Tag: dystopian thriller

How It Falls Apart by Gary Colton 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 becomes caught in a battle between a rebellion and a brutal regime known as the Authority in author Gary Colton’s “How It Falls Apart.”

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The Synopsis

YOU ARE NOT PREPARED FOR WHAT IS COMING!

In a dystopian society, The Authority enforces control through constant surveillance, propaganda, and mandatory, party-approved affirmations. Liberty, a naive supermarket worker, dreams of escaping to the utopian Caldera Country. However, that dream turns into a nightmare when she unwittingly clicks on a mysterious message, triggering events that thrust her into the heart of a deadly rebellion.

Recruited by Rebels on the promise of a quicker path to Caldera Country, Liberty is exposed to the brutal reality of the city’s underbelly. She learns that her clean profile on The App makes her an ideal candidate for a mission to infiltrate Caldera Country and sabotage The Authority’s servers, an act that would cripple the regime.

Despite her spiralling fears and growing doubts, Liberty is constantly pressured into action, and is morally torn between whose message to believe. The Rebels will sacrifice everything for freedom. The Authority will stop at nothing to maintain control. As Liberty struggles to find her sense of self in the chaos of it all, one question remains…

AN UNFORGETTABLE CAUTIONARY TALE.

Fresh, Necessary, Urgent, Shattering!

After a successful launch on Kickstarter, readers are loving HOW IT FALLS APART.

The Review

This was such a gritty and compelling dystopian thriller. The anonymity of the cast of characters, referred to by titles and monikers rather than personal names, adds to the mystery and the dark tone of the story, delving into a healthy mix of dystopian drama and sci-fi level action. The author’s writing artfully portrays a stark contrast between the different parts of the city in which this story is set, and the intrigue of how the protagonist can be trusted will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

What makes this story truly stand out is the themes that it explores. From the dangers of unchecked and reckless development of AI without exploring the moral complications and harm to the environment, to the risks of a mindless society without individuality or the ability to question authority in any capacity, this novel not only feels socially and culturally relevant in this day and age, but serves as a call to action to prevent the events this novel takes readers through while also entertaining them at the same time.

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The Verdict

Compelling, thoughtfully written, and harrowing yet entertaining, author Gary Colton’s “How It Falls Apart” is a must-read dystopian thriller. The twists and turns in this story, the intrigue and mystery that lace every chapter, the incredible world-building that unfolds, and the shocking revelation that the ending brings will have readers invested and eager for more of the author’s work. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Gary Colton’s path to writing has been anything but conventional. He dropped out of school when he was fifteen, mainly due to his struggles with dyslexia. But everything changed in 2010, while living in a hostel in Toronto, he stumbled across a tattered copy of The Great Gatsby. That book changed his life in so many ways, and ever since, he’s formed a deep-seated passion for reading, writing and storytelling.

Gary released his debut novel, Dark Finds, in 2024. He is the creator of the true crime Instagram page @dark.finds and hosts the Dark Finds Podcast where each week, he takes you deep into the world of those who’ve lived through, or created, something extraordinary. From fighters, musicians, and war veterans to cult survivors, ex-cons, psychologists, and entrepreneurs, he explores the lives of people who exist on the edge of the norm.

https://darkfindsmedia.com/

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Hammered in Iron (Crafting Humanity Book Three) by Brendan O’Meara 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 decade into a ruthless war, an unrelenting enemy’s latest plans are discovered in author Brendan O’Meara’s “Hammered in Iron”, the third book in the Crafting Humanity series.

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The Synopsis

After a decade at war the BlankZone has begun its final move to eradicate the Federation.

The Federation has fallen. James and his team have fought against the BlankZone’s assault for the last decade traveling across the country to the independent city states operating the last remnants of Federation society. For years, the war has existed as a stalemate. James and the remaining Federation soldiers have organized under NOLA, a new decentralized force based in its namesake city of New Orleans. Meanwhile, the BlankZone has used its Sentinels and inhuman soldiers to raze every city it can, leaving piles of ash in its wake.

