Tag: reviewing books

A Shattered Lens: A Detective Preach Everson Novel by Layton Green 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 tragic murder brings the past hurtling at detective Preach Everson in author Layton Green’s novel “A Shattered Lens”. 

The Synopsis

A detective investigates the murder of a teenage golden boy that has rocked a small town–and the chief suspect is the victim’s mother.

Annalise Stephens Blue is a Creekville high school student with plans to become a world-famous filmmaker. As she begins filming an exposé of the town called Night Lives, she uncovers more than she bargained for: on the very first night of filming, she stumbles upon a murder in the woods, and flees the scene steps ahead of the killer.

Detective Joe “Preach” Everson is called to investigate the murder. The victim, David Stratton, is the town’s golden boy and high school quarterback. A modern version of what Preach used to be. Not only that, the boy’s mother is Claire Lourdis, a beautiful divorcée who Preach fell for in high school. She is also the main suspect in her son’s murder.

Despite the cloud of suspicion hanging over her, old feelings resurface between Claire and Preach, straining the detective’s relationship with his girlfriend Ari, a prosecutor in nearby Durham. As Preach delves into the secrets lurking beneath the surface of the town and searches for a missing girl who may have witnessed the crime, he must put his own feelings aside and pursue the answer to a terrible question: is a mother capable of murdering her own child? 

Get 40% Off Select Fiction Bestsellers

The Review

For anyone who fell in love with the first book in this series, one of the first things readers will notice about this incredible sequel is how personal the story feels in comparison to the first story. Rather than tracking a growing serial killer, the story focuses on the unsettling death of a high school student, and showcases the struggle an investigator feels in a small town setting when the victim’s mother is not only someone Preach knew, but once had deep feelings for. Exploring the personal struggles of the detective and the hardships of finding the motive for the crime makes this a truly engaging story.

On top of the murder mystery angle of the narrative, it was fascinating to explore modern day criminal organizations and shady dealings that go on in rural or small town American cities. Showcasing a growing criminal element in this small town and seeing the chaos and corruption threatening the lives of a young girl who becomes an unwilling witness to a heinous crime, the author does a fantastic job of making this story relatable and more emotionally investing than even the first book, which is not an easy feat for anyone who loved book one in the Preach Everson series. 

The Verdict

This is a phenomenal murder mystery series that continues to both entertain and engage readers on a personal and emotional level. With relatable characters that instantly draw the reader into the story and a truly gripping murder mystery that will draw readers into many different directions until the shocking revelation at the books end, this is a novel that deserves your attention. Be sure to grab your copy of “A Shattered Lens” by Layton Green today. 

Rating: 10/10

Start a New YA Series: Buy One, Get One 50% Off
Written in blood review
Interview with author layton green

About the Author

Layton is a bestselling author who writes across multiple genres, including mystery, thriller, suspense, horror, and fantasy. He is the author of the popular Dominic Grey series, as well as other works of fiction. His novels have topped numerous lists (including a #2 overall Amazon bestseller) and have been nominated for major awards, including two finalists for an International Thriller Writers award. Layton is also the co-editor of International Thrills, the online magazine of ITW (International Thriller Writers).

In addition to writing, Layton attended law school in New Orleans and was a practicing attorney for the better part of a decade (even though he still resents having cut his hair for that first interview). He has also been an intern for the United Nations, an ESL teacher in Central America, a bartender in London, a seller of cheap knives on the streets of Brixton, a door-to-door phone book deliverer in Florida, and the list goes downhill from there. Currently based in Durham, North Carolina, Layton has traveled to more than sixty countries, lived in a number of them, and has a burning desire to see every country, city, beach, moor, castle, cemetery, twisted street and far flung dot on the map.

www.laytongreen.com

amazon | facebook | goodreads

For Blood Or Justice: Stormkind: Book One by Chuck Regan 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.

Today I am honored to be joined by guest reviewer Aly Avina, who read and reviewed this amazing book and is here now to share her thoughts with you about the novel. Thank you to Aly for taking the time to give her thoughts on this book to us and to author Chuck Regan for sharing his novel with us all. I hope you all will enjoy. – Anthony Avina

The Synopsis

After a hundred years of heroes, gods, and monsters tearing the world apart, governments resort to extreme measures in attempts to regain control. The year is 1982. U.S. President

Kirkpatrick has instituted harsh penalties against unlicensed vigilantism while secretly funding a program to create an army of super-powered agents. After newly-registered hero Scamp is arrested for murder, he must choose to either reveal his true identity and become a slave to the state, or cling to the fleeting hope of redemption.

