Category: Non ARC

Wanted (Poster: Book 2) by Amy Kulp

Publisher: Amy Kulp

Date of publication: January 1st, 2023

Genre: Suspense, Thriller

Series: Poster

Missing—Book 1 (review here)

Wanted—Book 2

Purchase Links: Kindle | B&N | AbeBooks

Goodreads Synopsis:

What will bring down the most notorious female criminal in the world?

Meet “Y,” FBI’s third most wanted criminal best known for being cunning, intelligent and unknown to most a mother of a young boy. She is a criminal for hire on the black market of human trafficking..

But a new job brings with it a new dynamic that she’s never had to face. Working with a team but not just any team – a first of its kind even for a seasoned criminal like Y.

An all women team. Riddled with too many strong personalities, loose guns and a new target that triggers something at the core of Y she has ignored for way too long.

Trust is not something you can lean on in her world and when her son goes missing, Y will do just about anything. Suddenly everything is not gonna go according to plan.

Will Y find her son in time or is this her strange twist to live with?

First Line:

The van ride back is always quiet.

Wanted by Amy Kulp

Important things you need to know about the book:

Pace: Wanted has a fast-paced storyline.

POV: Wanted is told from Y’s 1st person POV.

Series: Wanted is the 2nd book in the Poster series. While you do not need to read book 1 to read this book, I suggest it. Book 1 explains Y’s backstory and how she ended up where she is now.

Trigger/Content Warning: Wanted has trigger and content warnings (most in this book are graphic). If any of these triggers you, I suggest not reading the book. They are:

  • Bullying
  • Sexism & Misogyny
  • Slut-Shaming
  • Rape
  • Sexual Assault
  • Sex Slavery
  • Sex and Human Trafficking
  • Domestic Abuse & Violence
  • Drugging
  • Miscarriage
  • Pregnancy
  • Forced separation of mother and child
  • Body Horror
  • Blood
  • Dead bodies
  • Brainwashing
  • Scars
  • Captivity & Confinement
  • Car Accident
  • Gun Violence
  • Kidnapping
  • Murder & Attempted Murder
  • Physical Assault

Sexual Content: There is sexual content in Wanted. Because of the nature of the book, I will warn you that some of Y’s memories involving sex and its being used for punishment can be graphic.

Language: There is moderate to explicit swearing in Wanted.

Setting: Wanted is set in and around New York City.

Age Range: I recommend Wanted to anyone over 21.

Plot Synopsis (as spoiler-free as I can get):

Y is used to being the best. In 10 years, she has never failed to deliver what her bosses want: people to sell on the human trafficking black market. After another successful procurement, Y is surprised by another target when she returns home. She is even more surprised when she sees her new team. It is made up entirely of all women. Her target is the biggest one yet: the daughter of a famous comedian. With only a certain number of days to acquire the girl, Y needs to whip her team into shape. Something doesn’t sit right with her about the team, but she will deliver. She always does.

Can Y deliver the girl? Will her team become a cohesive unit? Or will Y’s perfect streak go down the drain, and her life shatter into a million pieces?

Main Characters:

The characters in this book were not likable. But, I did pity them, considering everything they had gone through and would continue to go through. Even the “good” guys (and I use good loosely) were not likable, which surprised me. I wasn’t expecting the police and FBI to be shown in the way that they were, and honestly, the descriptions are probably more realistic than what people think.

Y, who is the main character, was realistically written. She is someone who was brainwashed into forgetting her past. She took pride in kidnapping people and couldn’t care less about what happened to them after she dropped them off. She was kept in line with threats of rape and torture. She had no hopes or dreams other than living for the moments when she could see her son. But there were cracks, which widened as the book went on. By the end of the book, I pitied her. But where she ended up wasn’t where she needed to be.

My review:

While I did enjoy reading Wanted, I was also very disturbed by it. Human trafficking is a huge problem everywhere. As the mother of 2 girls and a boy, I had nightmares of my kids ending up like those shown in the book. My range of emotions reading this book went from horror to sympathy to horror and then disbelief.

The storyline of Wanted was interesting. Wanted takes place ten years after the events of Missing. It follows Y, her team, their target, and what happens when a unit fails. It also follows Y as she slowly begins to remember who she was before she was trafficked and her rush to find her son. Both storylines were well-written and well-researched. While the storyline did disturb me on so many levels (see the first paragraph), I did feel the need to keep reading. I wanted to know if Y would ever regain her memories, find her son, or get captured by the police (she was #3 on the FBI’s most wanted list).

I really can’t go much into the storyline without giving away spoilers. Spoilers hinder me from writing the review the way I want. There is so much I want to talk about but can’t because of spoilers, some of them being major.

The end of Wanted both enraged and saddened me. Where Y ended up was the last place she needed to be. What was done and said to her by her husband made me want to go through the book and throttle him. But I am looking forward to reading book 3. There were a lot of storylines left up in the air.

Many thanks to Amy Kulp for allowing me to read and review Wanted. All opinions stated in this review are mine.

Other books by Amy Kulp

The Sisters by Ruth O’Neill

Publisher:

Date of publication: October 6th, 2023

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense

Purchase Link: Kindle

Goodreads Synopsis:

In a web of deceit, escape is just the beginning.

Ava Cressman’s life takes a twisted turn after her divorce from Spencer. Seeking comfort, she falls into the arms of a mysterious man named Joel Carney, a former college acquaintance. However, when Joel meets Ava’s sister, Tanya, an unsettling connection sparks between them.
Tanya, seemingly innocent, invites Ava and her twin sister, Belle, on a secluded trip to a remote lodge. From the moment they arrive, an ominous atmosphere hangs in the air, hinting at a hidden darkness beneath the surface.
As shocking truths emerge, will Ava find a way to expose the tangled labyrinth of secrets before it’s too late?
The Sisters is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the depths of manipulation, betrayal, and the darkest corners of the human mind. As Ava fights for her freedom and tries to untangle the lies, she also must face her own demons and find the strength to outsmart those who want to control her life.

First Line:

The wind blew strongly through the trees, the leaves rustling and swirling, a thousand tiny dancers.

The Sisters by Ruth O’Neill

Important things you need to know about the book:

Pace: The pacing of The Sisters was all over the place. In some places, it was fast; in others, it was medium; in others, it was slow. The switch-up of the pacing made this book a little tricky to read.

POV: There are several POVs in The Sisters, but it always stays in the 3rd person. This book is told mainly through Ava’s POV. There are several chapters from Spencer’s POV and a couple from the DI in charge of the case.

Trigger/Content Warning: The Sisters has trigger and content warnings. If any of these triggers you, I suggest not reading the book. They are:

  • Bullying (moderate, on and off page)
  • Child Abuse (minor, on and off page)
  • Cheating (moderate, on and off page)
  • Divorce (minor, off page)
  • Anxiety & Anxiety Attacks (moderate, on and off page)
  • Depression (minor, off page)
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (moderate, on and off page)
  • Alcohol Consumption (minor, on page)
  • Drugging (moderate, on and off page)
  • Hospitalization (moderate, on page)
  • Captivity & Confinement (moderate, on page)
  • Cults (moderate, on and off page)
  • Gun Violence (minor, on page)
  • Kidnapping (minor, on page)
  • Murder & Attempted Murder (moderate, on page)
  • Loss of Autonomy (moderate, on page)
  • Medical Treatment and Procedures (moderate, on page)

Sexual Content: There is sexual content in The Sisters. There are sex scenes that are nongraphic.

