I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A notable rock band tells a shocking story of stardom, murder, and the apocalypse in author Craig DiLouie’s “My Ex, The Antichrist.”
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The Synopsis
From rising star of horror Craig DiLouie comes a twisted tale of love, heartbreak, and the apocalypse. We all have bad exes. Lily Lawlor’s just happens to be the Antichrist.
“DiLouie brings his sharp mix of heart and horror to the end of the world with this clever story about rock and roll, relationships, and destiny.” ― Peter Clines, New York Times bestselling author
1998: Lily Lawlor and Drake Morgan form a punk band. Drake inspires faith in some. Fear in others. Lily is a believer.
2010: At the height of her stardom, Lily walks into a police station and confesses to a murder.
Now: The band has refused to talk to the press about their riotous past, Lily’s confession, or anything else. It’s been over a decade, but Lily has finally agreed to an interview. And the band is following her lead.
What follows is a story of prophecy, death, and apocalypse. A story about love found and love lost. A story about the antichrist. Maybe it’s all true. Maybe none if it is.
Either way, this is their story. And they’re sticking to it.
The Review
Immediately, I was struck by both the literal and metaphorical relationship between religion and rock music that the author tapped into. The battle between these two concepts has been a longstanding tension that generations have fought over, and the author tapped into that tension easily through the characters, especially the protagonist Lily. The detail and compelling story the author developed played well into this theme and gave readers a solid foundation for the rest of the book to come to life.
What really became the heart of the story was the characters, both as the driving force of the narrative and as the unique POVs of several characters that moved the story forward. The way the story is set up to be told, as if reading interview transcripts, was so profoundly fascinating and gave the reader so much more insight into who these characters were, to hear the story from their own perspectives. This was especially true of Lily, whose characterization of Drake as both the guitarist and the figure he became not only spoke to the apocalyptic genre that the story took on with the supernatural twist, but became a solid storytelling device that spoke to the impact toxic relationships can have overall on a person’s life and how destructive it can be to themselves and those around them.
The Verdict
Haunting, compelling, and entertaining, author Craig DiLouie’s “My Ex, The Antichrist” is a must-read supernatural occult horror thriller. The originality and creativity of the author’s writing style, the enthralling nature of the story and its characters, and the depth of emotion retelling this story had on their character arcs made this one book readers will find impossible 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
Craig DiLouie is an author of popular thriller, apocalyptic/horror, and sci-fi/fantasy fiction.
In hundreds of reviews, Craig’s novels have been praised for their strong characters, action, and gritty realism. Each book promises an exciting experience with people you’ll care about in a world that feels real.
These works have been nominated for major literary awards such as the Bram Stoker Award and Audie Award, translated into multiple languages, and optioned for film. He is a member of the HWA, International Thriller Writers, and IFWA.
At www.CraigDiLouie.com, you can find all of Craig’s major works, interviews, and hundreds of interesting blog posts. Be sure to sign up for Craig’s mailing list so you can stay tuned on new releases.
Please enjoy this special guest post from author Sherri L. Dodd
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When I began writing the Murder, Tea, and Crystals Trilogy, I wanted the story to be authentic, and realized that I would need to reach beyond my own insufficient knowledge of modern-day paganism. Luckily, I had met a couple of witches at my local crystal shop and had recently hosted a Halloween party where the tarot reader informed me that she, too, was a witch. Three to share, and the latter gave me a taste of the lifestyle. Not wanting to go alone, I invited her to attend a Samhain event with me. Her response was, “Oh no. I don’t go to those things because everyone is always trying to out-witch each other.”
So, I found with today’s witchcraft movement. Like the Christian denomination, to be a witch is a very general term. When you say someone is Christian, you know they believe in one God, and Jesus as the son of God sacrificed himself for mankind. Voila—neatly wrapped in a nutshell. But fine-tuning leads to disputes, such as Catholics believe that Mary was a virgin, 7th Day Adventists hold Saturday as the Sabbath, and the Christian Scientist enforces healing through prayer, alone. Look at the holy wars which have shown everyone thinks it’s their way or the highway. If you think that is chaotic, try putting Neo-Paganism into a tidy catchall box.