– – –

Just what is a “hero”? What qualifies someone to be considered a true hero—one moment’s action, or a lifetime’s pursuit of an ideal? A costumed disguise is, by nature, deception, and deceptiveness is by no stretch a heroic characteristic. But what if deception were necessary to safely and routinely perform acts of heroism? And when might heroic intentions become overpowered by self-serving actions? How might a set of rules meant to assure proper behavior for heroes become a means to hide corrupt intentions? When does blind vengeance serve justice? If there was a universal system for rating heroic intent, how would you or I measure?

FOR BLOOD OR JUSTICE is the first book in the STORMKIND series of novellas and short stories which will attempt to offer answers to these and other questions. Stormkind will delve

into the spiritual/karmic drive of heroism, including the impact of past lives on the present and an entirely new mythology of good and evil entities.

Get 40% Off Select Fiction Bestsellers

The Review

Chuck Regan has created a vivid and dynamic world in his new superhero noir series, For Blood or Justice: Stormkind. The novella features a world filled with costumed vigilantes with amazing superpowers. This alternate universe begins almost 100 years ahead of the events that take place in Book One. In the 1890s, the Ghosa meteor crashed in the Indian Ocean, effectively filling the Earth with some unknown form of radiation.

By 1912, this caused pubescent children to be afflicted with a disease called The Wrack. This meant they either died, became some form of mutant, or were given super abilities. The latter group was a rare one to be in.

These superpowered individuals are known as Stormkind. So when we fast forward to the 1980s, we meet Dan Haeckel, who works at a comic book shop and has recently discovered he has powers. While Dan is eager to become a Stormkind, his friend Scott doesn’t make that entirely easy for him to stay on the straight and narrow.

One of the most incredible parts about reading this novella is immersing yourself in this fascinating world that Regan has created. Dan is relatable in his geeky nature while the

Stormkind world has aspects that is reminiscent of our own real world. The fact that there are registered and unregistered vigilantes made the story that much more exciting, as well.

I definitely enjoyed the addition of footnotes at the end of the chapters because it added more understanding to the world that Regan had created and allowed me to fully dive into this universe headfirst.

Bloodstock was a favorite character of mine with his unique powers and wonderful personality. This true crime detective struggled with his powers at times and had a depth to him that made him one of the most exciting characters to follow. Though, I do wish he had been in it more.

The final act was packed with plenty of action that will leave the readers shocked by the actions of the villains and what is taking place before them, but it is done wonderfully so.

The Verdict

For any superhero fan, this is one you won’t want to miss. It is a fresh take on the superhero genre with the added flair of noir in the mix. While it definitely could use more powerful female characters, this first installment was meant to be “the boy’s club” of superheroes. So you’ll definitely get your female heroes fix when Book Two comes out and they will approach things differently than the original heroes you met.

Book One questions what it means to be a hero and what justifies their non-heroic actions. This universe will suck you in and it’s heart-pounding action will keep you there. Be sure to get your copy of “For Blood or Justice: Stormkind: Book One” when it’s released June 1st, 2019!

Rating: 10/10

Start a New YA Series: Buy One, Get One 50% Off

About the Author

Chuck Regan began his career writing and illustrating comic books. In 2013, he became a regular contributor to Zelmer Pulp, and has since published 25 short stories, and 3 novellas in the speculative fiction, horror, and noir genres.

Chuck continues to develop several novels, including a military space western about colonists on Mars, a Lovecraftian alternative history World War II, and a post-apocalyptic dark science fantasy based on his comic series Nether.

Links:

FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/Stormkind-2129740220599313/

http://www.chuckregan.com/stormkind/

http://www.chuckregan.com

About Guest Reviewer Aly Avina

Aly Avina is a Southern California-based freelance writer and blogger. She is always looking for her next great book to read. She also loves curling up with Netflix and her dog, Charlie.

https://twitter.com/alymarieavina

https://www.instagram.com/alymarieavina/

https://www.thegamer.com/author/alyssa_avina/

https://screenrant.com/author/alyssa_avina/

The Revenged Queen (The High School Queens Trilogy Book 2) by Zachary Ryan Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

TRIGGER WARNING: THIS NOVEL DEALS WITH THEMES OF SELF-HARM, EATING DISORDERS, SEXUAL ASSAULT AND MORE. READER DISCRETION ADVISED. 

