I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A detective must find a missing boy who is the son of a powerful deity in author Julian M. Coleman’s “Stolen Prophet”, the first book in The Prophet’s Mother series.
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The Synopsis
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Will It Take a MONSTER to Find a Missing Prophet?
Satisfy your supernatural cravings with this intense and urban fantasy thriller from the author of the IAN 2016 Outstanding Paranormal/Supernatural Book of the Year. Right at the beginning of The Prophet’s Mother trilogy, Julian M. Coleman weaves a haunting tale of parental loss, heartbreak, and sacrifice.
Evelyn Adamson isn’t ordinary. She’s a demigoddess pretending an everyday life as a single parent and flower shop owner. Her nine-year-old son Victor is called “prophet” by his classmates, a nickname he hates. Somehow his paranormal ability fails when someone kidnaps him.
Grief-stricken, Evelyn searches for her son during a deceptive blizzard using her supernatural gifts. Soon after, corpses fill up the morgue.
Only one person can find the stolen prophet: the logical and determined Homicide Detective, Harry Kurosawa. But first, he must believe the unexplainable, or more people will die.
The Review
This was such a compelling and gripping dark fantasy and horror tale that perfectly blends unique mythology with haunting crime drama. The imagery in the author’s writing brought both the god-like characters and visceral crime scenes to life for the reader, who felt gritty and immersed, and the action felt fast-paced, adding a good amount of tension to the narrative.
The heart of the story was in the character development and mythos. The infusion of Orisha gods and the human/demigod narrative style was a great balance to the murder and kidnapping investigations involving Harry, and the inclusion of a deadly cult-level threat added untold danger to the protagonist’s story. Yet the heartbreaking realities of the parent-child relationship took center stage throughout much of the story, as the history of Evie’s bloodline and the haunting realities of what it means to gain these god-like powers made this a thrilling and enthralling novel.
The Verdict
Thrilling, haunting, and entertaining, author Julian M. Coleman’s “Stolen Prophet” is a must-read dark fantasy novel and a great entry in this urban fantasy series. The twists and turns the story takes, the gruesome and shocking events that unfold, and the cliffhanger ending make this an inviting and rich series to get lost in. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
I’m a 2016 IAN Paranormal/Supernatural Award Winning author who grew up in Richmond, Virginia. My family was poor, but my imagination was rich. I suffered from bad dreams. I still dream about demons, but now those dreams provide the sauces to my stories.
By day I’m run-of-the-mill analyst grinding out data within a dark blue cubby, but by night I churn out horrific stories based on the demons that haunt me in nightmares.
I am honored to share my recap of this unique and creative take on the classic werewolf story with author Mark Leslie’s “A Canadian Werewolf Series.” This eight book (soon to be nine) series follows a Canadian transplant and author living in New York as he struggles with lycanthropy and his desire to help others in the process. Below you will find the synopsis for each book, as well as my review of the book and links to the full reviews and the books purchase links. I hope you will take the time to read each one carefully and take the plunge yourself to read this series and enjoy it as much as I did. Please enjoy.
A Canadian Werewolf in New York
The Synopsis
ALPHA WOLF. BETA HUMAN. BIG APPLE.
Michael Andrews seems to have it all. He’s a successful author and a minor celebrity living in Manhattan. It’s a pretty big step up from his humble Canadian upbringing.
Of course, his lycanthropy poses a bit of a challenge.
After waking up from his latest night of howling at the moon, he’s naked, he’s got a bullet hole in his leg, and he has a sneaking suspicion he ran into another wolf last night. A wolf that was stomping all over his home turf.
If he’s going to make an evening talk show appearance to promote his latest book, he’ll need to figure out what happened the previous night without letting his occasional heroics sidetrack him. Standing in his way are an agent, an ex-girlfriend, a variety of goons, and a fellow wolf encroaching on his territory.
It’s just another day in the life of a polite, small-town Canadian trying to stay alive in the Big Apple.
A Canadian Werewolf in New York is a humorous thriller about an ordinary man dealing with extraordinary circumstances. If you like seeing an every-man try to “do right” no matter the odds, then you’ll love this suspenseful and comedic tale of a Canadian bumpkin who happens to be part wolf.
My Review
This was a compelling and gripping take on the werewolf genre as a whole. The balance of twist and turns within the narrative, and the humor found in the dialogue, will keep readers on the edge of their seat seats as the story progresses. Michael is a complex and captivating protagonist that readers will not be able to get enough of.