First, there are many core belief systems—Celtic, Greek, Norse, and Roman Pantheons, to name a few. A witch can worship anyone from Hekate to Brigid to Saturn to your favorite Marvel character; he, that carries a big thick hammer. Further, sometimes you worship more than just one God or Goddess. You can worship two, three, or ten. Occasionally the many different deities are from the same source—in Hindu’s case, Brahman. That means, one witch may worship Kali, yet, the witch worshiping Ganesh is tapping into the same Hindu divine power. Finally, the priests of the Salem Trials probably roll in their tombs knowing that some Christians consider themselves witches through their ability to heal or manifest. This, I know, because my mother has shared that when she was a teen, my devout Baptist grandmother proclaimed herself “a witch for Christ.”
To me, this is all quite fascinating. I have studied different religions and philosophies since my early twenties, so witchcraft falls aptly into the subject. BUT, for some reason—feminist witches blame the oppressive patriarchy—witchcraft remains taboo. Even today, if you put a book entitled Green Witchcraft II on your coffee table or a copy of Modern Witchcraft on your nightstand, your housecleaner may start rumors that you worship the devil or are a nutcase who believes in magick. Either way, I have found that to be a misrepresentation of the today’s modern witchcraft.
Another challenge when writing about witchcraft is the reverence factor. While I respectfully pursue this venture, I believe, as with all measures of spirituality, I can only graze another person’s truth when writing about core belief systems. No matter what is written, some will agree, and some will want to write their congressman about the spread of false information. Luckily, being a redhead since long before it was cute, I have learned to ignore what others think of me or what I write, and this includes my thorough study of witchcraft. I laugh off the derision. Actually, now, I cackle.
Book Summary
At the age of eight, Arista Kelly was frantically swept up by her parents and whisked off to an isolated town in the California redwoods. Two days later, her parents were gone.
Now at the age of twenty-three, she has settled quite nicely into an eclectic lifestyle, much like her great aunt, and guardian since childhood, Bethie. She enjoys the use of herbs and crystals to help her commune with the energy and nature around her and finds pleasure in the company of her beloved pet, Royal. Usually quite satisfied with her mundane life high in the Santa Cruz Mountains, life becomes unsettling when a new recurring vision of an ominous tattoo as well as increased activity from the ghostly presence within her own cottage invade her once-harmonious existence.
But life in this mountain sanctuary takes an even darker turn when the body of Arista’s former classmate is found in the nearby river. As other young young women fall prey to a suspected serial killer, Arista realizes that the terror is coming to her.
The Review
This was such a compelling, gripping murder-mystery-meets-witchy-supernatural-horror YA thriller. The natural fusion of genres was so well done in this novel, and the visceral imagery between the gorgeous Santa Cruz mountains and the chilling murders that drive this narrative forward, all come together to create a stunning blend of romance/fantasy meets YA supernatural occult horror read that is intense and inviting all at once.
The heart of the narrative is really the character dynamics. Arista is a compelling protagonist, taking the reader on a personal journey of growth as she goes from a studious, harmonious witch connected to the natural world around her to a strong, powerful young woman who is thrust into a shocking mystery and uncovers new abilities and secrets she never thought possible. The small-town setting becomes a character in itself, adding depth to the unfolding mystery and significantly elevating the tension and atmosphere with each chapter.
