Moonflower: Vampires of Los Angeles Heather Ewen-Foster
Publication date: November 7th 2023
Genres: Adult, Urban Fantasy
Sonia, a 250-year-old Australian vampire, thought she had found peace in the quiet neighborhood of Whitley Heights, Hollywood. But when a mysterious creature starts slaughtering young vampires, Sonia is thrust into a deadly game of cat and mouse.
With her friend Sunny targeted by an ancient monster, Sonia must uncover the truth behind these brutal attacks. Desperate to save her friend and end the bloodshed, Sonia navigates the treacherous politics of the vampire world. Along the way, she finds herself torn between her irresistible attraction to Alex, the enigmatic human journalist helping in her investigation, and her deep bond with sexy and charismatic Sunny, Alpha Vampire extraordinaire.
As the sinister plot unravels, Sonia’s race against time becomes a pulse-pounding battle against an impossibly powerful foe. Will she uncover the truth before more lives are lost? And what sacrifices will she have to make to protect those she loves?
Moon Flower is a spellbinding urban fantasy that will leave you breathless. Heather Ewen-Foster’s suspenseful tale immerses you in a world of danger, romance, and mythical creatures. Get ready for an electrifying adventure that will keep you turning the pages late into the night.
The main reason I found this book intriguing is the 250 year old Australian vampire. And to be honest, her backstory is the most engaging bit of this novel. After that, it’s the action-packed finale; this was a lot of fun.
As far a characters go, Sonia is okay as FMC but it’s really Sunny that shone through. He’s just adorably charming (as he’s supposed to be lol). Again, Sonia’s backstory and who her maker is amused me to no end. Full disclosure, I am living in his land and knowing his history, I think I understand why the author chose this particular historical personage.
The other bits I found a little less engaging although I did feel like the author tried to emulate Anne Rice’s vampire series. It wasn’t as dark as these vamps do come out during the day and they are also quite different systemically. I found these bits really interesting too. Moon Flower was a fairly fast read despite the info dump which by the end of the book, you don’t really mind anymore.
My thanks to Xpressobooktours for including me on this tour and providing an ecopy of book via NetGalley in exchange of my honest thoughts
Veils and Vampires CEE BEE (Vampires of the Daemonverse, #2) Publication date: October 14th 2023 Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance
***By popular demand! New launch date of Fall 2023 across all retailers!***
Highlander meets Twilight with a dash of Fifty Shades of Grey in this vampire romantasy…
Caelin MacGregor is an ancient king with a new love.
Ages ago, I ruled a clan of vampire raiders. We were allies to the Vikings and enemies of the Rus. That life ended when the bloodkin plague wiped out all our women, including my beloved vampire bride, Elisava. A thousand years have passed. My heart remains empty. Then I see a human woman named Lexa. For the first time in ages, I feel true desire, respect and love. Could Lexa actually be a lost bloodkin lady … or is she a horrible trick from Pyri, the ancient fire goddess of the Rus raiders?
Lexa Uznetsov has a plan.
To save my sister, Sash, I took on my father’s debt to Konstantin the Rus, leader of the New York Bratva. As a result, my life became a never-ending (and incredibly illegal) stakeout for the mob. After years of scheming, I’ve finally come up with a solid escape plan: find all three pieces of the infamous Veil Pendant. Once I reassemble this magical item, I’ll have the power to cure my sister … as well as the ability to say buh-bye to Konstantin. Sure, legends warn that reforming the Veil Pendant may bring about some nastiness called Pyri’s doomsday. Yet if it saves Sash, I’m willing to risk anything.
“Veils and Vampires is amazing! It has action and adventure and a little spicy. Enough that it makes you drool and want more. Honestly a totally different take on modern day vampire soulmates. I devoured this book in one sitting.” – Teresa, Goodreads
Vampires of the Daemonverse
1. Violins and Vampires
2. Veils and Vampires
3. Vixens and Vampires
4. Valor and Vampires
Author Christina “CEE BEE” Bauer has sold more than 1M copies across her 45+ epic fantasy books for young adults. She’s recorded (and narrated) eight of her books into audiobooks, as well as led the translation of her novels into four different languages. USA Today has called her work “must-read paranormal fantasy.” Bauer is an autism advocate and quirky loudmouth whose writing style really isn’t for everyone. But if you like stories with complex worlds inhabited by chicks who kick ass and take names, then read on!