With the war against the BlankZone in an unending cycle James and the team have split up on separate missions. As they are returning from a routine operation, James stumbles upon supplies being transported, heading towards the Federation’s desolate north. Along with his team, James makes his way towards the Federation’s destroyed northeastern cities to discover why the BlankZone is focusing their efforts in such a barren location. Join the journey to uncover the next step in the BlankZone’s plan to destroy the Federation. The world has changed drastically and James must find answers before it’s too late.

The Review

Exhilarating and thrilling, the author does an incredible job of upping the ante in this narrative while also making this more character-driven. The intense action and the detailed way the author brings to life what life is like on the front lines of a war-torn world was vivid and richly developed, and the shocking revelations that come from unexpected sources about what the BZ is doing not only to the Exils but their plans for the surviving remnants of the Federation as a whole drives the characters forward at an unpralleled pace, giving readers an intense connection to these characters.

In many ways, this novel was one of the most intimate of the entire series to date. James especially deserves a special shoutout as the protagonist, showcasing the legend that has grown over the years due to his and his team’s exploits and showing both physically and emotionally how the war has left its scars on him and his allies. The return of a hated foe leaves an even bigger scar that will shock readers, and the infusion of a potential love interest for James with a particular character will create more heart and connection that readers will be able to hold onto.

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and action-packed, author Brendan O’Meara’s “Hammered in Iron” is a must-read and entertaining dystopian action thriller. The mystery of the BZ and what they’re building, the tension that mounts as the world develops, and the rich character development will stay with readers as they eagerly await the next entry in the Crafting Humanity series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Raised in White Plains, New York, Brendan O’Meara formed a love of stories and books from a young age. He has spent his free time over the last decade crafting his debut novel, Cut From Stone, book one in the Crafting Humanity series.

It began in Philadelphia where he attended college daydreaming about a dystopian reality. With a vivid imagination (as described by his middle school teachers) and a passion for adventure, Brendan’s novels will transport you to a different life and capture you from cover to cover.

Brendan lives in Washington, DC with his daughter, wife, and two dogs. You will find him on the weekends drinking a beer watching the Packers and Notre Dame football games. He is an avid reader with a specific interest in sci-fi, anything dystopian, fantasy, history, and all levels of fiction.

Brendan would love to hear from you, feel free to contact him any time at brendan.omeara@craftinghumanity.com.

Finally, visit craftinghumanity.com and sign up for our email lists for news, updates, and information on the rest of the Crafting Humanity series. We will not spam you!

Caged (Divided Series Book Two) by CC Robinson 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 imprisoned and alone must find a means of escaping her confinement and warning her allies before its too late in author CC Robinson’s “Caged,” the second book in the Divided series. 

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The Synopsis

The second book in the gripping, award-winning Divided series is here!

The walls are closing in on Rose.
But when powerful enemies move her from house arrest to a literal prison, Rose finds herself alone. Caged. And without help.

Isolated from her friends and allies, yet stumbling on the truth of her captors’ schemes, Rose must free herself. If she doesn’t make it out in time, evil oppressors will take over her city.

Can Rose escape her cage before her foes win and destroy what took the Underground generations to build?

Find out in the second book in the award-winning YA dystopian Divided series that reviewers say reminds them of such classic YA dystopian as Divergent and The Giver.

This book is best read AFTER reading Divided: Book One in the Divided Series.

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The Review

In a time when most of the world feels like it is teetering on the edge of a dystopian event, this book perfectly captures both the struggles of living under a tyrannical government and the hope that can stem from finding community and solace in the company of friends and allies. The visceral, gritty tone that the author captured in this novel will sit with readers long after the book ends, and yet the glimmers of hope that arise in those small moments between the characters will resonate with readers as a welcome reprieve for characters that feel relatable and earnest in their desire to free their family, friends, and city.

The balance of action-driven narrative and emotional character growth was well-developed in this story. The fear, rage, and mistrust that comes with living in a society where anyone can turn on you in a moment’s notice, while also finding those moments of hope and joy amongst those you love and trust, was a fine line the author perfectly articulated in this story. The protagonist especially brought this to life, showcasing a fierce loyalty and strength of character as she relentlessly pursued her path, as well as the steady growth of her friends and allies like Marcos, Jason, and Harriet, felt well-earned and encouraging in the face of such overwhelming odds. 