Language: There is moderate swearing in The Sisters.

Setting: The Sisters are set in Bath and Cumbria, England.

Age Range: I recommend The Sisters to anyone over 21.

Plot Synopsis (as spoiler-free as I can get):

After going through a painful divorce, Ava isn’t ready to date again. But that changes when a friend request from an old college friend, Joel, turns quickly to romance. But Ava is cautious after Joel meets Tanya, her older sister. There is a familiarity between them that makes Ava uncomfortable. Ava is already careful with Tanya. Twenty-three years earlier, when Ava was twelve, Tanya did something horrific to her. But Ava doesn’t let her uneasiness give up a chance to reconnect with Tanya and Beth, Ava’s twin sister. Tanya has booked them a weeklong trip to a lodge in Cumbria, and Ava is looking forward to it.

But, the minute they set foot in the lodge, something feels off. Ava soon finds herself facing her worst fears and old demons. Can Ava get to the bottom of what is going on? Or will the betrayals of past and present be enough to destroy her?

Main Characters

Ava Cressman (Bateman): I wasn’t sure what to think about Ava when the book started. She came across as childish and needy. But as the book went on, I saw that she was damaged by what Tanya did to her. But, by the middle of the book, my opinion of her changed. I still viewed her as needy and childish, but I also saw her as someone trying to overcome the past. I kept that opinion of her until the end of the book.

Tanya Bateman: I didn’t like Tanya. My inner warning bells went off every time she appeared in the book. She was almost too invested in Ava and Joel’s relationship and kept pushing for that trip together. By the middle of the book, my dislike of her intensified, and I thought she was shady. Those opinions stayed the same by the end of the book. And honestly, I felt that she got what she deserved.

Belle Bateman: Like Ava, I didn’t form an immediate opinion of her when the book started. She did come off as upbeat and tended to side with Tanya regarding Ava. In the middle of the book, as she got more page time, my opinion did change. I felt that she was foolish and easily led. She also brushed everything Ava said off until it was almost too late.

Joel Carney: I didn’t like him from the start. It was so convenient that he immediately friended Ava on Facebook (after Tanya signed her up). I also thought that he pushed for everything too soon. And don’t get me started on his blatant and poorly concealed attraction to Tanya. I won’t go into his character much more except that he got what he deserved.

Spencer Cressman: Out of all the characters in the book, I pitied Spencer the most. His behavior drove Ava to divorce him, and he knew it. It was slightly controlling when he kept calling Ava. But it also proved to be life-saving. There is a twist with him that I didn’t see coming and didn’t fit with who the author presented during the book’s first half.

My review:

I was excited and eager to start reading The Sisters. I love psychological thrillers, and this one seemed right up my alley. And in a way, it was. But, I was put off by the characters, their actions, and how the storyline kept jumping from past to present.

The main storyline of The Sisters centers around Ava, her sisters, her divorce, Spencer, Joel, and the trip. I did like the storyline and thought it was intriguing. But I had some issues following it. The author would jump from past to present on a dime. During the book’s first half, it hindered me from reading it because I couldn’t keep track of everything. But, in the end, it worked.

The storyline about the cult (towards the end of the book) was interesting. It added some much-needed depth to Ava’s, Joel’s, Tanya’s, and Spencer’s characters. There was also a massive twist to that storyline that I didn’t see coming. It surprised me because it came out of left field. I also liked how the author tied this storyline to what Tanya did to Ava when Ava was twelve.

The suspense and thriller angle of the book was good. The author did a great job of building apprehension before and during critical scenes. It was the thriller and suspense that kept me reading the book.

The end of The Sisters was interesting. There were a couple of twists in the storyline that I didn’t see coming. I wasn’t a massive fan of how the book ended. It didn’t fit in with the rest of the storyline. Don’t get me wrong, it was lovely, but I couldn’t see past what one of the characters did and what that character hid.

Many thanks to Ruth O’Neill for allowing me to read and review The Sisters. All opinions stated in this review are mine.

If you enjoy reading books similar to The Sisters, then you will enjoy these books:

Other books by Ruth O’Neill

Once Upon a Christmas (Blackhawk Security: Book 9) by Margaret Watson

Publisher: Dragonfly Press

Date of Publication: October 3rd, 2023

Genre: Romance, Suspense

Series: Blackhawk Security

With One Breath—Book 1 (review here)

Once Removed—Book 2 (review here)

Once Burned—Book 3 (review here)

Fool Me Once—Book 4 (review here)

Just This Once—Book 5 (review here)

Once and Always—Book 6 (review here)

Once a Killer—Book 7 (review here)

Trust No One—Book 8 (review here)

Once Upon a Christmas—Book 9

Purchase Links: Kindle

Goodreads Synopsis:

Someone wants Mackenzie Stone dead.After four attempts on her life, the Stone Foundation hires her a bodyguard – Diego Lopez, the man who’d thwarted the most recent attack.Mackenzie suspects the threat is coming from inside her organization, so Diego poses as a college friend researching foundations. Their 24/7 forced proximity only intensifies the attraction simmering between them.As their need for each other begins boiling over, they struggle to focus on the growing threat. And when they visit Diego’s family for Christmas, Mackenzie is torn by conflicting emotions – celebrating the holiday she hates while fighting her need for Diego.As the threats spiral out of control, Mackenzie is backed into a corner. Can they unravel the mystery of the attacks before the shadowy danger engulfs them both?

First Line:

Mackenzie stepped out of the Waterwheel bat into the Seattle night and took a deep breath.

Once Upon a Christmas by Margaret Watson

Important things you need to know about the book:

Pace: The pace of Once Upon a Christmas varies from medium to fast. The book starts quickly (with an attempt on Mackenzie’s life), slows down to medium during the investigation, picks back up to fast for the climax, and finally slows back down to medium for the end of the book.

POV: Once Upon a Christmas is a 3rd person POV book. The POVs are focused on Mackenzie and Diego.

Series: Once Upon a Christmas is the 9th book in The Blackhawk Security series. You can read this as a standalone. I recommend reading the first eight books to understand the series.

Trigger/Content Warning: Once Upon a Christmas has trigger and content warnings. If any of these triggers you, I suggest not reading the book. They are:

  • Classism (moderate, on page)
  • Bullying (minor, off page)
  • Workplace Harassment (moderate, on and off page)
  • Physical Injuries (minor, on and off page)
  • Hospitalization (minor, on page)
  • Death of a Grandparent (minor, off page)
  • Kidnapping (moderate, on page)
  • Knife Violence (moderate, on page)
  • Attempted Murder (graphic, on page)
  • Toxic Family (moderate, on page)

Sexual Content: There is moderate to graphic sexual content in Once Upon a Christmas.

Language: There is moderate swearing in Once Upon a Christmas. There is no offensive language.

Setting: Once Upon a Christmas is set in Seattle, Washington. There are a couple of chapters set in Chicago, Illinois.