Christina lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby. She loves to connect with her fans at ChristinaBauerAuthor.com.
Be the first to know about new releases from Christina by signing up for her newsletter: http://tinyurl.com/CBupdates
Firstly, I just love these covers. They remind of tarot cards and gorgeous ones at that. I’m not into tarot cards as such but I do love the art. This series are fast easy reads because you just have to keep going to find out what’s happening next especially with the slow burn!
The novel is told from 2 POVs (Caelin and Lexa) and at times, overlaps in time and/or incident but with their own thoughts which could be repetitive but there wasn’t that many and was handled quite well that I didn’t mind it so much. I love fated lovers trope and as this one reaches across the ages, I’m even more in love with this pair.
My only complaint was that the spice happened a little too quick for me lol. I am left wanting ;p
My thanks to Xpressobooktours for including me on this tour and providing an ecopy of book via NetGalley in exchange of my honest thoughts
Of Light and Shadow Tanaz Bhathena Publication date: May 23rd 2023 Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult
When they don’t give us our birthright, we steal it.
Roshan Chaya is out for justice. Abandoned by her parents at birth and adopted by the kingdom of Jwala’s most notorious bandit before his brutal murder, she is now leader of the Shadow Clan, a gang of farmers-turned-bandits impoverished by the provincial governor’s atrocities and corruption. Roshan’s goal: to avenge her adoptive father and earn back rights and dignity for her people.
Prince Navin has always felt like an outcast. Second in line for the throne, he has never been close to his grandmother, Queen Bhairavi of Jwala. When a night out drinking with friends leads to his capture by the infamous Shadow Clan, Navin schemes to befriend Roshan and use her as a means to escape. His ploy, however, brings Navin closer to the corruption and poverty at the heart of Roshan’s province, raising questions about its governor and Navin’s own family.
To further complicate things, the closer Roshan and Navin get, the harder it becomes to fight their growing attraction. But how can they trust each other when the world as they know it starts to fall apart?
Set in a magical world inspired by the badlands of 17th century India, this standalone epic fantasy novel by Tanaz Bhathena is packed with political tensions, dangerous schemes, and swoon-worthy romance that asks the age old question: can love conquer all?
Tanaz Bhathena is an award-winning Zoroastrian author of contemporary and fantasy fiction. Her books include Of Light and Shadow, Hunted by the Sky which won the Ontario Library Association’s White Pine Award and the Bapsi Sidhwa Literary Prize, and The Beauty of the Moment which won the Nautilus Award for Young Adult Fiction. Her acclaimed debut, A Girl Like That, was named a Best Book of the Year by numerous outlets including The Globe and Mail, Seventeen, and The Times of India. Born in India and raised in Saudi Arabia and Canada, Tanaz lives in Mississauga, Ontario, with her family.
The novel opens with immediate action followed by somewhat comedic appearance of the prince. I knew straight away that this was going to be quite fun to read and possibly in one sitting. This didn’t quite happen because… kids! I did finish real quick though because I just needed to.
Told from dual perspectives of Roshan Chaya and Prince Navin, there were sparks though cautiously dampened by their circumstances. I admire Roshan for her strength and courage but I love that Navin learnt and developed so much through the novel and despite the magical assistance, the somewhat realistic ending with legal system and politics.
I love the setting and the magical system and wish there could be more. This is noted as a standalone but maybe we’ll meet other characters from the same universe?
Tattoo of Crimson Sarah Chislon
(Blood of the Fae, #1)
Publication date: January 17th 2023
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Mystery
Society, suitors, and…serial murders?
As much as she desires to please her family, gently-bred herbalist Jessa Caldwell has no intention of making a suitable match—not when she’s seeking the truth about the taint of the fae that lies within her. If she’s to escape the madness brought on by fae-touch, she must devote her energies to seeking a cure.