As the school year closes and everyone exposed by the Marked Queen tries to move on with their lives, a new threat emerges in the halls of a hallowed prep school and threatens to tear the walls down around them all in author Zachary Ryans second novel, “The Revenged Queen”. 

The Synopsis

No one knows the real Marked Queen, but now everyone wants to know her.  In this sequel to the insatiable first novel, High School Queens, you will die to know more about your favorite dirty little Queens.

As we say goodbye to the Johnson Prep Seniors, the scandals and lies that exposed them in the beginning are back with a vengeance.

The Marked Queen thought she had the last laugh at prom. Now, it seems a new girl is coming for her crown.  With a new title, The Revenged Queen, she was out for blood and her prime targets—the ones exposing everyone’s dark and dirty little secrets. As we dive deeper into this scandalous and humorous world of prep school teens, we learn that everyone is a hustler with a secret and a Hollywood sob story.

Can Danielle keep her new illegal activities to make money under wraps? Was Calvin going to have a warm welcome as he outs himself as gay? Was Delilah going to take the knife from Danielle out of her back and stab her with it? Was Bethany going to enjoy her rule as queen bee or fail spectacularly? And was there more to Jordan than being just a slutty, party girl?

As the scandals pile up in front of them, their secrets will be exposed… And each secret is even more delicious than the last.

The Review

The lines between the elite and the people in the shadows blur after the events of the first book in author Zachary Ryan’s novel. After the Marked Queen is revealed and everyone’s secrets are revealed, the ones behind the Marked Queen’s Kingdom are put on the chopping block, and no one is safe. The author does a great job of showcasing how everyone has something in their lives to hide, and does an amazing job of really elevating the drama and character interaction within the context of the story. 

What really stuck home however was not just the characters and drama, but the underlying theme of morality and social interaction amongst teenagers is ever more prevalent in book two than it was in the first book. The vulgar way these students treat one another highlights a growing problem of cruelty and demeaning behavior by those who are so insecure they are willing to tear anyone down just to make themselves feel better and look popular to the rest of the student body. This form of bullying and committing social exile to would be victims becomes a major element within this story, complimenting the theme of secrets and lies that goes so well within the high school drama.

The Verdict

This is a must read for anyone who enjoys high school drama blended with high school hierarchy and themes many young people can identify with these days. Coming across as a mixture of Pretty Little Liars meets Revenge, this is a must read book that will instantly hook readers and keep them wanting more. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy of The Revenged Queen by Zachary Ryan today.

Rating: 10/10

High School queens book 1 review

About the Author

Zachary Ryan grew up in a black-and-white box in Maryland, before moving to Chicago to start a new life. There, he found that he was accepted for his misfit status—and learned that it’s perfectly normal to spend your twenties feeling lost and confused.

After a disastrous sexual encounter, Ryan stumbled on a group of true friends, or “soul cluster,” that he connected with. Through his writing, he hopes to help other broken souls out there find comfort amid the chaos.

https://zacharyryanbooks.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Zacharyryanbooks/

The Second Life of Eddie Coyne by Louis K. Lowy Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews2 Comments

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

A man lost to his gambling addiction finds himself making the ultimate bet when his very soul is on the line in author Louis K. Lowy’s latest book, “The Second Life of Eddie Coyne”. 

The Synopsis

A dying gambler takes on one final bet for the ultimate prize—a chance to save his soul.

Eddie Coyne loves playing the horses. Loves it so much it’s ruining his relationship with his wife and six-year-old son. In a last ditch effort to prove he’s not a loser in their eyes, Eddie places a seemingly impossible bet on a long shot and hits pay dirt.

But before he can cash in and make amends with his family, he’s attacked and left for dead by a greedy hoodlum looking to cash in on Eddie’s winnings. Dying, Eddie wakes up in the presence of the Jesses, a monolithic group of six whose job it is to decide who enters heaven and who enters hell. The Jesses tell Eddie he’s stuck in the middle—not good enough for heaven, not bad enough for hell. They entice him to go in on one final bet to break the dead heat. 

If he triumphs, they stamp his ticket to paradise. If he loses, he spends eternity in the netherworld. The bet? Eddie must prevent someone chosen by the Jesses from taking their own life. Thinking it will be a piece of cake, Eddie agrees. He quickly learns the Jesses are more cunning than he’d imagined.