Age Range: I recommend Once Upon a Christmas to anyone over 21

Plot Synopsis (as spoiler-free as I can get):

When Mackenzie is attacked and injured, Diego is there to subdue her attacker and provide aid to her. When he finds out that this is the 4th attack she has endured, he suggests hiring him as a bodyguard. Taking his advice, she hires him, and they begin investigating who is behind her attacks. When the evidence points to the employees at the foundation she inherited, Diego poses as her college friend who has come into money and is looking into starting his foundation. Mackenzie and Diego didn’t expect the intense attraction they had for each other. As the attacks continue and pick up, Diego needs to find out who is behind them and why. Mackenzie’s life is at stake, and he isn’t going to risk it. Will they find out who wants Mackenzie dead and why?

Main Characters

Mackenzie Stone: I liked Mackenzie. She was a little reserved for a character at the beginning of the book. But, once the author explained her backstory, I understood why she was so reserved. She had a horrible childhood. It also explained why her relationship with her family was so strained. Add in that she inherited the family’s foundation instead of her mother, and it became almost unbearable. She dealt with the attempts on her life pretty well (excluding that one scene where she drank Scotch and dry-humped Diego). I also liked how she dealt with her employees (including the unruly ones). But, her true strength showed at the end of the book. She dealt with everything (and I mean everything) like a boss. Her speech at the jail was spot on.

Diego Lopez: I liked Diego, but I wish the author had been more forthcoming with his background. I wouldn’t say I liked waiting until halfway through the book to find out who and what he was. Other than that, he was perfect for Mackenzie. Diego was very good at his job, and he gave Mackenzie excellent advice about looking into the foundation’s financial records (and the records of the list of suspect employees Mackenzie had). His actions and reactions at the end of the book were outstanding. I liked how he stood beside Mackenzie and supported her through everything.

My review:

Once Upon a Christmas was a great book to read. Its fast-moving, well-written storyline kept me glued to the book. I got invested in Mackenzie and Diego’s romance. Once Upon a Christmas is an excellent book for those who enjoy romantic suspense.

The main storyline centers around Mackenzie, Diego, the foundation, and the attacks on Mackenzie. The author didn’t hide who was behind the financial crimes (the embezzling). It was self-evident from how that person acted. But I had an issue figuring out who was behind Mackenzie’s attacks. I was surprised to find out who it was. That did take me by surprise. That was a neat twist the author put in at the end of the book.

The romance angle was well-written. I liked that Mackenzie and Diego fought their feelings until Chicago. There was a slip-up that involved Scotch and dry humping.

The mystery angle was terrific. As I stated above, I did figure out half the mystery (the embezzling part). But I was surprised by who was behind her attacks and why. It made sense when Mackenzie had that confrontation at the police station.

The end of Once Upon a Christmas was enjoyable. I liked how the author wrapped everything up. But she left me wondering if there would be a book 10.

Many thanks to Margaret Watson for allowing me to read and review Once Upon a Christmas. All opinions stated in this review are mine.

If you enjoy reading books similar to Echoes of Ballard House, then you will enjoy these books:

Other books by Margaret Watson

Hard Check Holiday (North Oak: Book 8.5) by Ann Hunter

Publisher: Rebel House Ink

Date of publication: December 1st, 2023

Genre: Christmas, Horses, Young Adult, Romance

Series: North Oak

Born to Run—Book 1 (review here)

Yearling—Book 2 (review here)

Morning Glory—Book 3 (review here)

To Bottle Lightening—Book 4 (review here)

Far Turn—Book 5 (review here)

Dark Horse—Book 6 (review here)

Against the Odds—Book 7 (review here)

Ride for Glory—Book 8 (review here)

Hard Check Holiday—Book 8.5

Hard Boot—Book 9

Inquiry—Book 10

Purchase Links: Kindle | B&N | Kobo

Goodreads Synopsis:

Taking place between the events of Ride for Glory and Hard Boot, this Christmas special visits North Oak over the holidays. A happy one- finally!
At least that’s how it seems on the outside.

Inside, 17-year-old Alexandra Anderson is struggling with her heart, both physically and emotionally. She is ready to commit to a relationship with Dejado Augustun, until a minor accident with best friend Carol changes everything.

Forced to do a hard check on her life, Alex realizes chances only come once. Can she pull herself together in time to start the racing season?
Or will heartache and heart trauma hold her back?

The Triple Crown & Tiara are on the line.

HARD CHECK– definition (verb), when a jockey is forced to restrain his mount at speed to avoid catastrophe.

First Line:

Laura came home for Christmas. But no one told seventeen year old Alex.

Hard Check Holiday by Ann Hunter

Important things you need to know about the book:

Pace: The pacing of Hard Check Holiday was medium-paced, with the book amping up to a fast pace in certain spots. There was some lag towards the end when Alex chose between Dejado and Carol. But it was nothing that disrupted the flow of the book or my enjoyment of it.

POV: Hard Check Holiday is told from Alex’s 3rd person point of view.

Series: Hard Check Holiday is a holiday book in the North Oak series. It is 8.5 and comes after Ride for Glory but before Hard Boot. You can read this as a standalone. But, I recommend reading books 1-8 to understand Alex and other characters’ relationships and backgrounds.

Trigger/Content Warning: Hard Check Christmas has trigger and content warnings. If any of these triggers you, I suggest not reading the book. They are:

  • Rape (minor, off page)
  • Abandonment of a child (minor, off page)
  • Anxiety & Anxiety Attacks (moderate, on page)
  • Miscarriage (minor, off page)
  • Death of parent (minor, off page)
  • Transphobia (minor, on page)

Sexual Content: There is no sexual content in Hard Check Holiday. Alex and Dejado kiss a couple of times, but it stops there.

Language: There is mild swearing in Hard Check Holiday. There is some mildly offensive language used to describe a trans girl getting kicked off the basketball team when she told her coach she was transitioning.

Setting: Hard Check Holiday is set entirely on the grounds of North Oak (a racing barn) in Kentucky.

Tropes: Afraid to Commit, Emotional Scars, Orphan, Friends to Lovers, Found Family

Age Range: I recommend Hard Check Holiday to anyone over 16

Plot Synopsis (as spoiler-free as I can get):

It is Christmas, and Alex is praying that this Christmas will be the first non-drama-free one in the four years she has lived at North Oaks. And, for the most part, it is. Alex is forming a relationship with her sister, Gina, and her relationship with her adoptive parents and sister is stronger than ever. She also has two essential races to look forward to in the New Year.

But, some things are preventing Alex from thoroughly enjoying her holiday. The main issue is that she has feelings for Dejado and Carol. Alex is ready to start a relationship with Dejado, but her feelings for Carol keep getting in the way. Alex needs to make a choice and ensure it is correct. Because the more she waits, the more she risks losing Dejado and Carol. Who will Alex choose, and will that choice be the right one?

Main Characters

Alexandra Anderson: I liked seeing this noncompetitive, vulnerable Alex. In the other books, she is always on the go and involved in various things around the barn. But seeing her slow down a little in this book was nice. Her eye was still on the upcoming races, but Alex was able to unwind a bit and enjoy Christmas. The only issue I had with her was her treatment of Gina. But, considering that Gina was sprung on her, I didn’t blame Alex for how she acted. And she had every right to be angry with Gina after what Gina said to her in the barn.