But then mysterious tattoos begin to appear on the citizens of Avons. None recall receiving these harbingers of death, but all die at the hand of an untraceable killer days or weeks after being marked.
When the tattoo appears on her beloved mentor, Jessa seeks the Magistry with information on the case—yet they refuse to consider her findings, so she must risk both social censure and her own safety to hunt for the killer herself.
Her one possible ally represents her greatest fear—the encroaching Otherworld consuming her mind—and may well undo all her efforts to control her fae-touch. Yet if she forsakes the offered aid, the killer will go free.
Something sinister stalks the streets of her city, and she must decide…how far will she go to stop the killing?
Tattoo of Crimson, a gaslamp fantasy novel, is the first book in the Blood of the Fae series. If you like quick-minded heroines who solve cases with logic and intuition, beautiful yet deadly fae, and Otherworldly intrigues, then you’ll love this mystery set in a world of manners and mythical monsters.
Sarah Chislon lives in Virginia with her husband and three daughters. When she’s not writing, she’s homeschooling her children and running a web development business with her husband. As an avid reader and a lifelong story-weaver, she delights in creating fantastic worlds and exploring them alongside her characters.
To find out more about her, visit sarahchislon.com.
Gosh, I just love that beautiful cover! I’m not a big fan of the fae in novels but I couldn’t help myself with this one. The premise itself hints at more of a mystery in a fantasy world so I thought this could be something I’d like.
Jessa Caldwell is an easily likeable character though parts of her is a mystery and still a mystery at the end of the book – I’m keen to explore this in the next book in the series. The novel is more like a murder mystery in a fantasy world though similar enough world to ours but with magic and magical creatures. There were some rather dark scenes but overall, it was a fairly easy and engaging read. The only complaint I had was the lack of romance or maybe it was just sooo slow burning that I can barely feel it. Nevertheless, looking forward to book 2 to explore more of this world!
Another Christmas From Hell R.L. Mathewson (Neighbor from Hell, #13) Publication date: November 4th 2022 Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance
The last thing that he wanted was to fall in love with his brother’s best friend.
From New York Time’s bestselling author R.L. Mathewson comes the next installment in the disturbingly funny romantic comedy series, Neighbor from Hell.
It was time to move on.
Granted, Cayley would have preferred to wait until after Christmas, but with her best friend somehow managing to get her fired and evicted in the same day, she had no choice but to move into the apartment across from the man that really didn’t seem happy to see her.
That was fine.
More than fine because if she could handle her best friend making her life a living hell and an ex-fiancé that was determined to get her back, then she could handle the man that was willing to do whatever it took to let the past destroy them both.
He couldn’t believe this was happening again.
For years, Bryce had been going out of his way to avoid Cayley, hoping that she would finally move on, but now that she was back, he realized that he no longer had a choice.
He was going to have to break her heart.
At least that was the plan until the little brat turned the tables on him, making him wonder how much longer he was going to be able to lie to himself even as one thing became painfully clear…
New York Times Bestselling author, R.L. Mathewson was born in Massachusetts. She’s known for her humor, quick wit and ability to write relatable characters. She currently has several paranormal and contemporary romance series published including the Neighbor from Hell series.
Growing up, R.L. Mathewson was a painfully shy bookworm. After high school she attended college, worked as a bellhop, fast food cook, and a museum worker until she decided to take an EMT course. Working as an EMT helped her get over her shyness as well as left her with some fond memories and some rather disturbing ones that from time to time show up in one of her books.
Today, R.L. Mathewson is the single mother of two children that keep her on her toes. She has a bit of a romance novel addiction as well as a major hot chocolate addiction and on a perfect day, she combines the two.