The Verdict
Thrilling, compelling, and entertaining, author Sherri L. Dodd’s “Murder Under Redwood Moon” is a must-read novel. The twists and turns this story takes, the slew of suspects that keep the reader engaged as the plot unravels, and the monster at the end of the book are all revealed. The compelling character dynamics will keep readers on the edge of their seats and eager for the next 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
Sherri was raised in southeast Texas. Walking barefoot most days and catching crawdads as they swam the creek beds, she had a love for all things free and natural. Her childhood ran rampant with talk of ghosts, demons, and backcountry folklore. This inspired her first short story for sale about a poisonous flower that shot toxins onto children as they smelled it. Her classmate bought it for all the change in his pocket. It was not long after that her mother packed the two of them up and headed to the central coast of California. She has ping-ponged throughout the area ever since.
Her first real step into writing was the non-fiction fitness book, Mom Looks Great – The Fitness Program for Moms published in 2005, and maintaining its accompanying blog. Now, transmuting the grief of her father’s passing, she has branched into Fiction, specifically the genre of Paranormal Thriller with generous dashes of Magick Realism! Her Murder, Tea & Crystals Trilogy released book one – Murder Under Redwood Moon – in March 2024. Book two – Moonset on Desert Sands – released in March 2025, and the final book in the series – Hummingbird Moonrise – became #1 New Release in Occult Supernatural on Amazon in October 2025!
Join us as we celebrate the launch of the the first book in Sherri Dodd’s Murder, Tea & Crystals trilogy: Murder Under the Redwood Moon. Read an interview with the author and enter to win the whole trilogy. Two winners!
Forsaken Souls: Book Four of the Callum Walker series
The critically acclaimed supernatural series continuesby J.M. Shaw
The book is available worldwide in print and digital formats
Driven south by their brethren in the Northern Kingdom, the Der’geron have bided their time for nearly two centuries, nursing hatred and plotting vengeance since their defeat in the great elven war. As a new conflict draws ever closer, Queen Jobella struggles to assert her authority over her northern domain—battling civil unrest, sabotage, and misinformation while attempting to mend fractured alliances.
Meanwhile, Callum and Jax set out on a perilous journey to repair the veil separating the magical realm from the human world. Unbeknownst to them, their path leads directly into the heart of danger, where they are captured by the Der’geron. Imprisoned in the hellish grotto beneath the subterranean city of Elfarian, Callum and Jax are forced to work or die at their enemy’s command.
However, danger turns to horror when Callum learns of the Der’geron King’s plans for the Northern Kingdom and the rest of the realm. What is to come will be a reckoning, not a war. It will be a battle for the ages, where both lives and souls are at stake, and death is not the worst outcome.
Imperilled by violence, assailed by evil energy, and tempted by dark magic, Callum must stand against the rising darkness, but first, he needs to find the strength to face his buried anguish, even at the risk of fracturing what remains of his sanity. Yet, there is hope for a happy ending, if only Callum can summon the courage to accept it.
“I absolutely loved the 3rd book on the Callum Walker series. I had a hard time putting it down. I really want to know what happens next for Callum, Jax and some of the other characters. I love how the author creates and develops her stories. I can’t wait until the 4th book comes out ”_Guardian, Amazon Reviewer
More Books in the Callum Walker series:
About J.M. Shaw:
J.M. Shaw lives in Airdrie, Alberta, with her husband and two young children. She and her family embarked upon a journey of understanding, acceptance, and life-long learning when they discovered their shared diagnosis of autism and ADHD. Writing is her passion and, with experience and interests in healthcare, psychology, martial arts, and personal training, she pours her unique insights and knowledge into all her creative fictions.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A teenage girl with a hidden destiny must work with the full-grown, living version of her childhood imaginary friend to break a curse in author Tricia Copeland’s “Kingdom of Embers”, the first book in the Kingdom Journals series.
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The Synopsis
2020 Readers’ Choice Gold Medal Winner & 2019 Colorado Independent Publishers Association EVVY Award for Fantasy
Her pale skin and weird diet make her a target at school. If only they, and she, knew the truth…
Seventeen-year-old Alena Scott is tired of pretending to be something she’s not. As an outlawed vampire-witch hybrid, she’s forced to abide by the oppressive secrecy imposed by her Vampire Chancellor mother. But she’ll have to ignore the rules when she comes face-to-face with a handsome, full-grown version of her childhood imaginary friend.