My review:

I went into Hard Check Holiday thinking this would be another racing book set over Christmas and New Year’s. I was wrong. I didn’t expect the author to leave out the actual racing (there were mentions of the upcoming races, and the horses had cameos). So, it was different from her other books, and you know what, I liked it!

Hard Check Holiday’s main storyline follows Alex as she celebrates Christmas with her family and friends. It also followed her as she came to terms with her feelings and then chose who she wanted to be in a relationship with. It was well written, and it got emotional during parts of the book. But overall, Alex made the choice that she felt was right. My question now is, how will her friendship with the other person be affected?

As I stated above, I liked seeing Alex being more relaxed. It made her seem like a normal seventeen-year-old. However, she did have her issues, and the author addressed several of them in the book. As someone who suffers from severe anxiety, I felt for her during her panic attack scenes (the one Gina caused was awful).

Alex’s sexuality has been a big topic during the last few books. I liked how the author approached and portrayed her feelings for Carol and Dejado. I did get somewhat angry during this angle, and it was because of what Gina said. I have a very mouthy ten-year-old, and that little girl pushed the limits there. But, in a way, it pushed Alex to open up to Laura about her feelings and paved the way for Alex to make her own decision.

The author also handled Alex’s reactions to any sexual touch in a way that was appropriate for a rape victim. Dejado was gentle and respected her boundaries. He never pushed her past what she was comfortable with and ensured she was OK with anything he did, mostly kissing.

I was surprised by the end of the book. Alex’s choice was surprising because she kept going about the other person. I wonder if her decision will affect her friendship with that person (and I stated that above). I guess I’ll have to read the next book to find out.

Many thanks to Ann Hunter for allowing me to read and review Hard Check Holiday. All opinions stated in this review are mine.

Other books by Ann Hunter:

What Doesn’t Kill You by Ken Brosky

Publisher: Timber Ghost Press

Date of publication: September 5th, 2023

Genre: Horror, Fiction

Purchase Links: Kindle

Goodreads Synopsis:

Valerie Miller and her younger brother have spent their entire lives in the dreary town of Seven Sisters, where most people are resigned to a bleak future of debt and despair. But when a mysterious woman with a dark past arrives, she brings with her a gift that could transform the town’s fortunes – and the lives of Val and Danny.

This extraordinary woman’s power is both awe-inspiring and terrifying, capable of unleashing a force that will shake Seven Sisters to its core. The stakes are high, and danger is omnipresent. Can Val and Danny rise to the challenge and seize the opportunity to finally break free from the suffocating grip of their hometown? Or will they fall victim to the terrors unleashed by this enigmatic figure? One thing is certain–when the sun rises on Seven Sisters, nothing will ever be the same again.

Part creature-feature, part survival story, What Doesn’t Kill You will keep you on the edge of your seat as Val and Danny fight for their lives and all of Seven Sisters.

First Line:

“Easy now,” Leo says into his walkie.

What Doesn’t Kill You by Ken Brosky

Important things you need to know about the book:

Pace: The pacing of What Doesn’t Kill You is fast. It has to be; the entire story takes place within one night. There is no slow build-up; the author goes from zero to one hundred and keeps that pace going until the end of the book.

Trigger/Content Warning: There are trigger and content warnings in What Doesn’t Kill You. If any of these trigger you, I suggest not reading the book. They are:

  • Addiction  (moderate to graphic)
  • Alcoholism (graphic)
  • Body Horror (graphic)
  • Drug Use (moderate)
  • Infidelity (minor to moderate)
  • Death (graphic)
  • Violence (graphic)
  • Verbal Child Abuse (moderate)
  • Gun Violence (moderate to graphic)
  • Gore (graphic)

Sexual Content: There is sexual content in What Doesn’t Kill You. It isn’t graphic, but it is insinuated (like when the Deputy keeps thinking of his mistress and their time together). There are some scenes where a twelve-year-old boy reacts to his love interest/friend (gets an erection). But again, nothing graphic.

Language: There is a lot of explicit swearing in What Doesn’t Kill You.

Setting: What Doesn’t Kill You is set in the remote town of Seven Sisters, Wisconsin.

Tropes: Mysterious Things Are Happening, Monsters, Bad Things Happen at Night, Backing into Darkness, Severed Limbs, Creepy Settings

Age Range: I recommend What Doesn’t Kill You to anyone over 21.

Plot Synopsis (as spoiler-free as I can get):

Seven Sisters, Wisconsin, is a dying town. When a former resident of Seven Sisters returns for a visit, she brings something monstrous, but she knows she can breathe life back into the town with it. After turning it loose on the town, she sits back and watches the carnage and mayhem ensue. But she wasn’t expecting what to happen after the monster slaughtered almost everyone in town. Why did that former resident bring such unimaginable evil back to Seven Sisters? Will anyone survive? Or will this monster’s terror expand to other towns in the area?

Main Characters

What Doesn’t Kill You is different than most books because there are a lot of characters introduced at the beginning of the book. But, by the middle, most of those characters are killed off. In the end, I was surprised at who was left.

My review:

What Doesn’t Kill You is a well-written book that should be read during the daytime and not during the winter. I am being serious here. This book should not be read at night and in any season but in winter. I don’t get scared easily, and this book had me jumping at every little thing after I was done.

The main storyline in What Doesn’t Kill You focuses on Seven Sisters and the carnage that the beehive-headed woman wrecks on the town. The storyline is gory and bloody. There were some scenes that I gagged at and others where I wanted to cry (because of who was killed). I also want to note that the author wasn’t particularly attached to his characters, and he didn’t hesitate to kill them.

There was an aspect of the storyline that I found fascinating, and I wished that the author had gone into it. It was the origins of the beehive-headed woman. I wanted to know where this thing came from and why it was in the wilderness of California. I did like that if the person the monster was attacking killed it and ate the honey, that person was granted their heart’s desire. But there was a caveat that even the person was unaware of, highlighted in the last half of the book.

The end of What Doesn’t Kill You wasn’t a happy ending. Without giving away spoilers, that’s all I can say about it.

If you enjoy reading books similar to Perfect in Death, then you will enjoy these books:

Other books by Ken Brosky:

Perfect in Death by Reily Garrett

Publisher:

Date of publication: September 1st, 2023

Genre: Mystery, Romance, Suspense, Paranormal

Series: Haley Arquette Murder Files

Perfect in Death—Book 1

Deceptive Silence—Book 2

Unlikely Justice—Book 3

Purchase Links: Kindle

Goodreads Synopsis:

A straight-laced FBI agent.
A psychic PI solving a murder.
The spirit who haunts them.

Ancestry rooted in the occult sets Hailey Arquette apart in the small town of Hamchet. It also hampers her investigation of a teen’s death. She must navigate the shadowy world where betrayal walks hand in hand with a smile.

A threat against family forces Agent Trenton Briner back to Texas where his childhood friend leads him into a mystery steeped in whispers of Vodou and magic. At each turn, he finds the raven-haired woman who haunts his dreams.

When an unknown entity saves Hailey’s life, she discovers she’s not the only one holding secrets and is willing to risk everything to learn the truth about the spirit haunting her.