HOW DO YOU KEEP AN INNOCENT CHILD SAFE FROM A PREDATOR WHEN YOU HAVE NO CONTROL OVER THE BEAST THAT ASSUMES CONTROL OF YOU?
A train bound for Vermont leaves Manhattan at 11:35 AM. It takes approximately 9 hours to arrive. Sunset at the arrival destination occurs at 8:20 PM. How does Michael Andrews, a man on that train who is afflicted with a werewolf curse, resolve the fact that the math just doesn’t work out in his favor? Or in favor of the young girl who is trapped, and cornered?
Michael’s unequivocal desire to help usually thrusts him into the middle of tight spots. And though he has never been good at math, he is consistently good at compounding the peril in his day. On an urgent and last minute trip to help a dear friend in need, he finds someone else to help along the way.
Can Michael figure out how he’ll be able to protect his young, innocent traveling companion as she tries to make her own cross-country escape from the predator who relentlessly stalks her? And does this curious child hold her own answers that can, in turn, help Michael?
In a tale that has been described as Logan meets Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Mark Leslie has crafted a thrill-ride that explores Michael Andrews, Alpha Wolf and Beta Human as he embarks on a life-altering road trip that sends him hurtling towards his own psyche as it brings him miles away from his familiar home territory.
My Review
This is such a thrilling and exciting urban fantasy meets horror story that is very character driven. The tension that builds as the protagonist strives to protect this young woman and the constant barrage of obstacles in their path reminds me of the narrative beats of Dean Koontz Odd Thomas series, while also becoming a deep dive into who Michael is as a protagonist and hero and what drives him to take on the task of saving this girl.
If New York is the city that never sleeps, then L.A. is the city where you have to sleep with one eye open.
Michael Andrews learns quickly that it’s not just the cut-throat world of Hollywood you need to fear. There’s something deeper, darker, and far more disturbing lurking just beneath the shadows of the city, waiting for any moment of vulnerability to grab you by the throat.
An extended trip to Los Angeles to be on set for the movie adaptation of his latest novel leads Michael into a twisted and macabre underworld where he becomes entangled with an intriguing, sexy, and mysterious woman. At times she seems just what he needs in order to finally get over the unrequited love of his ex-girlfriend; but at other times, she appears to be the gateway to a Pandora’s box of B-movie nightmares.
Can he trust her? Can he trust himself with her?
Michael’s supernatural wolf-enhanced powers and special abilities might not be enough to survive this particular harsh and gritty jungle and the unique and deadly predators that crawl out of the shadows.
My Review
This was a truly engaging and entertaining read. The author has crafted a unique world full of paranormal creatures and relatable characters. Although I am a newcomer to this series, the author writes in a way that allows each book to stand on its own while creating a new layer to the mythos the author has crafted for this series.
The protagonist is the heart of this story. While many of the side characters add depth to the narrative, the beating heart is Michael’s journey. Balancing his supernatural powers and gifts with the more emotional core of his story, from the heartbreak of his relationship with Gail to meeting the mysterious and alluring Lex as he navigates the dark underbelly of Los Angeles makes his story really shine brightly. Pair this with the underscoring of political themes as a group of hateful domestic terrorists begins attacking the citizens of LA, and you have a fantastic new horror and action thriller.
Not when the Big Apple comes under attack from an infectious worm threatening to rot it, and the entire nation, to the core.
Michael Andrews thought he’d found the perfect woman. A companion whose own powers neutralize his werewolf curse and bring the balance he has always wanted. But his plans on settling down and giving up the vigilante lifestyle are fleeting.
The hatred, the fear, and the monstrous attacks on innocent civilians grow and spread as supernatural monsters roam the city streets at night. The neo-Nazi Proud Fighters for America have already seeped their way across the continent and have nefarious plans for the city that never sleeps.
With Michael’s powers nullified in Lex’s presence, the couple is forced to divide in their attempt to conquer, and Michael turns to his ex-girlfriend’s knowledge of the occult and an ally he thought was his enemy to fight this rising evil.
But will three supernatural humans and one paranormal scholar be enough to vanquish the growing legion of evil?
My Review
This series just keeps getting more and more engaging. The balance of character development with grounded storytelling and rich mythology never ceases to amaze me. The evolution of new and existing paranormal creatures and individuals was great to see here, as was the dive into what it means to be the wolf for Michael, as his love Lex’s gifts keep the wolf from coming out, but at what cost? The exploration of that cost early on was so fascinating to see and shows the duality that comes from werewolf transformations in literature.
