Donn’s Hill by Caryn Larrinaga is a psychic mystery with great writing and interesting characters.
Larrinaga did well crafting unique characters with their own voice and personality. In fact, I think the interpersonal relationships are the crux of this story and it’s how our main character, Mackenzie Clair, learns to accept and understand herself.
Read MoreOmer Pasha Latas by Nobel Prize winner Ivo Andrić is set during nineteenth-century Sarajevo, a place where both Muslims and Christians live, harboring uneasy feelings toward one another and resentment for the Ottoman rule.
While I didn’t find a common plot in this story, other than the actions of Omer and his troops, I found the story quite engaging. This book is about characters, rather than plot, which fit perfectly.
Read MoreThe Caprinian Saga: An Anthology of Space Travel, War, and Hope by Melissa Myring is a collection of twenty short stories and four sneak peeks into Caprinian life and culture.
Our story takes place in the year 2026. Caprinians have come to Earth as refugees, living and working alongside humans after the Caprinians’ world was destroyed during war. The humans take them in with open arms, despite their odd appearance, from their height to their protruding head horns (sometimes envied by other Caprinians). Even so, they feel very human to me. They think and feel and struggle, just like humans.
Read MoreNo Strings by Virginia Babcock is an endearing sweet love story with some great character development.
The story tells the tale of two characters who meet for purposes other than for romance. Our female protagonist Emory (who is a complete badass) wants a baby, but she doesn't want to have a relationship to get it. Ten, our male protagonist, happens to be in the right place at the right time. This was a fun and very unique story. I was really pining for the characters, and while the ending was a little more old-fashion for my taste, I still enjoyed it.
Jurassic Park: The Lost World by Michael Crichton was a great read. Often, when I come across a sequel, I’m not that impressed. But Crichton’s knowledge of dinosaurs and advanced storytelling abilities left me wanting more.
Much in the same way that the first Jurassic Park starts, we discover dinosaurs on an island. Unlike the first book, where a park was coming to life, this story is about characters rediscovering the park long-abandoned.
Read MoreBy Elizabeth Suggs
The Liberty Key by author Michael R Goodwin is when a house meets a person. This isn’t so much a paranormal story as it is the house is the living thing.
The story starts when [character name] is searching for a house after dealing with the death of his wife and child. When he finds The Liberty House, it’s much too big for him, but he loves it.
Read MoreLate Night Shots: Intoxicating Mystery & Suspense Stories by Charlotte Valentine with a special extra story by Laura Cation is a collection of four quick, mysterious short stories--perfect for a nice night in.
We start strong with “Ghost Writer,” which centers around Alan, who at one point was a bestselling author, yet as the years passed by and Alan continues to drink more heavily, the words won’t come. Worse than that, Alan’s publisher and agent have grown agitated.
Read MoreThe Stand by Stephen King follows a group of survivors as society collapses from a fatally contagious disease, wiping out nearly all of humanity. Masterfully written, the reader watches as infrastructure crumbles, and humanity is left to fill in the absence of power, for better or worse.
Read MoreEyes of Sleeping Children by D. A. Butcher is nonstop intensity. This story revolves around the Sandman and how he affects a father and husband Louis Lockhart.
The setting and the story are refreshing and kept me guessing. I didn’t expect any of the twists at the end, and each and every one fit perfectly within the universe.
Read MoreScratches by Joshua Marsella is a horror novella about a mother and son who inherit a house after the death of a family member with a violent past.
This story, while horrific with fun horror elements, does touch on what true monsters are out in the world. In a way, it talks about what evil men and women are truly capable in a safe space. We need more stories like this out in the world, detailing the worst of humankind, not to glorify it, but to shed a light on something that should be addressed. This story does that, while maintaining the theme of a fun horror story.
Read MoreGeorge Orwell's novel 1984 tells of a world divided into three different States, all under sovereign and totalitarian rule: Oceania, Eurasia, and Eastasia. The novel focuses on one individual in Oceania (this included the United Kingdom) who goes against society's expectations. This man, Winston, believes there is a brotherhood, one that is the answer—the ultimate defender—to this world. In his process of discovery, he meets a woman named Julia and uncovers more of the world than he had ever thought he could, especially about Big Brother.
Read MoreThe Moonlit Road: A Collection of Short Horror Stories by William Stuart is a horror anthology. Each story has a slow build and an impactful climax.
Each story weighs heavy on meaning, and all could be unpacked a thousand-fold with new avenues of thought and ideas, but they need time.
Read MoreHer Infernal Name & Other Stories is a collection of short horror fiction from the mind of author Robert Ottone.
Each story takes us on a journey on a different sort of nightmare. From one about an Instagram Famous model in “Her Infernal Name” to “Playing God,” each story plays on the nightmares of our modern society.
I like this collection, but I found some of the stories a little predictable or cliche. If that doesn’t bother you, then you’ll get a kick out of these horror stories.
Read MoreThe Shadow of Hades by Paul Williams is a fantasy novel set in a world where practicing magic is possible for those who dare, but it is considered dangerous or evil by many.
The most notable characters are Pam, a drunk singer witch; Blake, someone who can walk between worlds; Alle, a rich witch who loses everything, and twin boys, Carlos and Daniel. Each character is different, with different personalities and different wants and needs.
Read MoreEach story touches on the holiday spirit, from “Candy Cane” about a little girl who puts her bullies on the “naughty list” to “Blessed Silence,” about one character who finds complete silence during the holiday break.
One of my favorite stories is “Blacker than Coal,” where we focus on Santa Claus. He is watching Fox News and complaining about how everyone doesn’t fear Christmas because they can get whatever they want from Amazon.
Read MoreSacrifice’s Incarnate by Christopher M. Fink is a horror short story collection. If you like monsters and psychological horror, then you’re going to like this collection. Each story can be easily read in a single session. In fact, the entire book is a quick, fun read!
Read More25 Gates of Hell: A Horror Anthology by John West et. al. is a horror anthology with twenty-five different horror stories that will lead you closer to the fiery depths of inferno.
If you like scary stories, especially ones with distinctive voices and styles, then this is the anthology for you. I was in awe of the different stories…
Read MoreThe Axion: A Varsian Kingdom Adventure by Jason Hein is a high fantasy stand-alone novel based in the world of Varsia. The characters in this book play important roles in the Varsian Kingdom Series. Hein emphasizes that while the fourth book in the Varsian Kingdom Series is not required reading to understand the story, it may help build the world of the book.
Read MoreClobet Valley by T.G. Sha is a video game and book. Below is my game review!
Read MoreUnkillable Joe by Joe Vallen is what happens when two realities collide, bringing in action with comical writing. This story is about Unkillable Joe, Joe’s “fictional” characters, the narrator, and a frog. If you’re not paying attention, the high-intensity back and forth may get confusing, and while this could be a detriment, I think it worked for this book. We start with the narrator who talks about Joe, a comic book creator and his comic book characters.
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