If you’d like more information about this series or any other series by R.L. Mathewson, please visit http://www.Rlmathewson.com
I haven’t read any book in the series and jumped straight into this 13th book!! 🙊
So, I feel that I was missing out on quite a few things like backgrounds on some characters which may explain certain bits in the book which I found puzzling. And I probably will feel a little more invested in the book and this pair of lovebirds. I was also a little bit confused about Cayley (she seems to mutter a lot?! this could’ve been my mistaken impression but that’s what it felt like and also, how she put up with Sean’s abuse of her!) and Sean (who is supposedly Cayley’s BFF but seriously, I’d have gotten a restraining order against him even if it’s unlikely to do any good). As I mentioned, I reckon if I’ve read earlier books, I may have known better…
It was really the BFF’s brother trope that got me but at the beginning, it felt more like enemy to lovers trope. Denials Galore! It turned over quite sweetly and while not quite smoothly, rather hotly. Overall, Another Christmas From Hell is a very easy read, however, and a very sweet Christmas-y one. Just in time to get me in the mood for Christmas!
You Should Have Seen This Coming Shani Michelle Published by: Swoon Reads Publication date: April 12th 2022 Genres: Thriller, Young Adult
A teen girl who sees visions of the past must use her gift to save a kidnapped classmate in Shani Michelle’s high-stakes YA thriller You Should Have Seen This Coming!
Hayden sees the past. Just touching an object will occasionally give her flashes of the previous owner’s memories. And if that memory happens to be a deeply hidden secret, then she has no problem making you pay for your crime, in cash.
Cassie sees the future, and it sucks. She will randomly wake up from dreams filled with disasters that she feels compelled to stop, and she would really like to stop watching her boyfriend fall in love with someone else!
But when Cassie tries to warn Hayden that her latest blackmailing scheme is a trap, she knows she’s really in trouble. All her visions warn her of the upcoming kidnapping, nothing she does stops it. And it’s all Hayden’s fault!
Can Hayden’s gift help her find Cassie before it’s too late?
Shani Michelle is the author of YOU SHOULD HAVE SEEN THIS COMING. She also works in TV news. When she’s not writing, she loves spending time with her husband, family, friends, reading, watching way too much TV, and coming up with new story ideas. (She’s also written several rom-com and middle grade novels as Shani Petroff)
No one does a good saunter anymore. I shake out my arms and loosen my body before I meander into the girls’ locker room Tuesday morning, doing my best to channel an old-timey sheriff in a Western film. Time to show the elite who’s boss. Brooke Tamison and Fiona Gavini are standing off to the side. Both look up as I approach. “Well, well, well, what do we have here?” I ask, stopping right in front of them. Brooke’s whole body goes rigid. “We’re in the middle of something, Hayden. Get out,” she commands. Her dark green eyes narrow into slits and her nostrils flare. She’s perfected the look of someone in charge, I’ll give her that. A for effort, but she’s not fooling anyone. She’s scared of me. The little tremble in her voice is a dead giveaway. I can’t really blame her. In my two months and change at Lightsend High, I’ve developed quite the reputation. “Just what I need,” Fiona mumbles, throwing her head back, hitting the locker behind her. I cringe. She couldn’t have meant to hit it that hard. I almost ask her if she’s okay, but then I remind myself that she’s the enemy. One of the school’s we-think-we’re-above-the-law- and-better- than-anyone crowd. The ones I can’t stand. The ones I’m taking down. She lets out a sigh. One of defeat? Surprise? Disgust? It’s hard to tell. “You know . . .” I shake my head. “If you’re gonna have a clandestine meeting, you really should come up with someplace more original. You’re making it too easy. It’s like you want to be caught.” I take a seat on the wooden bench in front of them. “Don’t know what you’re talking about or what you ‘think’ you know,” Brooke says, using her fingers to make quotation marks, “but this is between Fiona and me.” She puts her hands on her hips and glares down at me, but regardless of our positions, we both know who’s in power. I make sure to give her my sweetest smile. “Now it’s between the three of us, isn’t it?” She knows she’s in trouble. They both do. I am the school’s self-appointed Robin Hood. Taking from the rich, spoiled, and corrupt, and giving to the poor—i.e., me. It’s the only after- school activity I find remotely entertaining. “How do you keep doing this?” Fiona asks. Now it’s my turn to play clueless. “Doing what?” She sighs again. We both know what she’s talking about. She wants to know how I keep finding out all this dirt on everyone. If I told her, she wouldn’t believe me, so I don’t bother to explain. Not that this instance needed any noteworthy skills. Not with Brooke. She’s a special kind of egomaniac. The kind that doesn’t believe anyone will dare cross her. The kind where you just have to wait, listen, and watch, and you’ll have something on her in no time. “You’re just as bad as all the people you hate,” Fiona tells me. She’s saying this to me? I don’t dignify it with an answer. Not when the people she’s talking about told so many brutal lies about Leighton Chutney that she’s now being homeschooled. Or hit a dog with their car and just left it there. Or