I also loved seeing the developing relationships between Michael, Lex, and Gail, as the sparks between Lex and Michael were so prominent but the author didn’t shy away from the complex relationship Michael has with Gail still, and the shared love that still exists there. The exploration of these characters and how they mesh together was so well done, and the author’s emphasis on character growth really elevated the overall narrative of this novel. The dive into the racism and violence our world has seen in recent years and how it impacts the paranormal community as well was such an inspired choice and was the perfect mirror of real-world problems in a paranormal setting.
Michael Andrews, a Canadian living in New York, is learning to live with the side effects of lycanthropy. Other than waking up naked and bloody in Central Park once a month, he’s managing just fine. If only he could finish the book he’s supposed to be writing. If only he could find someone he trusted enough to tell the truth to.
Gail Sommers may not have her love life in order, but at least she’s smart about things that really matter. She runs the coolest occult shop in the city, and is a pre-eminent scholar of the occult. She’s made a vow of celibacy so that she can spend this year focusing on her work and her self-care. She’s even been hired to help out a very famous and very sexy horror author.
As a new era in the Canadian Werewolf saga begins, Lover’s Moon flashes back to the romantic and comedic story of how Michael and Gail met and fell in love back in the summer of 2011. Told through both Michael and Gail’s unique perspectives, it also explores Gail’s past, introduces new characters, and reveals some of the deeper secrets of both of their lives.
A special Canadian Werewolf tale co-authored by Mark Leslie and contemporary romance author Julie Strauss.
My Review
This was such a fun surprise in a very heavily paranormal thriller and romance series. The authors did an amazing job taking readers deeper into the romance aspect of this narrative than ever before, with the story serving both as a prequel to the main story and evolution of these two characters in the modern day of the main series narrative. The passion and humor that is infused into this narrative is both a great tribute to the character development of novels in the series that came before and a great departure from the more action and paranormal-driven narratives fans have gotten used to over the years.
What really made this story unique was the character development between these two characters. The raw emotions and the way the authors gave each of the protagonists their own unique perspective on their relationships both past and present felt both relatable and heartfelt to the reader. The mixture of desire, passion, and heat with the secret lives that initially drives a wedge between them and the hurdles they have to overcome individually to finally find their way back to one another made this story such a compelling read.
Michael Andrews and Gail Sommers have finally found the love that had eluded them for so long.
But their romance has uncovered an ancient evil curse neither of them could have anticipated. It does more than bring down a plague on their houses – it unleashes something far more sinister that can destroy humanity.
Now they must choose: battle the evil forces out to destroy them, or continue to meet in secret while the rest of the world burns.
If you like thrilling action, paranormal adventure, and quirky humor, you’ll love Hex and the City. Read it today!
Though this is book six in a series, it can be enjoyed as a stand alone novel. A “the story so far” summary is available for readers.
My Review
This was a captivating and emotional read. The authors did an incredible job of creating a novel that stands on its own two feet while also paying homage to the wild entries in the series that came before. The action and magical suspense that the narrative delves into with the curse and the impact it begins having on the world around them brought the reader into the fantasy and paranormal thriller elements that this series has become known for.
For me, the heart of this narrative rested in the balance of mythos, romance, and world-building. The shock and awe that comes with this prophecy revelation hit the main characters immediately, and the shocking way it connects the events of the rest of the series made this story really flow. The heartbreaking reality of their circumstances made both Michael and Gail’s journey so emotional and kept the reader invested as the stakes got higher and higher. Getting to learn more about Gail’s family and connection to the paranormal world was fantastic to watch come to fruition.
WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG WHEN A WEREWOLF NEEDS THERAPY?
Michael Andrews has suffered the slings and arrows of his outrageous fortune while living with lycanthropy. But the blackouts from when he transforms into a wolf and the latest loss of his one true love have finally pushed him over the edge.
In desperation, he checks into a secret and remote retreat in upstate New York to undergo group therapy with a motley crew of other Paranormals.
When their therapist is found dead—apparently the victim of a brutal murder—Michael and the other supernatural misfits (a studious fairy, a vegan vampire, a shy mermaid, a clingy werecat, and an extroverted troll) look at one other as suspects.
Will his years of writing mystery novels be enough to help him through a case where he may be the one who is responsible for Dr. Laurier’s condition?
