Visage of Moros (Decay Abloom Book 1) by Tamel Wino Review

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

A grieving father descends into obsession in his search for justice as the past and present collide in author Tamel Wino’s “Visage of Moros”, the first book in the Decay Abloom series.

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The Synopsis

A relentless first instalment of the Decay Abloom series that probes into the psychological toll of grief and the blurred lines between justice and vengeance.

In the wake of a vicious and calamitous loss, Drystan Caine finds himself on the verge, his life thrown into chaos. With the law enforcement investigation stagnating, he embarks on a self-imposed crusade. However, as Drystan becomes increasingly consumed by this undertaking, his personal and professional life starts to unravel.

Driven by deep resentment and reckless desperation, this rogue pursuit of justice rapidly takes a treacherous turn. As Drystan draws closer to uncovering the truth, he must confront how far he is willing to go before succumbing to darkness.

Flea and Tick

The Review

This was such a compelling, haunting, and gripping read. The author does an incredible job of transporting the reader into this visceral and gritty world of grief and vengeance. The chilling imagery and raw emotions the author pours into this story help ground the narrative and emphasize the trauma that so many parents feel when facing such a horrific loss, especially when it comes to a murder investigation.

The balance of suspense, dark thriller, and raw character-driven narrative made this story incredible. Readers get to see both the past and present collide to showcase the horrors of losing a child and the dark path that those in grief will often go to find justice or make sense of what happened to those they love. The horrors, the heartbreak, and the duality of the protagonist being both a loving father and family man who turns to alcohol and obsession in the wake of such trauma all lean into the theme of grief and how it can change anyone, even if it blinds them in the end.

The Verdict

Suspenseful, gripping, and engaging, author Tamel Wino’s “Visage of Moros” is a must-read psychological thriller and dark mystery read. The twists and turns in the narrative, including Drystan’s descent throughout the book and the truth behind his daughter’s death, will stay with readers long after the book ends. They will keep readers invested emotionally and mentally in the protagonist’s heartbreaking struggle. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Tamel Wino is a Canadian award-winning, dark fiction author from resplendent British Columbia. His works focus largely on the erratic facets of human sanity and morality. He majored in Health Sciences and Psychology, which only furthered his interest in human nature.

With inspirations including Ray Bradbury, Jack Ketchum, Cormac McCarthy, Stephen King, Margaret Atwood and Edgar Allan Poe; Tamel’s expositions are strongly grounded in traditions of dark fiction. Yet, with his bold narrative voice and incisive plot construction, Wino is paving a new movement within the space.

When he is not reading or scribbling away on his laptop, Tamel often indulges in stargazing, rekindling classic shows and unearthing obscure music.

Little Miss Fortune by Sans Emmert Review

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

The line between reality and fiction blurs for a writer as the dark inspiration for a new screenplay brings old enemies and danger to his doorstep, and triggers darkness within himself at the same time, in author Sans Emmert’s “Little Miss Fortune”.

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The Synopsis

“Echoes of the JonBenét murder mystery permeate this exceptionally well executed, sinfully clever, and deeply absorbing psychological drama.” —Author David Aretha

‘Presumed Innocent’ meets ‘Sea of Love’ in this JonBenét Murder Whydunit

To escape the dark family secret that wrecked his childhood, aspiring screenwriter Damon loses himself in a movie world, becoming one with each character in his imagined plots. But that strength pales against the obsessive love he finds in his beautiful, can-do-no-wrong, Savannah spouse and their new son.

Haunting visions of her prior fling with an older married millionaire—who’d stolen her teenage virginity and corrupted her with dreams of the champagne life—kindle a brilliant revenge screenplay that could make Damon a millionaire.

But does the rich goliath still lurk? Damon’s paranoia redlines when the same dark secret suddenly seems to strike at his son. The eye-for-an-eye plot turns more sinister—and more real—as Damon rewrites the script to hurt his nemesis where it hurts most by stalking his pageant princess daughter. Will looking into her innocent eyes snap Damon from his deathly delusion?

“Dark and filled with a gritty tension that will leave readers feeling raw, Sans Emmert’s Little Miss Fortune is a twisted tale of love, deception, and the blurring of lines between reality and make-believe…. Sans Emmert has created an atmosphere that draws readers in, almost holding our breath as we fall deeper into the mind and perceptions of Damon’s world and his writing.

Razor taut throughout, readers will balance precariously on the edge of their seats waiting for that final shoe to fall…. Not for the faint of heart, this is a true test of the nature of man versus the nurturing of the soul. Highly recommended reading that is both chilling and haunting long after that final page.” —Tome Tender Book Blog

The Review

If I could sum up this psychological thriller and dark crime/horror read in one word, it would be chilling. Readers should first off be aware of some scenes implying acts of violence, including physical, psychological, and sexual in nature, all of which play an important role in the development of this main character. The haunting imagery of the narrative showcases the dark undertones this story hints at, and the rich development of these characters.

To me, the story excels due to the dynamic development of the main character and the essential themes the author touches upon. The horrifying backstory of the main character’s childhood and how it would impact his development and mindset overall was shocking and heartbreaking. The reason this character is so unique is that the story brings him into the role of both protagonist and antagonist at the same time, as he becomes his own worst enemy over time and the psychological impact of his past plays a role in the dark road he goes on. The themes of toxic masculinity, the impact violence, and toxic relationships can have on a child’s mind, and how young men need to be taught how to shed the mindsets that lead to those violent and dark sexual tones in their minds are all felt heavily in this narrative.

The Verdict

Captivating, haunting, and shocking, author Sans Emmert’s “Little Miss Fortune” is a must-read dark psychological thriller and horror novel. The way the story mirrors some of our own world’s true crimes will give the reader an equal amount of chills, as the author explores the cycle of violence and horror that often occurs in life, and how violence often begets violence. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Sans Emmert is a former cancer researcher and biomedical product developer with a PhD in Molecular Medicine and a passion for Spanish guitar and beach volleyball. Little Miss Fortune is his debut novel.

https://www.facebook.com/LittleMissFortunebySansEmmert/

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