Shocked that he recognizes her as his own pretend play pal, the two embark on a quest to solve the mystery of their fantasized companionship. And as they unravel their entwined destinies, Alena realizes she holds the key to a curse which could free them all—or condemn witchkind to eternal suffering.
Can Alena and her impossibly familiar partner reverse an ancient spell before they’re sent to a mortal grave?
Kingdom of Embers is the first book in the enthralling Kingdom Journal YA urban fantasy series. If you like intriguing characters, shadowy magic, and a fresh twist on modern vampire storylines, then you’ll love Tricia Copeland’s heart-stopping tale.
Buy Kingdom of Embers to embrace a prophetic fate today!
The Review
What a rich and enthralling YA Supernatural Romance novel! The story was so fantastic, taking readers to a more grounded setting of Los Angeles and Southern California as a whole while infusing shadowy, paranormal elements into the narrative. The balance of action and magic with the more grounded high school experiences and emotional dynamics between the characters made this story feel cinematic at its core.
The drive of this story was in the character development of the cast, especially the protagonist, Alena. The duality of her identity both as a vampire and witch hybrid, and as a supernatural being living amongst high schoolers, was a fabulous juxtaposition, and being able to see her grow her gifts while also learning to balance her life as a senior in high school with the weight of the world literally on her shoulders was both engaging and relatable for so many readers. It allowed the reader to connect with Alena’s overall journey.
The Verdict
Memorable, entertaining, and thoughtfully crafted, author Tricia Copeland’s “Kingdom of Embers” is a magical YA supernatural romance and a must-read book. The twists and turns in the narrative help elevate the thrilling world-building and mythos the author has crafted for this YA series, and the breathtaking imagery in the author’s writing delivered a narrative that could easily be fit onto the big screen. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Young adult fiction author Tricia Copeland believes in finding magic. She believes magic infuses every aspect of our lives and each of us create our own brand of magic. Whether transforming hearts, lives, numbers, ideas, art, music, or simply enjoying nature, we discover magic every day. She aims to write stories that show what is possible when one commits to finding their own version of magic. With urban fantasy and paranormal young adult titles, you’re sure to find a magical character and story line to love within her books.
Whether you’re looking for a fun romance, inspiring story of strength, fantasy, paranormal, or a dystopian sci-fi, you’ve come to the right place. Award-winning author Tricia Copeland grew up in Georgia but now calls Colorado home. If she’s not on the trail you can find her creating magical stories at www.triciacopeland.com.
The book that started the critically acclaimed Deadwood series now out in a new special collector’s hardcover edition byUSA Today Bestseller, Ann Charles!
Published by Blackstone Publishing
Little girls are vanishing from Deadwood, South Dakota. Fearing her daughter might be next, single mom Violet Parker is desperate to find the monster behind the abductions.
With her savings dwindling and just three weeks left to sell her first house or lose her job with Calamity Jane Realty, Violet is ecstatic when a handsome jeweler hires her to sell his centuries-old Victorian masterpiece–until she sees the dilapidated dwelling. Now, if she could somehow convince her only buyer to stop rejecting vintage homes as if they were haunted.
Short on time and long on worry, Violet refuses to give up her dream of a fresh start in Deadwood. But with a malicious co-worker trying to get her fired, a secret admirer sending her creepy messages, and a sexy stranger hiding skeletons in his closet, will Violet end up as one of Deadwood’s dearly departed?
Fiction / Thrillers / Supernatural
(FIC031070) Unabridged •
Book #j43y
Available in ISBN-13:
Downloads: No Publishing Background: Made for Success
Welcome to Deadwood—the Ann Charles version. The world Ann has created is a blend of present day and past, of fiction and non-fiction. What’s real and what isn’t is for you to determine as the series develops and the characters evolve.