Only Monsters in the Building is a humorous and mysterious adventure that will keep you laughing on the edge of your seat.
This book can be enjoyed as a stand alone but is the seventh book in the continuing Canadian Werewolf series.
My Review
I loved this masterful approach to the murder mystery narrative. The supernatural retreat is a fun setting, delving into the humor found often in creative retreats for those who become stuck in their lives. The balance of mystery and action is a great juxtaposition to the self reflection that the protagonist undergoes to reflect on the heartache and doubt they are experiencing in this point of their journey.
He came to New York as a writer with a dream. What he became was something out of a nightmare.
It’s the summer of 2003, and twenty-two-year-old Michael Andrews has finally escaped his small Ontario mining town for the city of his Spider-Man daydreams. But a wolf attack on a lonely highway changes everything. Now he’s navigating Manhattan with powerfully sharp senses well beyond normal human limits, a transformation he can’t control, and a beautiful woman he’s terrified to let close.
By day, Michael shelves books in a Greenwich Village shop, using his uncanny ability to read emotions to connect with customers. Those same abilities have given this previously undateable book nerd an unexpected confidence—enough to win the attention of Rachel, an aspiring actress whose kindness draws him in.
But when the full moon rises, he loses himself to his alter-ego: a six-foot grey wolf. Haunted by guilt and longing for connection, Michael must decide whether his curse will define him—or if he can transform it into something more.
Some curses can’t be outrun. The only question is what you do when they catch up.
This origin story of the Canadian Werewolf series is told through “current day” 2017 bookends of a prologue and epilogue timeline that follow immediately after Only Monsters in the Building.
My Review
After so many amazing adventures with Michael it was a great read to see how this protagonist became the hero and success he became. The self discovery and newness that comes with discovering his abilities and the haunting nature of his transformations are greatly felt in this novel. Getting to explore his relationships with the supporting cast of characters and how their bonds formed was a great service to fans of this incredible series.
Now enjoy this preview of this year’s upcoming release, A Canadian Werewolf in London, Ontario, the ninth book in the series.
The Synopsis
BABY, YOU WERE BORN THIS WAY!
What if everything you believed about yourself was a lie?
Michael Andrews has spent fourteen years believing a roadside attack made him a werewolf. He was wrong.
Armed with the truth that he was born a lycanthrope, Michael must journey back to his Canadian roots. Accompanied by Ellie, the faerie whose soul is inexplicably bound to his, the quest takes them from the nickel mines of Sudbury, to the steel city of Hamilton, and to the university town of London, Ontario.
Along the way, Michael uncovers a trail of secrets, long-buried family connections, and an unexpected reunion with Bridget Wells, now thriving at Western University. But the deeper he digs, the closer he gets to a childhood memory so horrifying that his young mind buried it along with his wolf nature.
The answers he seeks may be more monstrous than anything he’s faced in the concrete canyons of New York or the jungle of Los Angeles. Because the one monster Michael has never been able to face is himself.
This is a fun, exhilarating, humorous and entertaining supernatural urban fantasy series that readers will be enthralled with. The dynamic and relatable characters and the twists on the genre, as well as the powerful mythos and compelling world that this story inhabits is a thrill ride that readers will be eager to return to time and time again. If you haven’t yet, check out the series for yourself today!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Death’s Intern must avert the apocalypse and all-out war without sacrificing the life of a friend in author D.C. Gomez’s “Judgement Day”, the fifth book in the Intern Diaries series.
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The Synopsis
Kidnapping, attacks, and the Horsemen want pay-back. Beware world…people will die.
What would you do for your family?
For Bartholomew, I would give up my soul.
If they harm him, I will doom the world.
We are in the middle of war. We have been betrayed. The enemy is coming at us from everywhere, and our fearless leaders’ solution is to start the apocalypse and destroy humanity. Too bad that would probably kill Bart as well.
Why is it up to me to come up with a solution to this mess? I’m not even the oldest of Death’s Interns. Bartholomew, hang in there, we are coming!
* Judgement Day is the final book in the Intern Dairies Series. This action-packed urban fantasy series will take you on a journey that will leave you holding onto your seats. Life and death decisions should never be made when you are mad at the world. Somebody should tell the Horsemen that.
The Review
This is the most visceral and gripping narrative of the Intern Diaries series to date. The world building and mythos are well developed as always in this book, and the balance of action and fun and quirky dialogue kept the reader invested as the story progressed.