put laxatives in Kristoff McLeigh’s protein shake before his big football game with all the scouts watching. Not even the same playing field. I get justice. Or at least, a little revenge. So what if I pocket something on the side? “Stop talking,” Brooke hisses at Fiona, before turning her attention to me. “You don’t have anything on us.” The glare she flashes could make blood turn cold. “No?” I ask, plucking the thumb drive Fiona’s been holding from her hand. She really should have stashed it in her bag. “Two cheaters for the price of one. Well, price of two. You can both pay up,” I say, lying back on the bench. I want to take in and savor every second of this. Sure, there are people at Lightsend who’ve done worse than Brooke, but this is personal. Brooke’s the one who went Mean Girls on me when I started school here. The compliments on my clothes that everyone knew were really insults. The whispers. Trash talk. Blocking my car in for hours. Spilling coffee on me. And little Miss Fabulous Fiona was always along for the ride. “Or if you prefer,” I continue, “I can let Mr. Thadwell know that one of the school’s top students got there by cheating, and another had a side business that helped her do it.” “That drive proves nothing,” Brooke scoffs. “Come now,” I say, matching her condescending tone. “Do you really think this is all that I have on you?” Truthfully, yeah, it is. But she doesn’t need to know that. I’ll find something else. I always do. I toss the drive up in the air and then catch it in my palm. Right as it smacks my skin, my whole body shudders. Now? Really?? There’s nothing I can do but watch.
For the Murder Gabrielle Ash (The Murder, #1) Published by: City Owl Press Publication date: February 22nd 2022 Genres: Adult, Urban Fantasy
A lone crow is a dead crow.
That’s what Diana Van Doren, exiled crow shifter, has always believed. The last murder of crow shifters known to exist wouldn’t accept her into the flock, leaving her vulnerable. Worse, her kleptomaniacal father’s schemes put them in a demon’s crosshairs. Without the support of the murder, Diana fears death will come all too quickly. So when an opportunity to steal a rare blade that can kill anything—even demons—crosses their path, she decides to play her father’s games one last time.
However, she isn’t the only one hoping to take the blade. Sasha Sokolov, a clairvoyant, has been forced from childhood to serve the very demon hunting Diana and her family. After two decades of service, his boss finally offers him what he can’t refuse: freedom. All he has to do is bring in the knife and the Van Dorens, and his bloodline will be free from serving the demon forever.
When Diana and Sasha meet at the auction, they strike an uneasy alliance. Diana sees a way to finally be welcomed into the murder. Sasha sees an opportunity to get his freedom. To get what they want, only one of them can walk away with the blade. But when their magic inexplicably links as they reluctantly work together to steal the knife, betraying each other for their own ends may no longer be an option.
Gabrielle Ash is an author and perpetually tired mom of four from the great state of Texas. Born into a family of mischievous storytellers, she grew up listening to tales of the chupacabra, ghosts, and other things that go bump in the night, never entirely confident that she wouldn’t get eaten if she went out to the creek after sunset.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English, which ultimately landed her in a high school classroom to teach writing and coach the debate team. Dismayed at her inability to wear sweatpants to work, she left the classroom and now dedicates her brain power to books and taking care of her daughters.
When not writing, she spends time with her husband, four daughters, and their dog. The Family Cross is her debut novel.
I was in the mood for a shifter tale and this one sounds rather unique with crow-shifters. The only problem I had with the book is having to keep adjusting my perception of the word ‘murder’ because most of the time, in this novel, it refers to ‘a group of crows’ instead of a killing act. I guess it’s not really a problem but I do have to stop myself for a second or two to actually makes sense of the sentence now and again and this is all me, not the book.