Perfect in Death is the first book of a bone-chilling Supernatural mystery series with lovable characters, dogs, and a touch of romance.

First Line:

The red-eye flight from Pennsylvania to Texas left Trenton Briner tired and edgy.

Perfect in Death by Reily Garrett

Important things you need to know about the book:

Pace: The book does start slowly, but the author introduces the main characters and the reasons why they are in Hamchet. The storyline does pick up speed after the first couple of chapters and alternates between medium and fast for the pacing.

Trigger/Content Warning: There are trigger warnings in Perfect in Death. If any of these triggers you, I suggest not reading the book. They are:

  • Child Death (moderate and off page)
  • Death (moderate and most are off-page)
  • Drugs (minor)
  • Gun Violence (moderate)
  • Miscarriage (minor and off page)
  • Occult (moderate to graphic)
  • Adult/minor relationships (minor and off-page)
  • Infidelity (minor and off page)
  • Gambling Addiction (minor and off page)
  • Alcoholism (minor and on page)
  • Dead bodies (moderate to graphic and on page)
  • Car accident resulting in death (moderate and on page)

Series: Perfect in Death is the first book in the Hailey Arquette Murder Files series. Since this is the first book in the series, you jump right in and enjoy the book. A character from the last series is introduced in this book, and there are references to other characters from other series.

Sexual Content: Perfect in Death is a clean book. There are no sex or sexual situations in the book. There is some brief nudity. There are also mentions of sex, but the author doesn’t get into detail about it other than it was on a desk.

Language: There is moderate swearing in Perfect in Death.

Setting: Perfect in Death is set entirely in Hamchet, Texas.

Tropes: Bad Guys Who Can’t Aim, The Unlikable Victim, The Twist Ending, Missing Children, The Stalker

Age Range: I recommend Perfect in Death for anyone over 21. I went back and forth because of the lack of sexual content. But ultimately, I felt that the trigger and content warnings put the book into the over-21 age range.

Plot Synopsis (as spoiler-free as I can get):

Trenton Briner has returned to his hometown of Hamchet, Texas, after a prolonged absence. But he isn’t in Hamchet to visit. Instead, he is there to protect his sister, Leigh, and her best friend, Hailey, after a psychopath tells him that they were next to be harmed/killed. He was not expecting that he would be living with and trying to protect the spitfire that is his sister’s best friend.

Hailey Arquette grew up saturated in the occult. Using her love of photography, detective work, and her gifts, Hailey gets her PI license and opens an office in town. Her first case is investigating the disappearance of two girls, years apart. With Trenton in tow, Hailey starts to peel back the layers of mystery that surround the case and, in turn, unearths an enemy that is closer than she thinks. With the help of a spirit, a girl named Casper, who attends the school where the victims attended, and Trenton, Hailey races to solve this case. But can she solve it before she gets killed? And is she ready for the implications and deep-seated secrets that it could potentially unearth in her own family?

Main Characters

Trenton Briner: I liked Trenton, but he was so uptight. There were points in the book where I wished he loosened up a bit. But, considering that he was the straight man to Hailey (who did things unconventionally), I wasn’t surprised that he was written the way he was. He did grow on me. Everything he did in the book came from a place of love and a need to protect. I also liked that he knew that Hailey did what Hailey wanted, and he was there to back her up.

Hailey Arquette: I enjoyed reading her character. She was like a bulldog with a bone; she wouldn’t back down or let go until she solved her cases. I loved her relationship with Leigh (even if the whole twin-speak thing they had going on annoyed me). She enjoyed baiting Trenton (the scene where she came into the kitchen in a tank top and boy shorts with him there made me laugh). But she was serious about her cases, and I loved seeing her in action.

Secondary characters: I loved the secondary characters. A couple of my favorite characters from the last series appeared in this book. There were some that I wish weren’t in the book because of how they treated Hailey, others that I didn’t like, and others that I loved. Each character added depth to Trenton and Hailey’s characters and their storylines.

My review:

Perfect in Death was a great read, and I couldn’t get enough of it. The storylines were well-written, and the paranormal angle enthralled me.

There is one main storyline in Perfect in Death. It centers on Hailey, Trenton, and her cases. I found the storyline to be well-written. I liked that the author connected Hailey’s original case to the case involving her father. How that ended was a surprise for a few reasons. I wasn’t expecting the connection to be what it was, and I didn’t quite believe the author’s explanation.

The paranormal angle in Perfect in Death was wonderfully written. I enjoyed that Casper was in the book. I found the Vodou/occult angle of the book to be fascinating. Usually, Vodou practitioners are portrayed as evil people who want to control everyone. Instead, the author showed the opposite. I was a little surprised at who the spirit was to Hailey. Even with all the hints given, it still took me by surprise. I also can’t wait to see how Hailey will grow into her powers. They were powerful in this book, and she was coming into them. So, I am sure her powers will only grow during the series.

The mystery angle was also well-written. I liked how the author kept throwing distractions around and how she kept everything under wraps until the end. I thought I knew what was happening, and I thought I knew who the killer was. Well, I was wrong. I was utterly surprised at the reveal, mainly because of the twist.

The end of Perfect in Death was open-ended. The author did wrap up the cases that Hailey was working on. But everything else was left up in the air. That got me very excited to read book 2!!

Many thanks to Reily Garrett for allowing me to read and review Perfect in Death. All opinions stated in this review are mine.

If you enjoy reading books similar to Perfect in Death, then you will enjoy these books:

Other books by Reily Garrett:

The Arcannen Chronicles: Magicom by Adam Joseph

Publisher: Independently Published

Date of publication: April 13, 2023

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult

Purchase Links: Kindle

Goodreads Synopsis:

August Silvershield is a dead man walking.

He and his group (Ashes) have dedicated their lives to opposing the Magicom tyranny and how they control, sell and distribute magic.

And Magicom are hell-bent on his capture.

Pink, August’s sister, is a recently qualified mage and practitioner of the four elements of magic. Strong-willed, talented and independent, she’s determined to make a name for herself at Wing (the institution that trains and assigns its mages to contracts throughout the Island of Blake) without her brother’s help.

But the siblings’ worlds inextricably collide when Pink’s first contract leads her and her Wing friends directly to Magicom and unimaginable danger.

Can Pink and August defend their friends and themselves while trying to eradicate everything Magicom stand for?

Or will the dangerous quest prove too much, given the blurred boundaries between their friends and enemies?

Find out in this fast-paced epic YA fantasy adventure novel where elemental magic changes everything.

First Line:

Holding Castle was not the structure of old.

The Arcannen Chronicles: Magicom by Adam Joseph

Important things you need to know about the book:

Pace: The pacing of Magicom went between medium and fast. I had no issues with having to reread previous chapters to understand what was going on. There was a little lag toward the latter half of the book (when Pink and August’s storylines merge), but nothing affected me. It was just a tiny bump, which I got over reasonably quickly.

