Leesson has always been fascinated with many topics to include history, the supernatural, and writing. These interests combined led to the Outside the Thalsparr series, with the first book in the series, “Runes of the Dokkrsdottir.” Bjorn was not formally trained as a writer and has worked in the industrial manufacturing field his entire life. Writing his stories and hoping others enjoy them is a passion and not a career.
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 help keep the peace between vampires and elves during a tense negotiation as the threat of war looms over them all in author D.C. Gomez’s “Forbidden War,” the third book in The Intern Diaries series.
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The Synopsis
A trip to hell. Angry Vampires. Seductive Elves. Oh my!
Do I honestly look like a mediator?
Let’s be honest. I can barely keep the peace between the boys, and they like each other.
Why would Death agree to send us to supervise a peace negotiation between vampires and elves, just because her egotistical brother, War, doesn’t want to do it?
We don’t even like vampires. If Constantine is correct, we barely tolerate each other due to our own messy peace negotiations. To make my life even more complicated, even my Godmother has a secret.
This is a huge catastrophe waiting to explode. Three days to find a princess or Texarkana becomes the site for WWIII. I really need a raise.
* Forbidden War is book three in the Urban Fantasy series The Intern Diaries. The stakes are higher for Isis Black as she meets another of Death’s siblings. The manipulative War is at it again, and dumping one giant mess on Isis and her friends.
***This is a stand-alone novel, or it can be read in sequence.
The Review
This is another fantastic entry into this phenomenal urban fantasy series. The author does an incredible job of further exploring the paranormal mythos of the characters’ world. The thing that always brings a bright spot to the story itself is the exploration of the Horsemen mythos, the relationship and differences between Death and her siblings, and how it impacts the paranormal world.
The blend of humor in the characters’ dialogue and character development made this story shine. The witty banter between Isis and the other characters felt like the same charming humor found in shows like Supernatural back in the day. Exploring the relationship vampires have with other members of the paranormal community was mesmerizing to see come to life on the page.
The Verdict
Memorable, high-octane, and hilariously adventurous author D.C. Gomez’s “Forbidden War” is a must-read urban fantasy. The exploration of how Death’s Interns work with the interns of other Horsemen and the way this book built upon the stories told in previous books while also working well as a standalone novel made this one book you won’t want to put down. 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…).