The characters and their connection to one another remains the heart of this series. The protagonist’s evolution as a character has been the most prominent, seeing her come into this leadership role and her unique relationship with Death itself as those boundaries between intern and boss are pushed to the limits was something to read, and the lengths she was willing to go to in order to save the life of Bartholomew was the emotional crux of this narrative. The depths of the supernatural world and the wider impact on the small town they call home was grown and evolved to all new heights this time around, and kept the reader on the edge of their seats.
The Verdict
Memorable, enthralling, and compelling, author D.C. Gomez’s “Judgement Day” is a masterpiece urban fantasy read and a great chapter in the Intern Diaries universe. The shocking twists and turns the story takes, the evolution of the characters and open-ended way their journeys leave off, and the dynamics of this paranormal world will keep readers eager to return to the series once that final page flips. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
D. C. Gomez, is a fast-talking extra-quirky Dominican with a dark sense of humor.
She used to enjoy long walks at the park and all that fun outdoors activities; unfortunately, due to a mysterious condition she is now allergic to the sun.
Rumor has it, that her true nature is coming out and her vampirism is now showing. While hiding from the sun, she is busy writing action packed adventures full of quirky characters and zany plots. As well as hosting her podcast, Inside the Minds of Authors.
If you would like to learn more about her, or join her at an event, check out her website. We promise she doesn’t bite (much…).
A new Urban Fantasy Adventure by USA Today Bestselling Author DC Gomez
What’s the worst way to spend a weekend with your quirky, magical team?
A team-building retreat, of course.
When Constantine drags the crew to Hochatown, OK, for some “bonding,” no one’s thrilled. Bob’s only focus is the bake-off, which is already shaping up to be a recipe for disaster. But when a group of thieves launches a high-stakes heist in the middle of their supposed downtime, things go south faster than you can say “sugar plums.”
Now, it’s not just about surviving each other’s company—it’s about surviving in a town where the dead have a nasty habit of showing up, and everyone has a secret. Between eccentric family reunions, a string of bodies dropping like flies, and a magical showdown that’s anything but ordinary, the team will have to navigate the chaos or risk becoming part of the mess themselves.
In this hilarious, fast-paced urban fantasy adventure, Sugar Plums and Death’s Intern proves that sometimes, the real danger comes from the family you never asked for—and the enemies you never saw coming.
Sugar Plums and Death’s Intern is book nine in The Enchanted Woods Cottagecore Series. This book is set in the Reapers Universe. A stand-alone misadventure from the Intern Diaries. You don’t need the full files to survive this story. If you enjoy Supernatural and True Blood, the crew of Sugar Plums and Death’s Intern will keep you turning pages while wishing you were in your own cottage sipping tea.
Winner of an Honorable Mention in the Writer’s Digest 26th Annual Self Published Book Awards in the fiction category. “This fresh and intriguing plot offers a workaday waitress against Death incarnate, only with a sardonic sense of humor. The first person narration gives the reader limited insight into the protagonist as we follow her journey into a world where Death (also a female) is more interested in souls than last breaths. The concept is clever since it offers the tension of an actual soul-napping competitor to Death for the souls of those just-dead folks.” Judge, 26th Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards.
About D.C.
D. C. Gomez is an award-winning USA Today Bestselling Author, podcaster, motivational speaker, and coach. Born in the Dominican Republic, she grew up in Salem, Massachusetts. D. C. studied film and television at New York University. After college she joined the US Army, and proudly served for four years.
D. C. has a Master’s Degree in Science Administration from the Central Michigan University, as well as a Master in Adult Education from Texas A&M- Texarkana University. She is a certified John Maxwell Team speaker and coach, and a certified meditation instructor from the Chopra Center.
One of D. C. passions is helping those around her overcome their self-limiting beliefs. She writes both non-fiction and fiction books, ranging from Urban Fantasy to Children’s Books. To learn more about her books and her passion, you can find her at www.dcgomez-author.com.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young woman finds work as an administrative assistant for an agency that places goblins and trolls in the book “The Night Girl” by James Bow.
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The Synopsis
Perpetua Collins works for a real troll.
Well, technically a goblin, and it’s not as bad as it sounds. As the administrative assistant, she provides a “human” face for an employment agency specializing in placements for goblins and trolls. It’s probably the most unusual job she could find in Toronto, but she’s grateful for it, having come to the city with $500 in her pocket and no support. Without it, she’d have no choice but to go back to the boring small town and overbearing mother she worked so hard to leave.