One thing about this series—it’s going to run on for quite a while, and Violet Parker will have to hang on and persevere through the wild adventures planned for her.
Poor Violet. It’s a good thing she has a lot of gumption to keep her going!
Praise for the Deadwood Mystery Series:
“What a voice! Hilarious, original, and genuinely wonderful. This fresh and feisty mystery will instantly win your heart. Loved it!” ~HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN, Anthony, Agatha and Macavity winning author
“I laughed (a lot), cried (a little), and wanted to stab a certain family member. This story brings all the feels!” —Renee George, USA Today Bestselling Author
“Watch out Stephanie Plum, because Violet Parker is coming your way.” ~Deborah Schneider, RWA Librarian of the Year 2009 & author of Promise Me
About Ann Charles:
USA Today Bestselling author, Ann Charles, writes spicy stories full of mystery, comedy, adventure, suspense, romance, and supernatural mayhem. When she’s not dabbling in fiction, she’s arm wrestling with her two kids, attempting to seduce her husband, and arguing with her sassy cats.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A heist to unload 80-plus mystical clocks from a detective to evade the grim reaper turns into chaos in author Ann Charles’s “Cops & Clobbers in Deadwood,” the latest entry in the Deadwood Humorous Mystery series.
The Synopsis
Violet Parker has big troubles these days—the ticking kind. To duck the Grim Reaper, she needs to get her hands on eighty-plus rare, mystical clocks locked up tight by a thick-headed detective.
The solution? Hijack the truckload of ticking time bombs out from under Johnny Law’s nose.
But no caper ever goes according to plan. What starts out as a game of clocks and robbers twists and turns into a chaos of cops and clobbers.
Will Violet beat the detective in time? Or will she spend Valentine’s Day behind bars?
The Review
What a fun and engaging supernatural meets humor thriller. The natural way the author was able to infuse the supernatural world into this series showcases the depth of world-building and mythology the author was able to layer throughout the narrative. The author’s writing style’s imagery made the reader feel transported into the story effortlessly. It gave readers the fast-paced adrenaline that this series has become synonymous with.
Of course, the highlight of this narrative was the character-driven narrative and the humor the author brought to these characters. Including deep-cut mythological figures and items such as poppets and how the author brought these items into a modern-day heist setting was fun and engaging for a reader to get lost in.
The Verdict
Memorable, witty, and entertaining author Ann Charles’s “Cops & Clobber in Deadwood” is a must-read supernatural thriller meets humorous heist read. The twists and turns in the story and the continuous character growth of the protagonist and her posse allow the reader to quickly hone in on the fun and charm the series banks on. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Ann Charles is a USA Today Bestselling author who writes award-winning books that are splashed with humor, mystery, suspense, romance, supernatural elements, and whatever else sounds fun.
Currently, she has many fiction books available in several different on-going series.