All her life, Diana Van Doren just wanted to belong. To be appreciated. To be loved. She’s a very good thief, though, and also generous and selfless despite her personal circumstances. Sasha Sokolov, on the other hand, wants only one thing: his & his family’s freedom at whatever cost. Yet, when freedom beckons near, he’s found something even more precious he wanted to hold on to. The story is told of their alternating perspectives so we do get to see secrets they kept from each other and how each grows throughout the book.
I love these characters and well, I do have a thing for a Russian romantic interest too so I was totally shipping them all the way from the beginning. The story was real easy to read with more than enough twists & turns and sparks to keep me engage for a single sitting read. I’m definitely keen to find out what this ‘murder’ get up to next!
My thanks to Xpresso Book Tours for this copy of book in exchange of my honest thoughts
The North Wind Alexandria Warwick (The Four Winds, #1) Publication date: January 13th 2022 Genres: Fantasy, New Adult, Romance
Lush. Dark. Romantic. Introducing a newly reimagined tale written in the vein of Beauty and the Beast and Hades and Persephone.
Long before civilization, there were the gods. And before the gods, there was the earth, the celestial bodies, and air given flesh. They are the Anemoi—the Four Winds—and they have been banished to the four corners of the world.
Wren of Edgewood is no stranger to suffering. Her parents are gone. Survival is all she knows. For three hundred years, the land known as the Gray has been encased in ice, surrounded by a great barrier called the Shade, which protects the townsfolk from the Deadlands beyond.
But day by day, the Shade weakens.
Only one thing can stop the Shade’s fall: a mortal woman taken captive across the barrier, bound in wedlock to the dark god who reigns over the Deadlands. He is the North Wind, the Frost King, an immortal whose heart is said to be as frigid as the land he rules.
And the time has come for the Frost King to choose his bride.
The North Wind is a standalone, enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance, the first in a series sprinkled with Greek lore. Perfect for fans of Jennifer L. Armentrout, Laura Thalassa, and Scarlett St. Clair.
I’m always up for a retelling of Beauty and the Beast and anything related to it, really. The North Wind has elements of it but it also drew from other fairy tales and/or mythologies. It’s really a hodgepodge of takes of a variety of tales but that’s okay, it’s still an intriguing world with a strong protagonist and a fascinating love story.
A tense opening which introduced readers to just how dangerous this world is; not only from monster but also starvation as the world is slowly being crushed by continuous winter. This is a big part of the mystery, of course, as we are then introduced to the Frost King who required an offering of a young woman. Our protagonist, Wren, is not one of those on offering but her action brought her to his attention. There follows some enemies-to-lovers dynamics and some truly sloooow burn.
While I’m not usually keen on enemies-to-lovers, I do love a good slow burn romance. There is such a thing as being too slow though and I did find it that this one was rather a long story which could probably edited to make it sharper & faster paced. The world building was detailed but I find myself with questions in relation to the magic system. Overall, I love the romance but there could be some tidying up on some parts.
My thanks to Xpresso Book Tours for this copy of book in exchange of my honest thoughts
Eyes of the Forest April Henry
Published by: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Publication date: August 24th 2021
Genres: Mystery, Young Adult
After a bestselling fantasy writer disappears, only his biggest fan believes he’s in danger. Instead of re-reading his books, she must venture into the real world to uncover the truth in this fast-paced mystery by New York Times-bestselling author April Henry. For readers of Courtney Summers and Karen McManus.
Bridget is RM Haldon’s biggest fan. She and her mom sought refuge in Haldron’s epic fantasy series Swords and Shadows while her mom was losing her battle with cancer. When Bridget met Haldon at one of his rare book signings, she impressed the author with her encyclopedic knowledge of the fantasy world he’d created. Bridget has been working for him ever since as he attempts to write the final book in his blockbuster sword and sorcery series. But Haldon has gone missing, and Bridget is the only person who seems concerned. Can Bridget piece together Haldon’s cryptic clues and save him before it’s too late?