Start a New YA Series: Buy One, Get One 50% Off

The Review

This is a truly fun, unexpected and masterful jump into the fantasy world that readers will thoroughly enjoy. This adult narrative holds no punches, showing the highs and lows of a man who loves his family but took life for granted, and bet one too many times. From the moment Eddie finds himself making one final bet with a heavenly body of judges known as the Jesses, readers are taken on a whirlwind adventure through time and history as Eddie is given chance after chance to save the life of someone who has given up on life, and must show them why life is worth living. 

The story is compelling and emotional throughout, giving equal glimpses of humor, wit and shocking twists that readers won’t expect. A book that delves into the concept of not only life and death, but realizing what is truly important in one’s life, readers will be impressed by how the author has balanced the fantasy elements of the story with personal character reflections between Eddie and the secondary characters. 

The Verdict

This is a must read novel to be sure. One of the top fantasy books of the year that holds a sense of realism to the tone novel, the author has done a fantastic job of bringing the story of life and it’s many wonders to light in a fresh and unique way. Elements of time travel, history and action fuse intimately with the emotional pull of Eddie both as a character and an unlikely hero in this tale, making it a one of a kind read to be sure. If you haven’t yet, grab your copy of “The Second Life of Eddie Coyne” by Louis K. Lowy May 28th, 2019!

Rating: 10/10

Review of Louis K. LOwy’s “To Dream”
20% Off Popular Summer Reading

About the Author

Louis’ latest novel, the urban fantasy, THE SECOND LIFE OF EDDIE COYNE is the story of a dying gambler who takes on one final bet for the ultimate prize—a chance to save his soul. The release date is May 27, 2019. (IFWG Publishing)

TO DREAM, book one of his science fiction epic, ANATOMY OF A HUMACHINE (IFWG Publishing), was released in 2017.

Louis K. Lowy’s first published novel, DIE LAUGHING (IFWG Publishing 2011), is a humorously dark science fiction adventure set in the 1950s.

His 2015 novel, PEDAL (Rereleased in 2017 by IFWG Publishing), tells the story of a 49-yr-old music teacher who loses her job and struggles to reclaim her life through bicycle racing.

Louis’ short stories have appeared in, among others, New Plains Review, The MacGuffin Magazine, the anthology Everything is Broken, and the Chaffey Review.

A former firefighter, he is the recipient of a State of Florida Individual Artist Fellowship and an alumnus of Florida International University’s creative writing program.

His website is www.louisklowy.com. In addition to Goodreads, he is on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

https://louisklowy.com

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001621851402

https://tinyurl.com/IFWG-Lowy

https://ifwgpublishing.com/

By clicking submit, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and Mailchimp to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.

Processing…
Success! You're on the list.

Bloody Coffee by Michelle Dim-St. Pierre 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 struggles with the secrets her mother kept and who she really is in author Michelle Dim-St. Pierre’s novel, “Bloody Coffee”.

The Synopsis

Eighteen-year-old Leigh arrives at a Tel Aviv hospital, seeking information about her probable father, Dr. Sloan, who had a cardiac arrest right after they met for the first time. As she stands next to her father’s bed and watches him, her past, present and future collide. Despite the advice of those around her, Leigh decides to face the challenges of the legal system in Israel. She obtains a court order for a paternity test and confronts Sloan.

During her quest to find the truth about her biological father, Leigh is exposed to violent religious intolerance, faces life in a country where church and state are not separate, and meets the man who may be her first true love. Will she change her view of the world she thought she knew? Will she forgive her mother? Will a gunshot change her attitude towards her probable father? And, what will she say to Steve, the only father she ever really had?

The Review

While I myself have not read book 1 in this series, Bloody Coffee is a powerful and emotionally charged read that instantly connects with readers. From the book’s first pages the action and drama takes off, as the protagonist is still reeling from surprise introductions and jarring hospital visits.

The story is a fantastic read overall, but it’s the heavy focus on protagonist Leigh and her interactions with the supporting cast and larger than life setting of Tel Aviv that truly defines the novel. Her emotional journey of discovery about her true parentage and fighting against a system intertwined with religion and uphill battles, (on top of a budding romance to boot), make her a truly one of a kind protagonist readers are invested in immediately.

The Verdict

Overall I love the book. An evenly paced read that constantly maintains the drama and delivers an overall story that readers can relate to with themes that are more relevant than ever before, any newcomers to this series like myself will be on the edge of their seat the entire time. If you haven’t yet be sure to grab your copy of “Bloody Coffee” by Michelle Dim-St. Pierre today!