From her ongoing multi-award winning Deadwood Mystery Series:
NEARLY DEPARTED IN DEADWOOD (book 1–multiple award-winning book for both mystery and romance/mystery);
OPTICAL DELUSIONS IN DEADWOOD (book 2);
DEAD CASE IN DEADWOOD (book 3-one of Suspense Magazine’s BEST OF 2012 books);
BETTER OFF DEAD IN DEADWOOD (book 4);
AN EX TO GRIND IN DEADWOOD (book 5–Grand Prize winner in Chanticleer Review’s Paranormal category;
MEANWHILE, BACK IN DEADWOOD (book 6–one of Suspense Magazine’s BEST OF 2015 books);
A WILD FRIGHT IN DEADWOOD (book 7–one of Suspense Magazine’s BEST OF 2016 books);
RATTLING THE HEAD IN DEADWOOD (book 8)
GONE HAUNTING IN DEADWOOD (book 9)
DON’T LET IT SNOW IN DEADWOOD (book 10)
DEVIL DAYS IN DEADWOOD (book 11)
NEVER SAY SEVER IN DEADWOOD (book 12)
TIMEREAPING IN DEADWOOD (book 13)
Also available from Ann in her on-going Jackrabbit Junction Mystery Series:
DANCE OF THE WINNEBAGOS (book 1)
JACKRABBIT JUNCTION JITTERS (book 2)
THE GREAT JACKALOPE STAMPEDE (book 3)
THE ROWDY COYOTE RUMBLE (book 4)
A Thanksgiving novella titled, THE WILD TURKEY TANGO (book 4.5)
A Christmas novella titled, JACKRABBIT JINGLE BALLS (book 4.7)
IN CAHOOTS WITH THE PRICKLY PEAR POSSE (book 5)
TWISTY TORTOISE TUSSLES (book 6)
LOOK WHAT THE WIND BLEW IN (book 1) and MAKE NO BONES ABOUT IT (book 2), the first two books in her on-going Dig Site Mystery-Archaeology series set in the Maya jungle, are available on Amazon, too. These books star Quint Parker, the brother of Violet Parker–the heroine in her Deadwood Mystery series. They are filled with mystery, humor, adventure, and a plenty of heat.
She has a western paranormal Deadwood Undertaker Series in process that is co-written with Sam Lucky:
LIFE AT THE COFFIN JOINT (book 1)
A LONG WAY FROM ORDINARY (book 2
CAN’T RIDE AROUND IT (book 3)
CATAWAMPUS CHRISTMAS CAROL (book 3.5)
THE BACKSIDE OF HADES (book 4)
She has several short stories as well–DEADWOOD SHORTS: SEEING TROUBLE (book 1.5), BOOT POINTS (book 4.5), COLD FLAME (book 6.5), TEQUILA & TIME (book 8.5), and FATAL TRADITIONS (book 10.5). These are all short stories from her Deadwood Mystery Series. Also, she has THE OLD MAN’S BACK IN TOWN, a short story from her future Goldwash Mystery Series.
In addition, Ann has two novellas in the AC Silly Circus Co. Mystery series: FERAL-LY FUNNY FREAKSHOW and A BUNCH OF MONKEY MALARKEY.
Stay tuned for more new books by Ann coming soon!
Ann has a B.A. in English with an emphasis on creative writing from the University of Washington. She is a member of Novelists, Inc. She is currently toiling away on her next book, wishing she was on a Mexican beach with an ice-cold Corona in one hand and a book in the other. When she is not dabbling in fiction, she is arm wrestling with her two kids, attempting to seduce her husband, and arguing with her sassy cats. You can find her on all major social media platforms.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A lone exorcist discovers a shocking truth behind the demons he has been fighting and must discover a way to stop them before mankind is torn asunder in author Dan Gindlesperger’s “The Demon Secret”.
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The Synopsis
Father Luke, a trained exorcist, uncovers sacred knowledge hidden in time while removing demons from the innocent. These truths put his own life and the lives of those he cares about in grave danger from every direction. Based near Washington, DC, where greed and deception are around every corner, lie these dangerous secrets, ones that threaten the very fabric of our human world.
The Review
This was such a rich and thrilling take on the supernatural horror genre. The author found a way to infuse a great sense of humor and wit into the genre, allowing the reader to feel pops of lightness in an otherwise dark and haunting narrative. The layered atmosphere the author was able to draw upon, and the powerful imagery in the author’s writing (as well as the thematic imagery of the threat of demons amidst the human corruption of organized religion) made this story stand out.
What stood out to me as a reader was the rich character development of this narrative. The mythos, the world-building, and the setting all played up thanks to the characters’ dynamics, as the protagonist had to deal with some heavy and complex situations. He had to face the supernatural threats of demons, the horrors of human corruption, and the lengths people are willing to go to protect their secrets. It also challenged his lifelong commitment to the Church, his thoughts on the organization, and the juxtaposition to his faith, making this a compelling story.