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and entertaining, author CC Robinson’s “Caged” is a must-read addition to the Divided series and a fantastic dystopian YA thriller. The twists and turns in the narrative, the glimmers of hope that resonate with readers, and the emotional undertones will stay with readers and leave them eager for the next chapter 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

CC Robinson is the award-winning debut author of the Divided series, a dystopian series set in a racially divided world. CC has more than two decades’ experience working in cross-cultural settings as both a medical doctor bringing healthcare to post-civil war nations around the globe and as an Associate Pastor at a multi-ethnic congregation led by an African-American man in Cincinnati, the setting for Divided. She wrote Divided out of concern for our nation’s divisiveness and racial hatred.

Divided portrays a racially divided world in which four teens meet in an underground rebel organization and must work together despite cultural differences to prevent the dictator’s nation-annihilating territory grab.

CC lives in Cincinnati, OH with her husband, three Gen Z grown and flown kids, one cat named Newt who thinks he’s a dog and a real lap dog named Sadie. When CC’s not writing or working at her church, you can find her in the garden, elbow deep in dirt. Follow her on socials (@ccrobinsonauthor) or sign up for her monthly email newsletter on her website.

https://www.ccrobinsonauthor.com/

The Silencers by Jenna Greene 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. 

In a world where students are taught to hunt those deemed “dangerous” due to mental ailments, one young woman who joined to escape poverty must decide whether to protect her own father or follow her training and use her skills to destroy him in author Jenna Greene’s “The Silencers”.

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The Synopsis

On the “Best Young Adult Dystopian Novels” list on Goodreads!

Scona must choose. Protect her father, or embrace the darkness she’s been trained to destroy…

Despite warnings from family and friends, Scona Tinay enrolls in Silencers Academy.

To escape a life of poverty and hardship and ensure a stable future, Scona sets her sights on the Silencers, where the students earn a wage. She soon learns her fellow students are cutthroat and the training regimen brutal.

As Scona heads deeper into her training, she begins to question the role of Silencers, as well as the “madness” she is being taught to destroy. But each question she asks brings her under suspicion, and she soon discovers the only person she can trust is herself.

Unable to change the culture of her world, where mental ailments are deemed dangerous, she must embrace all manner of skill and courage to protect her own father…

Someone she has been training to kill.

The Review

Such a fascinating and haunting YA Dystopian read. The author does a remarkable job of world-building here, immediately thrusting readers into a world vastly different than our own. Getting a fresh perspective from a young girl’s view of a world she knows little about; the author expertly explores what happens when ignorance and desperation force young people into misguided journeys and vulnerable positions, as Scona showcases a protagonist without any awareness of what this so-called “madness” is and why those in power want them eradicated, let alone the realities of her own family. 

The powerful themes of mental health awareness and illness, as well as the impact they have on society and the destruction that comes from willfully ignoring or criticizing them without attempting to understand them, stood out in this novel. The imagery and atmosphere aided in these themes development, and the adrenaline-fueled tension that builds further and further Scona finds herself mixed into the complex reality of her world gave the reader a compelling YA thriller that refused to be let go.

The Verdict

Haunting, thought-provoking, and entertaining, author Jenna Greene’s “The Silencers” is a must-read YA Dystopian Thriller. The twists and turns in the story, the revelations, and the shocking cliffhanger will keep readers engaged and eager for the next entry 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

Jenna Greene has been writing since before she could hold a pencil, building stories with her She-ra: Princess of Power action figures and My Little Pony toys in her basement or on long car rides. Once she could pen a tale, she composed poetry and short stories, finding that she was best at writing novels. Her first fantasy story (Imagine) came to her when she was in her first year of university, and she drafted it between essays, mid-terms, and reading assignments. Once finished university, with a B.A. in English as well as a B.Ed, she began her career as a teacher and also found time to return to her writing. While teaching middle school, she wrote and published the first books in her Imagine series.

Her Reborn Marks Series took a unique journey. While traveling home from a writers’ conference in Calgary, Jenna was hit by inspiration and formed the character of Lexil – someone who had hidden strength and talents that weren’t easily recognizable. The first half of the book was written while Jenna Greene’s mother was ill with cancer, and the second half was completed after her mother passed away. Winning the 2019 Moonbeam Children’s Book award (gold) provided an opportunity for her to express her gratitude for the inspiration her mother gave her as a storyteller, acknowledging that those we love never truly leave us, as they are in our hearts, phrases, morals, and memories – a major theme for the trilogy.