Rating: 10/10

 

 

Trailer:

Html: https://www.youtube.com/embed/eMPXVvwPBMc” width=”480″>

Or

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMPXVvwPBMc

About the Author:

Michelle Dim-St. Pierre was born in Tel-Aviv, Israel, where she spent more than half of her life before relocating to the United States.

She lived through four wars and served in the Israel Defense Forces for two years. Unlike her first year of service in an armored division in the Golan Heights, she served her second year serving in the medical corps where she interacted directly with the injured soldiers of the Peace of Galilee war and their families. This interaction, along with the exposure to the hospital atmosphere, fascinated Michelle and further touched her heart.  She went on to get a BS degree in Nursing in Tel-Aviv, and practiced internationally for 32 years in various positions in the surgical field and quickly advanced into health care administration. During her career she worked in the Operating Room, Recovery Room, and CCU—along with many other duties.

Writing was Michelle’s outlet at first, but it soon became her passion. Now, she is a full-time writer. Her international background, along with her military and nursing experience is always at the tip of her pen. Her first novel, Pinnacle Lust, started the Pinnacle trilogy and won the Beach Book Festival in the Romance category, as well as received several honorable mentions in other book contests. It was published to rave reviews.

Michelle is a world traveler who enjoys cooking epicurean food and creating original recipes. She currently splits her time between Florida and Georgia, where she is at work on her next two books.

Find Michelle Online:

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13199731.Michelle_Dim_St_Pierre

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25048045-pinnacle-

lust?from_search=true

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/MichelleDimStPierre/

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-dim-st-pierre-

1b9691106?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_det

ails%3BWeblk5O2Qdm11u1AWbQYhw%3D%3D

Website(s):

www.MichelleDimStPierre.com

www.PinnacleLust.com

www.BloodyCoffeeBook.com

 

Buy the Book:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/163183522X?ref=myi_title_dp

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bloody-coffee-michelle-dim-st-pierre/1131320894?ean=2940161424711

Apple Store: https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1461500705

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/bloody-coffee

Publisher: https://www.shop.booklogix.com/Bloody-Coffee-Hardcover-20881-HC.htm

Blog Tour Dates

Launch Day – May 13th

Michelle Dim-St. Pierre launches her tour of “Bloody Coffee” with an interview and giveaway at the Muffin!

http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/

May 14th @ Jill Sheets

Jill Sheets hosts Michelle Dim-St. Pierre with a guest post about Michelle’s writing process. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn more about “Bloody Coffee” and this successful author!

https://jillsheets.blogspot.com

May 16th @ BreakEven Books

Today’s author spotlight at BreakEven books is Michelle Dim-St. Pierre with her latest bestselling novel “Bloody Coffee” – a psychological thriller!

https://breakevenbooks.com/

May 17th @ Reviews by Deb

Deb Blanchard reviews “Bloody Coffee” by Michelle Dim-St. Pierre and shares her thoughts with friends on Facebook and Goodreads!

https://www.facebook.com/Reviews-by-Deb-1737715249887520/

May 20th @ Coffee with Lacey

Lacey delights her readers with her review of “Bloody Coffee” – this is thrilling novel readers can’t get enough of – find out more about Lacey’s thoughts and Michelle Dim-St. Pierre’s book by stopping at Coffee with Lacey today!

https://coffeewithlacey.com/

May 21st @ Amanda Diaries

Amanda L. Sanders offers her review of “Bloody Coffee”. Readers will delight in learning more about this fast-paced mystery!

https://amandadiaries.com/

May 22nd @ The Muffin

Crystal Otto from WOW! Women on Writing couldn’t put down “Bloody Coffee” by Michelle Dim-St. Pierre and she can’t wait to tell readers of the Muffin about this absolute must read thriller! Today is Michelle’s birthday – will Crystal give her a 5 Star Present? Stop by to find out!

http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/

May 24th @ Author Anthony Avina

Fellow author Anthony Avina gives a raving review after reading Michelle Dim-St. Pierre’s thrilling mystery “Bloody Coffee” – readers won’t want to miss the opportunity to hear Anthony’s insight into this must read novel!

https://authoranthonyavinablog.wordpress.com/

May 27th @ Beverley A. Baird

Michelle Dim-St. Pierre has done it again with another best seller – this time it’s a mystery/thriller called “Bloody Coffee” and Beverley A. Baird can’t wait to tell readers all about it in her review! This is a complex and suspenseful mystery readers will be excited to get their hands on!