Trigger/Content Warning: There are a few trigger warnings in Magicom. If any of these trigger you, I suggest not reading this book. They are:

  • Bullying (mild)
  • Classism (moderate)
  • Dead bodies and body parts (moderate)
  • Grief and loss depiction (moderate)
  • Captivity and confinement (graphic)
  • Disappearance of a loved one (moderate)
  • Explosions (moderate)
  • Hanging and lynching (mild, but it is only a threat to flush out the secondary main character)
  • Kidnapping (moderate)
  • Murder and attempted murder (graphic)
  • Physical assault (graphic)
  • Torture (moderate to graphic)
  • War themes and military violence (moderate to graphic)
  • Animal attack (moderate)

Series: Magicom is the first book in the Arcannen. As this is the first book in the series, you can dive right into the book without wondering about the characters’ backstories or previous books’ plotlines popping up.

Sexual Content: Magicom is a reasonably clean book, but there is one scene where two of the characters sleep in the same bed, and sex is implied.

Language: There is moderate swearing in Magicom.

Setting:  Magicom is set entirely in the kingdom of Blake.

Tropes: The Hero’s Journey, Magical Creatures, Epic Storylines with Lots of Characters, Best of the Best, Dystopian, Power and Technology

Age Range: I recommend Magicom for readers over 16.

Plot Synopsis (as spoiler-free as I can get):

Since witnessing the death of his fiancee by Magicom forces, August Silvershield is on a quest to expose Magicom for the corrupt company it is. As the ranks of Ashes (his group) grow, the more Magicom wants him captured. But it is after a stunt where Ashes blows up a fleet of blimps and causes numerous deaths that the general starts searching for August and forces him to go on the run.

Pink is a full-fledged mage who has joined the ranks of Wing. She is also August’s sister, a fact that she has kept a secret from everyone but a select few. Her first assignment is to find out why people are going missing in a neighboring town. What she discovers puts her right on Magicom’s radar. Soon, Pink is heading towards Blake’s biggest city to try and find the founder of Wings.

With long-held secrets exposed and their relationship out in the open, Pink and August join forces to take down a common enemy: Magicom. Or will everything they both have been working for be for nothing?

Main Characters

Rox Salvamal: I felt pity for this guy until halfway through the book. Why? Well, his men were killed, and fleet was destroyed because of Ashes (August’s group). But then, there was a pivotal scene around the same time Pink was investigating the mine that changed my mind. He had lost his damn mind. As the book went on, Rox’s single focus on August consumed him.

August Silvershield: I liked him, but I wished the author had explained his backstory (the reason he created Ashes) earlier in the book. Bits and pieces were trickled out as the book went on. But it was when August explained it to another character that I fully understood where he was coming from and why he was doing what he did.

Roeden Mason: I thought he was adorable and very resilient for someone so young. It was interesting to see everyone (including the more major secondary characters) through his eyes. I liked his role in the events at the end of the book.

Sara Arrancove (aka Pink aka Sara Silvershield): I enjoyed her character. I do wish that the author had been more upfront about who August was to her, but at the same time, I liked finding that out while reading. Pink was tough; she didn’t exactly listen to authority, and she knew her mind. Pink was also brave and had a knack for getting herself into trouble. She was essential (along with Roeden) in helping the events along at the end of the book.

Secondary characters: I enjoyed the secondary characters. There were some that I wished I had more background on (Taurus stands out the most in my mind). Others interested me but left a bad taste in my mouth because of their actions (Sol stands out the most). There are characters I didn’t form an opinion on either way (Chadwick comes to mind). However, each character did add depth to the storyline and the backstories of the main characters.

My review:

There are three storylines in Magicom. Each of the storylines was well written. I liked the detail that went into most of the storylines. There was one storyline that I wished had more detail. That is because of where it is set and why that person was there.

The storyline with Rox, his determination to flush out August, and the mystery he had going on creeped me out. As I said above, I liked Rox at first. He looked at dealing with Ashes like someone deals with a fly: swat it and hope it moves on. But when Ashes attacked Holding and destroyed most of the blimp fleet and killed a crap ton of people, he changed. As his storyline went on, Rox descended into obsession and madness. He started making mistakes, and those mistakes are what eventually ended up leading to his downfall.

The storyline with August, Ashes, and everyone else in the book was interesting. I liked how the author made August almost a mythical creature from Rox and Roeden. But August was human, and he made mistakes. Mistakes that he admitted to during the book. August also cared for his friends and would do whatever he could to break Roeden’s brother from prison, even if that meant getting captured himself. August’s storyline wasn’t wrapped up, making me wonder what he would do in the next book.

The storyline with Roeden, Chadwick, August, and their journey to find Phantex. I liked seeing everything through Roeden’s eyes. Roeden was determined to find and release his brother. He was also determined to help August, whether August wanted to help or not. Roeden’s storyline was wrapped up, but I did wonder if he will make an appearance in the next book.

The storyline with Pink, the mage school, her new instructor, the investigation, and her eventually meeting up with August was well written. Usually, I like things (like sibling relationships) shown upfront. But in this case, I understood why the author kept it under wraps for as long as he did. Pink was almost stupidly brave and put her life in danger more than once. That bravery and her penchant for not listening to people in authority came in very handy at the end of the book. Like August, her storyline was left open-ended.

The fantasy angle was terrific. I loved the magic system. People didn’t have latent magical powers. Instead, they had to drink a potion (the Arcannen potion) to boost the magic up. It was fascinating, and I couldn’t get enough of it. I also liked that while this book wasn’t exactly a steampunk book, it had very strong vibes.

The end of Magicom was interesting. The author wrapped up all of the storylines except for August’s and Pink’s. I cannot wait to read book 2!!

Many thanks to Adam Joseph for allowing me to read and review The Arcannen Chronicles: Magicom. All opinions stated in this review are mine.

If you enjoy reading books similar to Heir of Broken Fate, then you will enjoy these books:

Heir of Broken Fate by Mads Rafferty

Publisher: Mads Rafferty

Date of Publication: May 1st, 2023

Genre: Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Romance, Fae, Magic, New Adult, Fiction

Purchase Links: Kindle | B&N | AbeBooks | WorldCat

Goodreads Synopsis:

One hundred and fifty years ago the Fae race vanished. Along with their magic and creatures. With the fallen Fae lands the humans were soon to follow as corruption spread throughout the realm. Heir to the throne, Delilah Covington is forced to watch her people suffer under the sinful hands of her father, the king—while she herself suffers his cruel hand. Delilah has longed for change, her prayers going unanswered until she discovers salvation.
Fae are alive.
In desperation, Delilah flees her home and crosses the border, in hopes that the Fae will save her people.
Yet she isn’t the only one who needs help.
Caught in a web of lies and riddles Delilah’s only chance at hope is Knox, one of the irritating, yet frustratingly charming Fae kings. Together they’ll need to unravel the many mysteries to bring freedom to both their oppressed people, or damn them all.

First Line:

No matter how strong I get, I always end up here.

Heir of Broken Fate by Mads Rafferty

Important things you need to know about the book:

Pace: The pace of Heir of Broken Fate started slow and gained momentum by the end of the book. There was some slight lag towards the end of the book, but it didn’t affect how much I enjoyed reading it.