Having moved to teaching younger students, as well as the addition of a daughter to her family, Jenna has been recently inspired by Children’s Books. In 2021, her first picture book was released: Winston, the Well-Dressed Wombat. Winston is unique and friendly, with a sense of style others might not imitate.

Jenna has more writing projects on the horizon, as ideas continue to arrive in her head. But deep down, she is just a little girl creating imaginative stories with her She-Ra action figures (and possibly a Ninja Turtle or two).

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Divided (Book One in the Divided Series) by CC Robinson 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. 

In author CC Robinson’s ” Divided, ” the first in the series of the same name, a young man seeking freedom finds the opportunity in a rebellion building within a work camp under the iron rule of a dictator.

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The Synopsis

Impenetrable walls. Ethnic division. A ruthless dictator.

Escape. It’s all eighteen-year-old Marcos Sanchez can think about as he stares at the towering walls of Queenstown in the Federated Republic of America, the ruthless dictator Supreme Commander Martin’s stronghold. But with Marcos’s father controlling his life, freedom seems like an impossible dream. That is, until one daring move lands him in a secret labor camp, facing a future worse than death, and he encounters a secret rebel movement – The Underground.

But their rebellion won’t come without consequences. Martin and his toadies will stop at nothing to crush the Underground’s uprising, and the stakes are higher than ever. Will Marcos and his diverse group of friends’ determination and bravery be enough to free the camp, or will they too fall victim to Martin’s iron fist?

With thrilling action, unexpected betrayals, and a relentless quest for freedom, Divided is perfect for fans of YA dystopian fiction.

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The Review

What a compelling, gripping dystopian read. The author did an incredible job crafting a narrative that spoke to this world’s gritty reality. The mythos and world-building the story took on elevated the action and the drama that unfolded. The setting is unique in this story, as the story brings the reader into a divided land, with the imagery in the author’s writing capturing the nation’s divisiveness. 

The heart of this story resides in the character development and the themes that this story represents. The way the story mirrored our divisive world and the conflict in recent years spoke to the theme of oppression and overcoming the odds to find hope once more. The characters embodied this perfectly, and having multiple points of view allowed the reader to get a clearer picture of how the nation divided amongst itself.

The Verdict

A thrilling, compelling, and entertaining YA Dystopian read, author CC Robins’s “Divided” is a must-read novel. The twists and turns in the story and the emotional heart of this story as the characters band together and face overwhelming odds made this one story you wouldn’t want to put down and a great entry in the series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

CC Robinson is the debut author of the Divided series, a dystopian series set in a racially divided world. CC has more than two decades’ experience working in cross-cultural settings as both a medical doctor bringing healthcare to post-civil war nations around the globe and as an Associate Pastor at a multi-ethnic congregation led by an African-American man in Cincinnati, the setting for Divided. She wrote Divided out of concern for our nation’s divisiveness and racial hatred.

Divided is a dystopian series set in a racially divided world in which four teens meet in an underground rebel organization and must work together despite cultural differences to prevent the dictator’s nation-annihilating territory grab.

CC lives in Cincinnati with her husband, three Gen Z grown and flown kids, one cat who thinks he’s a dog and a real lap dog. When she’s not writing or working at her church, you can find CC in her garden, elbow deep in dirt. Follow her on socials or sign up for her monthly email newsletter on her website.

https://www.ccrobinsonauthor.com

The Days That Followed by Hailey Gosack Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

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

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Four people forced to survive a world in which our technology has been stripped away discover what kind of survivor they are in the book “The Days That Followed” by Hailey Gosack. 

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The Synopsis

Almost everyone is caught off guard by a complete technological blackout that sends society into a tailspin. Your greatest enemy is now your neighbor as you fight to feed your family. Four characters, each with unique circumstances, struggle to survive in this page-turning apocalyptic novel that dips and turns until their fates intertwine.

T.L. Payne and William Forstchen fans will appreciate this new twist on an EMP thriller.