But as Perpetua settles into her new job, disturbing questions arise. And no, they’re not about the fact that goblins and trolls exist. She’s fine with that part. What bothers her is that the agency has no visible means of support. How does her boss manage to keep his “clients” out of the public eye? They’ve been part of the city far longer than anyone thinks, and are growing restless under the burden of forced invisibility and financial poverty.
What will happen if the veil drops, and humans see?
The Review
This was such a unique and engaging fantasy read. The setting of Toronto became just as much a character as the rest of the characters in this book; its unique sights and sounds were captured in the detailed, beautiful imagery the author poured into their writing. The world-building in this novel was top-notch, giving readers an incredible blend of the Toronto scene and the otherworldly, mythical creatures that inhabit it, all in the author’s unique story.
The heart of this narrative lay in its character development and strong themes. The protagonist, Perpetua, is a strong lead who embodies the hopeful spark many try to hold onto as they venture into a new phase of their life, while also maintaining the strength to face the unknown without losing herself in the process. Identity becomes central to this narrative, not only for her but also for the clients she works with, as they seek steady work and acceptance. The commentary on inequality and social class structures was spot-on and fit well with this fantasy-driven narrative. Perpetua’s connection with Fergus is a strong hook that will keep readers invested.
The Verdict
Memorable, thoughtful, and entertaining, author James Bow’s “The Night Girl” is a must-read fantasy-driven novel. The story has a splash of everything, from a big battle that brings the action and adventure to the narrative, humor in the author’s dialogue, and a hint of romance as well for the protagonist, as the world-building and strong narrative create a world that readers will want to get lost in time and time again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
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I was born in downtown Toronto on April 19, 1972 and lived there until my folks moved up to Kitchener in 1991 so I could attend the University of Waterloo. I’ve lived in Kitchener ever since. I’ve been trained as an urban planner, and I’ve worked as a database manager, web designer, circulation manager, administrative assistant, layout designer and office manager. The one consistent thing about my varied academic and professional career has been a love of writing.
I love to write and I love to read. I especially love to write and read stories set in the young adult years when everything seems big and wonderful (and sometimes frustrating and frightening) and where the greatest achievement is growing up and conquering yourself. This has been a consistent element of a number of my fiction books.
To learn more about me and my writing, please visit my website:
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A former witch finds herself fighting for her life when deadly warlock magic is forced upon her in author JP McLean’s “The Never Witch.”
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The Synopsis
In her witch’s blood, a warlock’s power awakens . . . and it could destroy her.
Adeline Thorne was born to a witch. But when the magic that should have been her birthright never came, rage and humiliation drove her into a reckless rebellion. She lost everything: her coven, her pride, and her marriage.
Years later, she’s built a quiet life in the Pacific Northwest, distant from all things magic. She’s a portrait painter, a big sister, loving aunt, and ex-wife. And that was enough. It had to be.
Until a convicted warlock, desperate to escape his fate, forces his magic into her. But warlock magic is lethal to witches, a slow death. As the power manifests, Adeline knows she’s running out of time. With no other option, she turns to the last person she ever wanted to face again: the priestess who exiled her. A woman she despises.
But the priestess’s help comes at a price. Assigned to protect her is Luke Churchwell, a brooding runecaster with his own secrets—secrets that tie him to the warlock who cursed her. The deeper Adeline is pulled into the coven’s hunt for the rogue warlock, the more she realizes her greatest threat may not be the magic inside her… but the man assigned to guard her.
If you love the dark magic of Rachel Griffin, the sharp dialogue of V.E. Schwab, and the emotional landscapes of Alix E. Harrow, you’ll be spellbound by The Never Witch.
The Review
This was such a gripping and compelling urban fantasy meets occult suspense novel. The author did an incredible job of crafting a world set in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, and yet still felt otherworldly and cultivated in its own separate world. The author’s carefully curated use of imagery in the writing style of this book really brought each scene to life so eloquently, such as scenes in which the protagonist found herself being tested for this newly forced upon warlock power that quickly took an explosive turn.
Immediately, this book set itself apart with a nice balance of rich mythos and character development. The politics and tension that the author built both amongst the witches and warlocks and within their own individual ranks were thrilling to read, keeping readers on the edge of their seats on who they could trust. The bond between Adeline and Sarah as sisters is powerful, and the chemistry she develops with warlock Luke, as well as the return of an old flame, adds a bit of romance and will-they, won’t-they moments for the characters as the narrative develops without sacrificing the main plot.