Trigger/Content Warning: There are trigger and content warnings in Heir of Broken Fate. If you are triggered by any of what I list below, I suggest skipping this book. I don’t get triggered easily, and there were some very tough scenes to digest at the beginning of the book, mainly because they brought up memories that I don’t like to think about. They are:

  • Physical Abuse (graphic)
  • Violence (graphic)
  • Child Abuse (graphic)
  • Death (moderate to graphic)
  • Emotional Abuse (moderate)
  • Torture (moderate)
  • Domestic Abuse (minor)
  • Child Death (moderate)
  • Grief (moderate)
  • Genocide (moderate to graphic)
  • Slavery (minor)
  • Murder (moderate)

Sexual Content: There is explicit sexual content in the last half of Heir of Broken Fate. I was a little surprised by it, considering that this is a book geared towards young adults.

Language: There is moderate to explicit swearing in Heir of Broken Fate.

Setting: The beginning chapters of Heir of Broken Fate are set in the kingdom of Aloriah. The rest of the book is set in the Fae Lands, mainly in the Essence Kingdom. There are journies to Air Court, Earth Court, Water Court, Fire Court, the witches’ lands, and the mermaid’s territories.

Representation: There is LGBTQ representation in Heir of Broken Fate. Easton, Delilah’s best friend, is gay.

Tropes: Forced Proximity, Enemies to Lovers, Incapable of Love, High Stakes

Age Range: Heir of Broken Fate is marketed as a Young Adult book, and it is until the last 20% of the book that graphic sex is showcased. Because of that, I recommend this book to those 21 and older.

Plot Synopsis (as spoiler-free as I can get):

One hundred and fifty years ago, the Fae disappeared. Everything about them was erased from people’s minds, and they became myths. But to Delilah, the Fae represent freedom. Horrendously abused by her father and forced to be compliant with his horrendous acts of violence against his people, Delilah longs to get away. Then, one day, everything changes. Delilah’s mother, abused into lunacy, gives Delilah a necklace that allows Delilah to see the impossible. The Fae are alive. Taking that hope, Delilah barely escapes to the Fae Lands. There, she hopes to find someone to help her stop her father and free her people. But instead, Delilah finds a dying land and people. She also discovers that she is Fae, but she is also more. To free her people and the Fae, she must unravel a 150-year-old mystery: Why the Fae disappeared and who is behind it. But Delilah isn’t alone. She is helped by Knox, the Fae King of Essence, and his friends. But, what they find will shake them to the core. Can Delilah free the Fae and help her people?

Main Characters

Delilah Covington: Delilah was one of the strongest people in this book (other than Knox). Even when faced with the threat of physical, verbal, and emotional abuse, she wasn’t afraid to speak up when it came to the safety of her people. As soon as Delilah could, she left with Easton (and gave Annie word to jet with the horses after a month). But, once she reached the Fae Lands, she morphed into a jerk. Yes, I said it; she was a jerk. I understand why she has issues with men (I would, too), but since meeting her, Knox was polite and helpful. I started to get grumpy with her and wanted to shake some sense into her. Then, her character did another 180, and she turned back into that strong woman. I almost got whiplash because of how fast she turned.

Knox Holloway: I am not going to mince words here. I loved him. He was dirty-minded (omg, the things he said and insinuated to Delilah). He was loyal and fiercely protective of his friends and people (the Essence court subjects). Knox wanted to find out why his parents were killed and why the magic was draining from the Fae Lands. I thought he was perfect for Delilah. He was willing to wait for her to drop her walls and let him in. The build-up to that was almost unbearable. He also knew who Delilah was to him from nearly the minute they met, but he didn’t push her into anything. He saw that she was traumatized. I liked that Knox waited for Delilah to tell him about her father’s abuse (seeing the scars on her body did hasten that). I can’t wait to see what he will do in the other books and how his character will progress.

Secondary characters: I say this in every review, but the secondary characters made this book, even the animal ones. They each added depth to Delilah and Knox’s storyline(s), and when something happened to one, I felt it. I cannot wait to see what these characters will do in book 2.

My review:

The main storyline centered around Delilah, Knox (later on), and their quest to save both worlds. I enjoyed this storyline, but I did have some questions. I was trying to figure out if the storyline took place during the present day or if it was in the past. There was electricity and bombs, yet they went by carriage and horse everywhere (in the Human Lands). It wasn’t evident. I also did have an issue following the storyline once they figured out who was behind everything. The whole Tree of Life chapters (what Delilah did) confused me, and I read those chapters 2 to 3 times.

I liked the fantasy angle. I enjoyed seeing the Fae paired with various elements. I also liked that the Fae could have multiple elements. I enjoyed seeing the mythological creatures (the griffins and mermaids had excellent portrayals). I also enjoyed the magic system. How people were losing their magic and dying made absolute sense.

The romance angle was a little “meh” to me. I felt that Delilah, for almost the entire time she was in the Essence Court and the Fae Lands, was too damaged for romance. And while Knox and Delilah ended up together, it did seem forced and a little unrealistic. But I did like that there was at least a genuine feelings for Knox behind Delilah’s wanting to push him away.

The end of Heir of Broken Fate was interesting. I liked how the author wrapped up the banishment and magic storyline. But it almost seemed too convenient, and I think Queen Aurora was behind everything. But I could be wrong. The book did end on a cliffhanger, which I detest. But it did its job, and I cannot wait to read Book 2 when it comes out!!

Many thanks to Mads Rafferty for allowing me to read and review Heir of Broken Fate. All opinions stated in this review are mine.

If you enjoy reading books similar to Heir of Broken Fate, then you will enjoy these books:

The Captain (17 Planets: Book 1) by A.R. Alexander

Publisher: https://www.aralexanderbooks.com

Date of publication: June 15th, 2023

Genre: Science Fiction

Series: 17 Planets

The Captain—book 1

Purchase Links: Kindle

Goodreads Synopsis:

A woman with an extraordinary mind and a dark past demanding revenge. 17 planets divided into four factions whose leaders forgot their inhabitants all arrived from the same place: Planet Earth. A threat that could turn a tool that saves everyone’s life into the worst imaginable nightmare. Elizabeth, a chameleonic and seductive woman, is the only one who can make a difference, but her uniqueness weighs on her shoulders like the world weighs on Atlas’ shoulders.

These are just some of the ingredients of this novel where action scenes alternate with political ones and the relationship between the many characters, as much as the suffering and the claustrophobic anguish, alternate with the human need for love and loyalty. All seasoned with a drops of eroticism and a hint of humour.

First Line:

The following is the story of the descendants of a large group of humans, primarily scientists and historians, who reached this part of the universe more than a millenium before the events narrated in this book.

The Captain by A.R. Alexander

Important things you need to know about the book:

The Captain is the first book in the 17 Planets series. Since this is the first book in the series, you can handle certain characters ‘ backstories without being lost or wondering about certain characters’ backstories. Now, I highly recommend that you read the historical background. The author lays everything out: how humans colonized the planets, why they were colonized, the different governments, and their collective histories. You must read and bookmark this section because what is written here is expanded upon. Also included are footnotes at the very end of the book. As with the historical background, I suggest reading them. They give added context to the passage that is noted.

I read The Captain while sick, so the book’s pacing was off for me. I can finish books like this (300 pages) in a few days. But, because I was sick, completing it took me longer than I expected.