On August 25 at 3:11 p.m., our modern way of life comes to a screeching halt when two nuclear bombs are detonated in the atmosphere hundreds of miles above Utah and Ohio. The blast’s Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) wipes out most electronics for 95% of the country’s population. Cell phones, vehicles, and other forms of technology produced after 1974 are rendered useless. Without the delivery of food, pharmaceuticals, and other supplies, resources soon become scarce, causing an all-out war among the people. Looting and violence are rampant as law and order cease to exist.

Carrie is a beautiful, ambitious young professional visiting Salt Lake City from Philadelphia to pitch a business proposal to the executives at the corporate branch. After the EMP destroys her chances of getting home, she must figure out how to survive alone in an unfamiliar city with very few possessions.

Bodin is an angry teenager who dreams of emancipation while living with his stepdad, mom, and three-year-old stepsister Evie in Salt Lake City. But after the EMP strike, he finds himself trapped and forced to participate in the family life he shunned. He begins to appreciate his family just as the fight for resources among the city inhabitants heats up. Now, he’ll do anything to protect them, but will it be enough?

Sarah is an ICU nurse working at a hospital in Salt Lake when the EMP strikes, and much of the hospital’s equipment is rendered useless. As she works hard to save her patients, she must also contend with her own survival odds. Sarah has recently been diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer.

Sam is a retired Rancher living out his days in the small town of Stanley, ID. Sam has an advantage. Not only is he well-versed in what it takes to live off the land, but he was also warned to prepare for survival before the blackout. But Sam has it far from easy. Sam has been tasked with the seemingly impossible.

The characters are faced with an intriguing question that continues to unfold: is help coming, or is there something more sinister at play for the citizens of the United States?

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The Review

For so many people, the need to explore a post-apocalyptic or dystopian setting often involves supernatural or sci-fi elements, like zombies or killer robots. However, the genuinely thought-provoking and haunting tales often come from stories of human survival in a man-made apocalypse. The author did a fantastic job of crafting a narrative that felt original and chilling. The haunting nature of what mankind can do to one another, as well as what it can do to survive and help those around us, was perfectly captured in this story.

The heart of this narrative rests on the complex character development of the four main characters. The way the author captured such distinct and unique voices in these characters from all walks of life and still held onto the desperation and engaging survival lessons that these characters must learn to live in this new world made this a memorable read. The detailed imagery and the emotional core of these character’s experiences made this a harrowing reading journey.

The Verdict

Compelling, entertaining, and thrilling, author Hailey Gosack’s “The Days That Followed” is a must-read EMP apocalyptic thriller. The twists and turns in each of these characters’ journeys and the dynamics explored within these characters as their lives are turned upside down make this a remarkable story. Be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Hailey was born and raised in Salmon, ID. She now lives in Park City, UT, with her husband, two young daughters, and two dogs. The Days That Followed is her debut publication and is book one in a two-part series. She’s also passionate about educating herself on health-related topics and advocates for healthcare reform. When not writing, reading, or researching, she can be found in nature or having princess tea parties at home.

https://haileygosack.com/

The Rebellion Awakens (Sentrys of Terrene: Book One) by TC Marti 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 leader within the growing Insurgency against an Imperial war machine must test his faith after being taken to an Imperial stronghold, while two other rebels find a young girl who could turn the tide of the war in author TC Marti’s “The Rebellion Awakens”, the first book in the Sentrys of Terrene series and the latest entry into the Elementals universe the author has crafted.

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The Synopsis

War!

A strike from underground bases won the Insurgency’s first victory against Vranom Imperials.

During the battle, Insurgency spies intercepted a blueprint regarding the Imperials’ superweapon, the Fusion Bomb, constructed with enough Source energy to wipe out an entire landmass.

Commander Tage-Ras Svendson intends to celebrate the Insurgency’s victory after relaying the stolen plans before a confrontation with the notorious Venn Rhine forces him into a Vranom stronghold. With only a disembodied voice giving directions, Tage faces the ultimate test of faith.

Meanwhile, in Vranom’s capital city of Sunrise, two insurgents stumble across a girl who may hold a key to restoring justice to the lost world.

The Rebellion Awakens is Book I in the post-apocalyptic dystopian military science fantasy Sentrys of Terrene Series. Inspired by Star Wars with a touch of Avatar: The Last Airbender, join Tage-Ras Svendson, Sabre Kjaergaard, and Ren Elk-Jaer as they battle the People’s Republic of Vranom and expose the global superpower’s lies regarding the extinct Sentry Order.