https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

May 28th @ Deal Sharing Aunt

Vicki, the Deal Sharing Aunt, shares her thoughts after reading the latest novel by Michelle Dim-St. Pierre. Readers won’t want to miss the opportunity to learn more about “Bloody Coffee”!

http://dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com/

May 29th @ Margo Dill

Editor and Author Margo Dill couldn’t wait to read “Bloody Coffee” by Michelle Dim-St. Pierre. Stop by her blog today and read her review about this thrilling new release!

https://editor-911.com/articles

May 30th @ Sreevarsha  Sreejith

“Bloody Coffee” by Michelle Dim-St. Pierre travels all the way to France today as Sreevarsha Sreejith reviews this mystery and shares her thoughts with readers at her book blog!

https://sreejithsreevarsha.wordpress.com/

June 3rd @ World of My Imagination

Nicole Pyles couldn’t put down this 5 star read – let’s hear her review of “Bloody Coffee” by Michelle Dim-St. Pierre. Readers will delight as they put this mystery/thriller on their TBRPile!

https://theworldofmyimagination.blogspot.com/

June 5th @ Bring on Lemons with Tara Forst

Wisconsin business woman and mother, Tara Forst is a friend of WOW! and is excited to talk about her thoughts after reading “Bloody Coffee” by Michelle Dim-St. Pierre. Don’t miss this review and giveaway!

http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/

June 6th @ Cassandra’s Writing World

Stop by Cassandra’s Writing World to hear more about Michelle Dim-St. Pierre and her latest best seller “Bloody Coffee” as Cassandra shares her review with readers!

http://cassandra-mywritingworld.blogspot.com/

June 7th @ Choices with Madeline Sharples

The author spotlight at Choices today is Michelle Dim-St. Pierre with her latest bestselling thriller “Bloody Coffee” – readers won’t want to miss an opportunity to learn more about this fabulous novel!

http://madelinesharples.com/

High School Queens (The High School Queens Trilogy #1) by Zachary Ryan Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews2 Comments

TRIGGER WARNING: THIS NOVEL DEALS WITH THEMES OF SELF-HARM, EATING DISORDERS AND MORE. READER DISCRETION ADVISED. 

A group of young teens facing the last few months of their high school lives at an elite prep school discover a threat hiding in the shadows, threatening to expose the secret lives they are all leading in author Zachary Ryan’s novel “High School Queens”. Here is the synopsis. 

B&N Classics Now Only $6!

The Synopsis 

They all thought they did a masterful job of keeping their secrets close to their chest. These stupid fools thought they were the high court of this kingdom, but they had no clue who was really pulling the strings. You might wonder to yourself, who would be that heartless to make them backstab their friends, expose other’s secrets, and lose their morals? You don’t need to know who I am, but you better remember my name, The Marked Queen.

Danielle, Andrew, Delilah, Aman, and Jasmine all are now faced with a mysterious villain whose one goal is to ruin each of their lives. They must protect their secrets at all cost, or they’ll be the next victim on Marked Day. They know what’s at stake, and they’ll stop at nothing to continue being: the rich spoiled girl, the normal teenager, the girl who isn’t banging the principal, the straight vlogger, and the girl who isn’t her dad’s punching bag. What happens when The Marked Queen changes up the game just in time for prom? Will each of our favorite puppets survive? Or are they willing to backstab each other just to keep up their personas? The only thing lost at this prom wasn’t going to be their virginity.

Sex, Lies, and High School Queens explores the major theme of self-acceptance. Can they learn to accept all their flaws or pray victim to The Marked Queen? Each chapter continues to fill your sweet tooth until the climactic moment at the prom where you get to have that final bite of the bitch cake you’ve been dying to consume.

The Review

 What a fun, dramatic and engaging read. The writing style was incredibly unique, as readers jumped from character to character in each chapter, with a personal narration of the character’s growing problems from the mysterious figures hiding in the shadows, waiting to expose each person’s secrets. 

From hiding their sexuality from the world and their families, to keeping their self-destructive tendencies to themselves and the lifestyles they find themselves forced to live in, each character has an intense and profound secret that defines their journey, and readers will watch not only as each character finds their rock bottom, but the lengths to which they will go to keep their secrets to themselves. 

The Verdict

This is a must read novel for any LGBTQ Drama/Romance fans out there in the YA world. A powerful character study of the problems teens are faced with nowadays, the mystery of the Marked Queen and their plans for the elite members of the prep school play out like the high octane drama of the hit series Pretty Little Liars, with a bit less murder. Who is the Marked Queen, and what is his/her ultimate goal? Find out in author Zachary Ryan’s novel “High School Queens”, the first in the High School Queens saga, today! 