The Verdict
Memorable, haunting, and entertaining author Dan Gindlesperger’s “The Demon Secret” is a must-read supernatural horror novel. The narrative twists and turns and gripping character development made this story feel alive and thrilling on the page. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
I was raised in a poor household with parents that drank beyond excess, so I found my escape in books from the world that I was brought into. Books were free from the library and I could imagine myself as a hero saving the world. When I read a book I want to be able to smell the air, feel the warmth and be emersed in the world that is before me. That is how I want my work to feel to the readers, like that are more than readers, that are part of the journey.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
An FBI agent with a unique gift must team up with a recently widowed woman with unique gifts of her own as she is thrust into the middle of a powerful supernatural and political conspiracy that will take them to parts unknown in author M.. McDuffie’s “Blue Eyed Devil”.
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The Synopsis
In this riveting paranormal political thriller, prepare to embark on a dangerous pulse-pounding adventure where the past and present collide, whilst around every corner – evil lurks in the shadows.
When fate intertwines the path of Remy Montgomery – an FBI agent with the unique ability to see auras with the captivating widow, Belle Brooks – who finds herself entangled in the dark legacy of her billionaire criminal husband – their unusual lives turn upside down.
But Belle has some secret magical gifts of her own – ones that seem to defy logic.
As their connection deepens, they become mixed up in a supernatural web of mystery, secrets, and danger. Amidst this tangled history, a malevolent force sets its sight on Belle, forcing the two of them to navigate treacherous obstacles including an old IRA bombing, along with several rigged presidential elections which somehow factor into a mega conglomerates new miracle drug awaiting FDA approval.
But how are they all connected?
Armed with two keys, Belle and Remy must race against the clock to unravel the sinister plot and stop the malicious monster determined to possess the new widow…at all costs. Blue Eyed Devil is a supernatural spine-tingling political escapade that leads you across several continents and throughout history, while fate hangs in the balance.
Can they stop the savages targeting them before it’s too late? Brace yourself for an electrifying ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the climatic final showdown.
The Review
This was such an incredibly powerful and gripping narrative. The author did a fantastic job of creating an equilibrium that made the story’s political and supernatural elements. The book immediately sets the stage in the opening chapter, creating a haunting atmosphere rich with imagery and tension that instills a sense of mystery in the reader immediately.
The true power behind this novel, however, rests in the hodgepodge of genres that the author embodies and the compelling character dynamics that are created. The book not only highlights the political scene and the supernatural so well but adds elements of mystery, romance, historical fiction, and even Celtic mythology that speak to this remarkable narrative’s rich cultural aspect.
The Verdict
Thrilling, haunting, and entertaining author M.J. McDuffie’s “Blue Eyed Devil” is a must-read novel. The heart-pounding atmosphere, the action-packed, globe-trotting mystery, and the suspense behind the conspiracy the two protagonists face will have readers hanging onto the author’s every word, ever for the next book 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
When tragedy struck more than a decade ago, she never dreamed the movie inside her head would help cope with the overwhelming grief life had dealt her. The therapy of writing blossomed into a thought provoking and action-packed mystery thriller. Also, adding to the unique captivating plot twists – a dash of paranormal.
It’s impossible for the Nana of 3 to be far from the sea. Although M.J. is a native Washingtonian, she has lived in the sunshine state of Florida for almost twenty-five years and now considers it home. This novel happened because one beautiful woman believed in her enough to convince an old marketing and broadcasting executive to give book writing a try.
The former DC swamp rat and die-hard University of Maryland fan is currently working on her second book in the series, Green Eyed Monster, which will debut in early 2024. An electrifying international tale of deceit and intrigue, which she will weave into another suspenseful and action-packed novel.