The Review

This was a wonderful blend of action and epic sci-fi fantasy storytelling. The latest entry into the Elementals saga is the perfect way to jumpstart “phase II”, and the way the author is able to blend elements of the other books in the saga with this new world and its own mythos was remarkable to see come to life. The society for which this rebellion is born highlights the somber and fear-state atmosphere that compels the characters forward in their journey. 

The character growth and powerful themes really hit home in this novel. The cast of characters all played great roles in this story, but the character who best showcased the wonder and terrors of this world that the reader could relate to was Sabre, who found within herself her own form of rebellion by reading ancient texts hidden by her father and discovering the true ways of this world for herself, which flies in the face of the faith and government that they are all sworn to abide by. The concept of a fear-state and ruthless government rule is a dystopian nightmare that plays heavily into our own current state of affairs in the world, which makes for truly engaging and frightful narratives.

The Verdict

Mesmerizing, haunting, and entertaining, author TC Marti’s “The Rebellion Awakens” is a fantastic dystopian and post-apocalyptic thriller and a must-read first book in the Sentrys of Terrene series. The twists in the author’s story and the wealth of character development and dynamics will keep readers engaged with this narrative, and the rich mythos and world-building will have fans enthralled by this brand-new series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10 

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About the Author

TC Marti has been an avid reader/writer for over three decades. He is the author of the Elementals Universe, a shared speculative fiction universe spanning multiple series. He is also a workout fanatic, and a fan of Arizona sports teams.

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The Shadow Realm by Anya Costello Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

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

A young girl finds herself transported to another dimension after living in a world in which her parents disappeared and the mysterious Shadow Hour loomed every day over the world, and soon she must fight to survive and find a way of saving both her new friends and humanity in author Anya Costello’s “The Shadow Realm”.

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The Synopsis

A teenage girl is transported to a dangerous realm and must learn to trust others if she and her friends have any chance of survival. The protagonist Amber is a thirteen-year-old girl just trying to keep up her grades and survive the daily Shadow Hour that has taken over her world. Amber has lived with her aunt since the strange disappearance of her parents and the loss of her memories. Left alone with her aunt, trying to move on from the mystery of her parents’ disappearance, and wary of the threat that the Shadow Hour poses to her and everyone around her, Amber becomes fiercely independent and motivated though reluctant to reach out to others or accept help. Only when Amber is swept into another dimension and forced to work with an unlikely group of friends does she begin to open up and realize that she doesn’t need to face the world alone.

In this Hunger Games-like fantasy adventure novel, Amber is banished from the dangerous near future of her own reality to another realm known as the Shadow Realm. There she must survive a series of deadly obstacles in order to save not only herself and her friends, but humanity as well.

The Review

This was such a brilliantly written and imaginative read. The author, a young teen author, showcases an incredible command over world-building and atmosphere, both of which this novel has plenty of. The tension and unique settings of this dark dimension highlight the surreal dangers and newfound threats facing the world, while the action and suspense keep the reader on edge as the journey progresses. 

What really stood out to me as both a reader and writer was the author’s ability to develop complex and engaging mythology in this world of the Shadow Realm and the various creatures and figures that inhabit it, as well as the emotional character development that occurs between the protagonist and other survivors of this world. The mystery of the young woman’s past and family mix with the theme of opening up and letting others into her life, which proves crucial to her survival. The losses and struggles that occur over time as the trials continue to make this story’s narrative feel thrilling and heart-pounding as each chapter plays out.

The Verdict

Harrowing, entertaining, and exceptionally well written, author Anya Costello’s “The Shadow Hour” is a superb new YA Fantasy meets dystopian thriller. The first in what one can only hope becomes a series, the lengthy read starts out strong and never slows down, giving the reader an engaging experience that keeps them invested in the protagonist’s journey and the emotional bonds she forms. The way the author brought the iconic theme of the Hero’s Journey to life in a fresh and brand new way showcases a growing talent in the literary world that will only get better and better as time goes on, so if you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy of this incredible novel today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Anya Costello is a teen author whose manuscript won first prize of the International Writing Contest of Stone Soup magazine and Mackenzie Press.