Rating: 10/10

The Biggest Books for Young Readers ONLY $8

About the Author

Zachary Ryan grew up in a black-and-white box in Maryland, before moving to Chicago to start a new life. There, he found that he was accepted for his misfit status—and learned that it’s perfectly normal to spend your twenties feeling lost and confused.

After a disastrous sexual encounter, Ryan stumbled on a group of true friends, or “soul cluster,” that he connected with. Through his writing, he hopes to help other broken souls out there find comfort amid the chaos.

https://zacharyryanbooks.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Zacharyryanbooks/

Tales of Potentia: The Shadows by J.J. Angel 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 small group of teens find themselves forever changed as an alien threatens to destroy the world in author J.J. Angel’s novel “Tales of Potentia: The Shadows”. Here is the synopsis.

The Synopsis 

Humanity has always wanted to understand the inner soul of the cosmic web we call the Universe. They fulfill their curiosity with exploration hoping for eternal enlightenment, but what if something darkened their views? Something that could wipe out the entire Earth if given the opportunity?

Tales of Potentia: the Shadows, is the first rush in a thrilling and nail-biting supernatural fantasy series that entertains your curiosity and teases your imagination with an endless war between the Universe and the Absence of Light.

When a cosmic entity unleashes on an unsuspecting community, it carries an insatiable hunger and a hostile attitude with it.

The only resolve against this threat lies within the hands of a few teens, who gain mysterious supernatural abilities from a mysterious crystal not of this Earth. However, everything is not as it seems and if they don’t find out how to use Potentia correctly they will find themselves next on the menu.

The Biggest Books for Young Readers ONLY $8

The Review

This was a fun new sci-fi/fantasy novel that began an intriguing new mythology that will hopefully expand further into a series. The book immediately jumps into the action and mystery of the deadly new threat, slowly building up to a story of monstrous and bloodthirsty creatures, a lone survivor looking to stop the threat forever, government agencies and innocent teens whose lives are changed forever by the discovery of powerful energies that merge with them unexpectedly.

The story was evenly paced, and did a marvelous job of presenting characters that were relatable and easy to cheer for. While there were a few instances of grammatical and misplaced word mistakes, the story overall was powerful and the author does a marvelous job of setting up this intricately detailed new galactic mythology without giving away too many details early on. By book’s end the stage is set for an expanding series, teasing growing threats and the power these teens have to face the coming darkness. 

The Verdict

This is a must read novel for anyone who is a fan of sci-fi and fantasy driven narratives. Especially geared towards a YA audience, both YA and Adult audiences will enjoy the chilling tale of monsters and aliens that descends on the world, and the few people who will find their lives changed forever. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy of Tales of Potentia: The Shadows by J.J. Angel today!

Rating: 8/10

B&N Classics Now Only $6!

About the Author

J.J. Angel, also know by his other pseudonym J.J. Angelus, is an energetic, humorous, but equally focused creative author who enjoys immersing his ideas and creating imaginary worlds within the realms of science fiction, fantasy, and some horror. He is a former Entertainment Tech Film Major of Baton Rouge Community College and a recipient of the Unsung Hero Award for his contribution towards the anthology, “Voices from the Bayou”, with emotional and thought provoking narrative, “Still Water Runs Deep”. 

When he isn’t writing, JJ enjoys creature features, evening walks by the river, poetry, volunteering, and digital art and animation.

Website:  https://www.talesofpotentia.com

Twitter: @powerthenovel

Facebook: Facebook profile

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

Amusing Musings: Hilarious one-liners and deep thoughts for the offbeat sense of humor by J.J. Harlan 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.

Readers should be prepared for a journey of hilarious proportions as they delve into the book of fantastic one-liners and humorous thoughts in author J.J. Harlan’s novel “Amusing Musings: Hilarious one-liners and deep thoughts for the offbeat sense of humor”. Here is the synopsis. 

The Synopsis

Warning: This book may be a choking hazard if read while eating or drinking.

If you’re a fan of Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey, then you’re going to love Amusing Musings.

Get ready to enjoy the most hilarious book of the year. This hysterical compilation of profound thoughts and hilarious one liners will make you laugh until you cry. Relish delightfully witty quotes such as these:

“I bet a popular joke in the medieval days was to sneak up behind a knight and stick a “kick me” sign on his armor with a magnet.” 