The Verdict
Action-packed, thrilling, and entertaining, author JP McLean’s “The Never Witch” is a must-read occult suspense and urban fantasy read. The first in what is hopefully a great new series, the book brings a unique spin on the contentious history between witches and warlocks, as well as their own unique approaches to magic, and the dynamic character development and multiple POVs will keep readers heavily invested in this fantastic author’s latest fantasy series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
JP (Jo-Anne) McLean is a bestselling author of urban fantasy and supernatural thrillers. She is an Eric Hoffer Award winner and was a finalist in the Wishing Shelf Book Awards, the Chanticleer International Book Awards, and the Independent Author Network Awards. She is a B.R.A.G. medallion honouree and a three-time Literary Titan award winner. Reviewers call her books addictive, smart and fun.
JP holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business, is a certified scuba diver, an exploratory chef, and an avid gardener.
Raised in Toronto, Ontario, JP now lives with her husband on Denman Island, which is nestled between the coast of British Columbia and Vancouver Island. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her cooking dishes that look nothing like the recipe photos or arguing with weeds in the garden.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A magic-wielding hero must overcome his inner demons in order to stop a rising, ancient evil in author Brent A. Philips’s “Kahuna: Vol.1 – Tampa Bay”.
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The Synopsis
Vox Montague is no stranger to waking up hungover and naked. As the Kahuna of Tampa Bay, he juggles his role as a supernatural peacekeeper with drunken strip club shenanigans, money woes, and a relationship with his witch-babe of a girlfriend that requires even more patching than the pipes he works on at his plumbing company.
When an ancient evil resurfaces, it couldn’t have come at a worse time. Vox’s new powers are wonky, his emotions are on edge, and his Kahuna Council bosses are breathing down his neck. As the stakes ratchet up, can this impetuous magic-wielder conquer his inner demons so that he can protect Earth from the murderous, real-life ones?
With spectacular world-building, delicious raunch, and LMAO humor, if you like in-your-face action, epic quests, and flawed heroes, then you’ll love Brent A. Phillips’s tyrannosaurus-size urban fantasy.
The Review
This was one of the more mature, raunchy, action-packed fantasy reads. The balance of humor and grit that the author was able to infuse into the story and the descriptive nature of the writing style allowed the reader to feel engaged with this cast of characters right from the start. The way the author can weave together the magical side of this story with the real-world human elements makes this feel like a plausible and honest depiction of the world the author has crafted.
The heart of this story rests in the world-building, mythos, and character development. Immediately, what stood out was the protagonist, for Vox is a truly flawed hero. The magical nature of his work and the role he takes in this story meld with the realism of his character. The issues he faces as a person and in his personal relationships speak to the authenticity of this individual and make his heroics more profound when his character grows.
The Verdict
Thrilling, engaging, and memorable author Brent A. Philips’s “Kahuna: Vol 1—Tampa Bay” is a must-read urban fantasy. The humor, mythology, and action balance out the realistic character development, making this a compelling and gripping story with a shocking series of twists and turns that will keep readers 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
Brent A. Phillips is a Marketing AI Scientist, foodie, possum admirer, and Miami Hurricanes fan. He lives wherever his fifth wheel happens to be.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Death’s Intern must help keep the peace between vampires and elves during a tense negotiation as the threat of war looms over them all in author D.C. Gomez’s “Forbidden War,” the third book in The Intern Diaries series.
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The Synopsis
A trip to hell. Angry Vampires. Seductive Elves. Oh my!
Do I honestly look like a mediator?
Let’s be honest. I can barely keep the peace between the boys, and they like each other.
Why would Death agree to send us to supervise a peace negotiation between vampires and elves, just because her egotistical brother, War, doesn’t want to do it?
We don’t even like vampires. If Constantine is correct, we barely tolerate each other due to our own messy peace negotiations. To make my life even more complicated, even my Godmother has a secret.
This is a huge catastrophe waiting to explode. Three days to find a princess or Texarkana becomes the site for WWIII. I really need a raise.
* Forbidden War is book three in the Urban Fantasy series The Intern Diaries. The stakes are higher for Isis Black as she meets another of Death’s siblings. The manipulative War is at it again, and dumping one giant mess on Isis and her friends.