Anya says: I have been writing stories since the age of four and at age ten, I attempted my first full length work of fiction, The Shadow Hour. I have always been drawn to writing fantasy and fiction. Building worlds that follow different rules from our own, like the Shadow Realm, and creating the characters that live within them allows me to put aspects of my own life, experiences, and thoughts in an entirely new context.

Anya has been presented at the Frankfurt Book Fair and has received a citation from United Sates Representative Joseph P. Kennedy III.

Anya was born and raised in Massachusetts where she currently resides with her family.

Local Teen Author of ‘The Shadow Hour’ Joins Studio 10

Author Anya Costello On How To Write A Book That Sparks A Movement

‘The Shadow Hour’

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Into the Mist (Into the Mist Book One) by P.C. Cast 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 group of women who gain supernatural abilities in the midst of a biological attack have to survive and face untold danger as they battle the impending apocalypse in author P.C. Cast’s “Into the Mist”, the first book in the series of the same name.

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The Synopsis

As men fall to the mist, the age of womankind begins to rise.

The world as we know it ends when an attack on the U.S. unleashes bombs that deliver fire and biological destruction. Along with sonic detonations and devastating earthquakes, the bombs have also brought the green mist. If breathed in, it is deadly to all men—but alters the body chemistry of many women, imbuing them with superhuman abilities.

A group of high school teachers heading home from a conference experiences firsthand the strength of these new powers. Mercury Rhodes is the Warrior, possessing heightened physical powers. Stella Carver is the Seer, with a sixth sense about the future. Imani Andrews is the Watcher, with a rare connection to the earth. Karen Gay is the Priestess, demonstrating a special connection with Spirits. And Gemma Jenkins is the Healer, a sixteen-year-old student who joins the group after losing her parents.

As they cross the Pacific Northwest, trying to find a safe place to ride out the apocalypse, the women soon learn they can’t trust anyone, and with fresh danger around every corner, it will take all their powers to save themselves—and possibly the world.

The Review

This was a gripping and thought-provoking post-apocalyptic read. The elements of sci-fi and fantasy that play into the narrative are perfectly utilized, for they don’t necessarily overpower the story at all but enhance it, and add more depth to the overall drama of the sequence of events that begins this cataclysmic event. The imagery and atmosphere (both figurative and literal) are well defined and give the reader a true sense of the world that has become their reality, delving into themes of survival, relationships, and the breakdown of society as a whole. 

The character dynamics and growth was superb in this read. The author really did an amazing job on page 1 of defining the relationships and connectivity of these characters, especially the core cast of women who serve as the backbone of this story. The way the author is able to flip the script so to speak on the post-apocalyptic story by having a group of women takes on the roles of protectors and heroes in a world that has turned into a nightmare was an inspired choice, and making the women feel realistic and vulnerable in one breath while also exuding strength and determination in the next was great to read.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, engaging, and exhilarating, author P.C. Cast’s “Into the Mist” is a must-read suspense thriller that meets dystopian apocalyptic sci-fi read, and is one of my top suspense reads of 2022! The chilling nature of the attacks that lead into this main narrative and the heart-pounding thriller aspect of the narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seat as alliances and distrust form in the wake of civilization’s breakdown was so compelling to read. The shocking twists and turns will leave readers eager to read the author’s sequel when it inevitably arrives. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today, or preorder the book and receive it on July 12th, 2022!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

PC was born in the Midwest and grew up being shuttled back and forth between Illinois and Oklahoma, which is where she fell in love with Quarter Horses and mythology (at about the same time). After high school, she joined the United States Air Force and began public speaking and writing. After her tour in the USAF, she taught high school for 15 years before retiring to write full time. PC is a #1 New York Times and #1 USA Today Best-Selling author and a member of the Oklahoma Writers Hall of Fame. Her novels have been awarded the prestigious: Oklahoma Book Award, YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers, Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, the Prism, Holt Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, Booksellers’ Best, and the Laurel Wreath. PC is an experienced teacher and talented speaker. Ms. Cast lives in Oregon near her fabulous daughter, her adorable pack of dogs, her crazy Maine Coon, and a bunch of horses. House of Night Other World, book 4, FOUND, releases July 7th, 2020. More info to come soon about the HoN TV series!

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