“I think it would be a good idea if scientists invented a new fruit. It should look like an orange, but, ‘surprise’, it tastes like a watermelon. Also, it screams when you peel it.”

“If cats could talk, I bet that when they cleaned themselves they’d never shut up about how good they taste.”

If you are a fan of non-sequitur comedy in the style of Mitch Hedburg, Steven Wright, or Saturday Night Live’s Jack Handey, then buy this outrageously entertaining book now!

It’s the perfect funny gift for men or women with an offbeat sense of humor!

The Review

This is the perfect read for anyone who is looking for a book that won’t delve heavily into character or narrative based storytelling. Instead this novel brings a series of humorous situations and offbeat lines that only someone with a rich sense of humor could enjoy. From tales of haunted mansions and its bathrooms to the ancient Egyptians and snack foods, this amazing book brings some truly one of a kind humor into the reader’s life.

As the author themselves point out, the novel really does remind me personally of the old SNL Jack Handey sketches that told the same offbeat humor stories and tales that would always throw people off in the most bizarre yet humorous way.  It’s a great way to lighten up anyone’s mood and take readers away from the seriousness of life, and showcases the unique wit and comedy of the author. 

The Verdict

This is a must read book. Although a short read to be sure, the book delivers a powerful punch to the funny bone as readers are transported into this humorous world of the author’s making. Taking the funniest one-liners and odd tales and compiling them into this wonderful collection is sure to make readers laugh and chuckle as they think upon the strange and amusing stories they just read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy of “Amusing Musings” by J.J. Harlan today!

Rating: 9/10

The Mark of Fallen Flame by Brittany Matsen 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 struggling to plant roots in Seattle after a lifetime of moving around discovers a terrifying power within herself, a world of secrets her mother has hidden from her and a deadly war she is forced into in author Brittany Matsen’s novel The Mark of Fallen Flame. Here is the synopsis.

The Synopsis 

Emma:

A seventeen-year-old girl just trying to find a place in an unsteady world. With her mother moving them around her entire life, no one has been permanent.

When senior year begins, Emma is determined to sink some roots into Seattle and finally start living life. Especially when she discovers she has the power to kill terrifying monsters with a single touch. Suddenly, a whole new world explodes around her.

The new boy in school that is mysteriously in every one of her classes is too beautiful to be human. Her best friend is acting strange, and her mother’s lies may finally be too many to contain. The protectors of the human race–the Giborim–are more than a little eager to use Emma’s power in the war that’s coming. But her allegiance may be forced in order to save everyone she loves.

Levaroth:

Shediem. General of Sheol. Servant and confidant to Asmodeus, Prince of Wrath.

“Spying the wild, auburn beauty with eyes like emeralds for the first time, I don’t know what comes over me. I have to get closer. She smells of sunshine and purity. You may not think that’s something you can smell, but you can. It’s rarely untainted, but with her…She can’t help but care about everyone she meets, and I need to know why. So I watch her, learn about her. But something is changing in me. Shediem do not feel emotions, we taste them. We devour them. Yet my kills are less satisfying and all I can think about is her face. Her disgust. But she can’t be pure if she’s to be mine. And I will have her.”

The Review 

This was a powerful fantasy driven narrative that did a marvelous job of creating a new mythology that readers will instantly be enthralled by. Powerful and creepy creatures blended perfectly with relatable and interesting characters to drive the novel forward at a reasonable pace.

The thing I love about this book besides the unique mythology created by the author was how the book didn’t waste anytime jumping into the action of the plot. From the first 20 pages or so the author takes readers head first into this fantasy and partly horror driven narrative and doesn’t hold any punches, establishing the dangers and the stakes early on. 

The Verdict 

This is a must read fantasy book that readers will instantly fall in love with. Full of engaging characters, a gripping love triangle and a great story, this is one book you don’t want to miss. Be sure to preorder your copy today or grab your copy on May 31st, 2019! 

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

I’m an American by birth but a Kiwi at heart, living in the wondrous New Zealand with my husband. Writing has been a passion since I was very young. In middle school I had articles published in the local newspaper, and the school paper in high school. I attended the Institute of Children’s Literature with the hope of one day creating stories for the world.

When I’m not dreaming up monsters or tortured heroes you can find me hiking somewhere lush and green.

Check out my Patreon page and follow me on Instagram! https://www.patreon.com/bmmatsen

https://m.facebook.com/bookwormmatsen/

https://www.instagram.com/bookwormmatsen/?hl=en

https://www.brittanymatsen.com/