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
I used to live in Bolingbrook, IL and have a passion for writing about the village. Since 1998, I’ve maintained the Bolingbrook Babbler satirical blog where I publish fictional “news articles” that are a cross between the Weekly World News and the Onion. I contributed to the Demon: The Fallen role-playing game line, and even shared a credit with Chuck Wendig for our work on Saviors and Destroyers. In 2022, I finally published the first two Bolingbrook Babbler Stories books. They’re dramatic stories compared to the lighter tone of my web articles.
I’ve had a passion for writing fiction ever since I was in grade school, with a particular love for Science Fiction and Fantasy. I enjoy imagining new settings and creating vivid characters, but I also believe that characters are just as important as the setting. After all, if readers don’t care about the characters, they won’t feel invested in the story. For this reason, I strive to create characters that readers can connect with on an emotional level.
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2. What inspired you to write your book?
My goal with A Fire in the Shadows was to create a bridge between the first book, Pathways to Bolingbrook, and the second book, The Rift. That’s why I labeled it Book 1.5. In Pathways, Miriam decided to become a vampire, and Sara joined the Bolingbrook Babbler as a reporter. In A Fire in the Shadows, Miriam is “reborn” as Lydia, but now she has a new set of problems to deal with. Meanwhile, Sara has become the editor of the Babbler, and this story provides more details about her role and the challenges she faces.
3. What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
In addition to providing readers with a deeper understanding of the Babbler Stories setting, I hope they will come away with a greater empathy for neurodivergent individuals. Lydia is a compassionate and caring person, but in vampiric society, those traits make her a deviant. Humans, if they knew about vampires, would fear her and see her as a monster. It’s why she feels isolated and desperately alone. Through her story, I aim to shed light on the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals.
4. What drew you into this particular genre?
Although I’m a believer in science-based skepticism, I enjoy exploring settings where supernatural creatures coexist with modern-day humans. My interest in Urban Fantasy grew out of the Goth Punk genre that I wrote in for many years. One thing I appreciate about Urban Fantasy is that it allows for a wide range of supernatural creatures, some of which may not be the traditional “monsters” we typically think of. In this genre, authors can also portray humans as terrifying monsters, adding an extra layer of complexity to the storytelling.
5. If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?
I would choose to speak with Aurora, Lydia’s blood sister, and ask her why she became a vampire, despite knowing that it would make her cruel and uncaring. Was she a bully when she was a mortal, or did she associate kindness with weakness? The answer is the key to understand Aurora’s motivations.
6. What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
It would be Facebook, because I spent years building an audience. Overall, I’d say my blog did the most to develop my readership.
7. What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
Every writer’s journey is unique, and what may have worked for one author may not work for another. That’s why it’s important to do your own research and not blindly follow any writer’s advice. Be like Bruce Lee: Use what works for you, and discard what doesn’t.
8. What does the future hold in store for you? Are any new books/projects on the horizon?
I will release a collection of my web stories from 1998 to 2017. The working title is God to Smite Bolingbrook. It will be exclusively for my newsletter subscribers. Then I plan to resume writing the third Bolingbrook Babbler book. My goal is to release it by the end of 2023, or early 2024. I don’t have dates for books four and beyond, but I will write them. My goal is to make sure each book can be read as a standalone book. I’m a writer who can’t stand ending a book on cliffhangers.
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About the Author
William Brinkman is the creator of the Bolingbrook Babbler web series and the author of the Bolingbrook Babbler Stories series.. He is currently a member of the Freethought Blogsnetwork and has been involved in secular advocacy over the years.
He’s also a former contributor to White Wolf’s Demon: The Fallen series. Additionally, William has also written science fiction works since grade school. As a student at the University of Iowa, William majored in journalism and took as many creative writing classes as his schedule allowed. After graduation, he served as an editor at two alternative publications. These experiences later helped him start the Babbler web series in 1998.
His work has been praised by Bolingbrook residents and within the atheist/skeptical community. William is probably one of the few critics of former Bolingbrook Mayor Roger Claar who didn’t get exiled to Florida.