There are trigger warnings in The Captain. If any of these trigger you, I suggest not reading the book. They are:

  • Blood (on and off page)
  • Gore (on and off page)
  • Death (on and off page)
  • Kidnapping (on and off page)
  • Murder (on and off page)
  • Attempted Murder (on and off page)
  • Human Trafficking of children (mentioned and off page)
  • Terrorism (on and off page)
  • Violence (on and off page)

Sexual Content:  Most of the sexual content in The Captain is nongraphic. The author uses the fade-to-the-day-after technique, which worked fine for me. But there are a couple of scenes that do get graphic.

Language: There is foul language used in The Captain. It didn’t bother me, but it might bother some more sensitive readers.

Setting: The Captain is set on various planets in a solar system near Earth.

Plot Synopsis (as spoiler-free as I can get):

Elizabeth is a woman on a mission. She is determined to get revenge on the parties responsible for her mother’s death and her attempted murder. She is also determined to unite the four factions that rule her solar system and disrupt a plot to turn helpless citizens into mindless drones. But doing both is dangerous. Can she exact her revenge as well as unite the factions?

Main Characters:

Elizabeth/Captain Lee: I liked Elizabeth. I found her intriguing and liked her. The blurb likened her to a chameleon, and, for once, I agreed with it. She could change her appearance on a whim, thanks to the bracelets that she wore. There were times that I did wish that the author got into her background sooner (what happened to her/who her family is). But overall, she was a wonderfully written, well-fleshed-out character.

Secondary characters:  Numerous secondary characters pop up in The Captain. There were some that I thought were redundant (and those the author killed off), but overall, the secondary characters added depth and sometimes clarity to the storyline.

My review:

I was taken pleasantly by surprise by The Captain. I decided to read it because I have yet to read too many space operas written by a woman, and I wanted to see how it was. Well, it didn’t disappoint, that’s for sure.

As mentioned above, reading the historical background and footnotes is necessary. The historical background will help you with the planets/factions, and the footnotes add extra context. Also, there are diagrams and drawings sprinkled throughout the book. I would have loved it if the author had put those in a glossary (along with the planets, solar systems, cities, and main characters). That way, I could have had a one-stop place to look instead of bookmarking, hoping I remember not to delete the bookmark.

The main storyline centers around Elizabeth and her quests. The storyline was well-written and very fleshed out. The author took her time explaining things (background of characters, planets, factions). Reading all that information upfront was tedious, but it was worth it. There is a small amount of lag in the middle of the book, but that did not affect how much I enjoyed reading The Captain.

The science-fiction angle of The Captain was terrific. I loved the detail that the author put into everything. I had some questions about the habitation bubbles (like how the spacecraft got in and out without expelling the atmosphere), and I hope the author will answer some of those questions in the next book.

The end of The Captain was interesting. It was the only part of the book where I read twice to understand what was happening. The author revealed things I wish were told earlier in the book and things that were left up in the air. The author left the ending open with hints about what we should expect in book 2.

Many thanks to A.R. Alexander for allowing me to read and review The Captain. All opinions expressed in this review are mine.

If you enjoy reading books similar to The Captain, then you will enjoy these books:

Tantalus Depths by Evan Graham

Publisher: Inkshares

Date of publication: September 27th, 2022

Genre: Science Fiction, Fiction, Horror, Thriller, Space, Adult, Artificial Intelligence, Science Fiction Fantasy

Purchase Links: Kindle | Audible | B&N | AbeBooks | Kobo

Goodreads Synopsis:

Mary Ketch signed on to the Tantalus 13 deep space survey mission to get some time and distance from her problems at home. It was supposed to be a simple piloting job to help an artificially intelligent, self-constructing factory called SCARAB lay the foundations of a mining colony on a barren rock.

But when the barren rock turns out to be a solid sphere of pure platinum, the astronauts realize they’ve made the greatest discovery in human Tantalus 13 is not a planet at all, but an ancient artificial construct of unknown origin and purpose.

As the crew begin to meet gruesome and fatal “accidents,” their sense of achievement dwindles and Mary suspects the guilty party may be the increasingly deranged SCARAB. But SCARAB may not be acting alone, and Tantalus has only begun to reveal the dark secrets that lie in its depths…

First Line:

We live in a dead universe.

Tantalus Depths by Evan Graham

Important things you need to know about the book:

Tantalus Depths starts slow and gradually increases the speed to medium fast. I am not a fan of books that start slow. But, in this case, it is needed. The author explains the backstory (about the AI rebellion), the voyage, and the main characters’ backgrounds. There is some lag towards the middle (mainly when they were exploring the drill site), but it didn’t affect how I liked the book.

There are content/trigger warnings in Tantalus Depths. They are:

Mental Health: Ramanathan (the ship’s doctor) suffers from severe depression throughout the book (it is explained why and Mary does try to help him). Mary suffered from depression before the trip (SCARAB uses that against her) and started spiraling in the middle of the book.

Violence/Gore: The violence doesn’t start until Becky gets hurt in the artifact. Then, it goes from nothing to graphic within a chapter. There are explicit scenes of gore, too.

Language: There is mild to moderate language in Tantalus Depths.

These are the main triggers in Tantalus Depths. If any of these trigger you, I suggest not reading the book.

Plot Synopsis (as spoiler free as I can get):

Mary Ketch is the piolet of The Diamelen. She is heading to an asteroid, Tantalus 13, with her six shipmates on a surveying mission. Sent ahead is SCARAB, a self-building AI whose job is to help build the buildings and biodomes that will house the mining company. But, once Mary arrives on Tantalus, she starts to notice that things are off with SCARAB. But accidents happen when her crew makes a fantastic find (one that could have a ripple effect across humanity). These accidents make Mary think SCARAB has circumvented its programming and gone rogue. But, the truth is even more frightening, and it soon becomes a race against the AI and time to get off the planet. What is happening? Will Mary and her crew make it off?

Main Characters

Mary Ketch: I liked Mary and wondered if she was overthinking things with SCARAB. I like that the author wrote her that way, unreliable. That made what happened after Becky’s accident much more horrifying and sad.

SCARAB: When SCARAB was introduced in the book, I did get a slight feeling of dread. My internal voice immediately had SCARAB speaking like Hal from 2001: A Space Odyssey. But, once I got into reading the character, I realized that SCARAB was nothing like Hal. Instead, SCARAB was more dangerous than Hal. It had found a way to circumnavigate the two laws that bound it, and when that happened, chaos started.

My review

Tantalus Depths is a well-written science fiction novel that kept my attention from page one. Science fiction isn’t my usual go-to genre, so I took a chance agreeing to read and review this book.

The science fiction angle of the book was well written. I loved that the author chose to have a forward explanation about The Corsica Event and how it affected human/AI relationships. The author described flying in space, mining, the three alien species shown in the gallery, and SCARAB’s descent into madness. It enthralled me and made me want more.

My only complaint with the book is that I wish there were a glossary explaining the different colonies/races/equipment/terms used. It would have helped me a lot with some of the terms used.

The end of Tantalus Depths had me on the edge of my seat. I was rooting for Mary and company to get off Tantalus 13 and away from SCARAB. I left the book wondering if the escape was an escape or if something else was carried aboard the ship.

Many thanks to Evan Graham for allowing me to read and review Tanalus Depths. All opinions stated in this review are mine.

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