***This is a stand-alone novel, or it can be read in sequence.
The Review
This is another fantastic entry into this phenomenal urban fantasy series. The author does an incredible job of further exploring the paranormal mythos of the characters’ world. The thing that always brings a bright spot to the story itself is the exploration of the Horsemen mythos, the relationship and differences between Death and her siblings, and how it impacts the paranormal world.
The blend of humor in the characters’ dialogue and character development made this story shine. The witty banter between Isis and the other characters felt like the same charming humor found in shows like Supernatural back in the day. Exploring the relationship vampires have with other members of the paranormal community was mesmerizing to see come to life on the page.
The Verdict
Memorable, high-octane, and hilariously adventurous author D.C. Gomez’s “Forbidden War” is a must-read urban fantasy. The exploration of how Death’s Interns work with the interns of other Horsemen and the way this book built upon the stories told in previous books while also working well as a standalone novel made this one book you won’t want to put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
D. C. Gomez, is a fast-talking extra-quirky Dominican with a dark sense of humor.
She used to enjoy long walks at the park and all that fun outdoors activities; unfortunately, due to a mysterious condition she is now allergic to the sun.
Rumor has it, that her true nature is coming out and her vampirism is now showing. While hiding from the sun, she is busy writing action packed adventures full of quirky characters and zany plots. As well as hosting her podcast, Inside the Minds of Authors.
If you would like to learn more about her, or join her at an event, check out her website. We promise she doesn’t bite (much…).
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young woman embracing her growing powers must find a way to battle her destiny in author K.T. Anglehart’s “The Twin Flame”, the second book in the Scottish Scrolls series.
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The Synopsis
Mckenna O’Dwyer knows she’s impulsive. Sometimes reckless. She also knows she’s a witch and keeps reincarnating as one, for reasons only her mother, Abby, can help her fully understand.
After weeks of searching, mother and daughter finally reunite—just as Elizabeth Dunlop’s prophecy states—and Abby is keen on helping Mckenna get a firm grasp on her abilities. She teaches her the proper way to channel elemental magic…but Mckenna soon discovers there’s a shortcut, something Cillian fully supports if it means getting quicker, more powerful results.
At first, Mckenna will do anything to thwart the High Priestess once and for all, before her powers are used to wipe out billions of souls. But the white horse Eachna’s devastating vision of Mother Nature continues to haunt her. Is that the future awaiting them if the Scottish Scrolls aren’t fulfilled?
Which is the lesser evil?
Enthralling, passionate, and with twists you won’t see coming, Mckenna’s magical education begins in book II of The Scottish Scrolls.
The Review
The author has recaptured what made book one in the Scottish Scrolls series so beloved and upped the ante with more action and magic than ever before. While book one laid the foundation for this series, book two fully explores the larger magical and mythical universe and the protagonist’s growing powers.
The vivid detail that went into the story, as well as the character dynamics and the fast-paced atmosphere, allowed for, at times, a harrowing yet compelling narrative. The thoughtful and creative approach to Celtic history and mythology was perfectly crafted. It was also great to see the back and forth of the protagonist and her mother in their growing relationship.
The Verdict
Harrowing, adventurous, and mythological author K.T. Anglehart’s “The Twin Flame” is a must-read YA urban fantasy with a twist on supernatural storytelling. The stunning atmosphere captures the love so many have for the Celtic people’s history, culture, and mythos, and the twists in the story will keep readers breathless. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Katrina Tortorici Anglehart is an award-winning author from Montreal, with a multilingual prowess in English, French, Italian, and “Spanglish”. A dedicated academic, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, a graduate certificate in Scriptwriting, and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing.
Inspired by the wizarding world, the land of Narnia, and parallel planes, she penned The Wise One, inviting readers to connect with nature and its ever-present magic. Her exploration of the landscapes and folklore of Ireland and Scotland greatly influenced her debut YA urban fantasy, marking the inception of The Scottish Scrolls series.
K.T. Anglehart is a passionate advocate for bunnies, thanks to her late Netherland Dwarf, Magic—the inspiration behind her imprint, The Magic Dwarf Press. When she’s not writing or diving into magical reads, she revels in hiking, antiquing, and Netflix binges alongside her high school-sweetheart-turned-husband, Andy. They currently live in Toronto with their three pets: Nessie, a mysterious rescue dog from Puerto Rico, and their whimsical bunnies, Onyx and Stirling.