Master mystery-writer April Henry weaves another heart-stopping young adult thriller in this story that seamlessly blends suspense with an exploration of fan culture.
I loved April Henry’s Girl, Stolen duology. With such strong female protagonist and thrilling psychological page turner, I was keen to explore her other books so I jumped at the chance to join in this blog tour.
Eyes of theForest is told in multiple point of views which, as always, confuses me in the beginning but when you got your characters straight, it flew very quickly as each chapters were quite short and snappy. The story itself, I found, however, was rather show. There was a lot of setting up / background stories to all characters and that took a big part of the book while the actual ‘mystery’ was actually quite short. It was still quite satisfying.
Because the premise of this novel is of a famous author with a popular series who is supposedly writing the last of the book in the series that is overdue for a very long time (uh, hm, I’m waiting for a few myself irl); we were given snippets of this popular series book and it really does sound so very intriguing, I really would love to read these books!
While Eyes of theForest didn’t quite meet my expectations as a page turner, I was drawn into the story. The characters were well-developed and I was riveted by the connections these characters have with each other. It is an easy novel to read & relax with.
My thanks to Xpresso Book Tours for having me on this tour and copy of ebook in exchange of honest review
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April Henry is the New York Times bestselling author of many acclaimed mysteries for adults and young adults, including the YA novels Girl, Stolen; The Girl I Used to Be, which was nominated for an Edgar Award; The Night She Disappeared; and Body in the Woods and Blood Will Tell, Books One and Two in the Point Last Seen series. She lives in Oregon.
Dagger Hill Devon Taylor
Published by: Swoon Reads
Publication date: August 17th 2021
Genres: Mystery, Paranormal, Young Adult
Stranger Things meets One of Us Is Lying in this creepy paranormal mystery about four friends who find themselves hunted by a malevolent presence in their sleepy hometown.
It knows your fear…
Summer, 1989. Four best friends—Gabe, Kimberly, Charlie, and Sonya—are preparing for their last summer together before senior year, after which they’ll all be splitting up to start college in different parts of the country. They make a promise to always find their way back to each other, no matter how far away from their sleepy Pennsylvania hometown they get.
But their plans are destroyed when a plane crashes right on top of their favorite hangout outside of town—and right on top of them.
In the catastrophic aftermath of the incident, Gabe, Sonya and Charlie are plagued by eerie visions and messages from an unknown watcher. They soon realize that the plane crash was no accident, and now they are being hunted by a sinister presence. And everyone is still searching for Kimberly, who has been missing ever since Gabe saw somebody wearing a gas mask carry her out of the woods the day the sky fell down on them…
I thinks it was the year setting, 1989, that mostly grabbed my attention. I was 9 then so not quite the same age as these protagonist but old enough to remember certain pop cultures referred to in this novel so that was real fun! I’m usually not a horror fan either but while this was quite creepy, it wasn’t that bad.
Dagger Hill reminded me a bit of Silent Hill (game) though on a very broad terms. I didn’t watch or play the game; just saw bits & pieces of the game while hubby played. I guess it was more the supernatural creepy sort of feel of a small town. I stopped myself from reading the last 20% last night because I wanted to go to sleep feeling safe… 😅
I really like the friendship factor in this novel. As each character was struggling through feelings of sadness and even unspoken crushes, their friendship comes first and each other’s safety. There wasn’t that much romance in the story yet I still feel I could have done without what little there was.
The whole story felt very visual to me so I think this would probably do better as a movie because I got really confused at the final showdown about who’s who! Dagger Hill was an enjoyable spine-tingling read which I’d recommend for those who likes being freaked out.
My thanks to Xpresso Book Tours for having me on this tour and copy of ebook in exchange of honest review
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Devon Taylor was born in Las Vegas, Nevada and currently lives in Pennsylvania with his wife and two daughters. His day job consists of sneaking around the house with ninja-like stealth to avoid waking up his kids. When not writing, reading, or tediously typing out text messages with all the correct spelling and punctuation, he spends his time with his family. THE SOUL KEEPERS is his debut novel.
Tien's Blurb 