Girl on Fire

Girl on Fire by Eden Hart

Reviewed by Lily Andrews

The first book in Eden Hart’s dystopian adventure epic, “Girl on Fire,” centers on a young girl who battles a fatal disease and whose world almost falls apart when a deadly fever begins claiming thousands of lives, including people who matter to her.   Purchase Here.

According to Kassia’s most recent diagnosis, her myeloid leukemia, which was in the most aggressive stage, was becoming worse. As her family ruminated on her sickness on Thanksgiving night, they were stunned by the most spectacular display of red dots that glittered everywhere. As everyone looked up into the sky in shock and bewilderment, the air felt thinner, and there was a foul odor around them, despite her father’s assurance that they were most likely fireworks. Their greatest fears were, however, confirmed when dead pigeons started falling over their roof and onto the street below.

The death toll was in the tens of thousands and rising, and no one was safe. While humanity was on the brink of annihilation, a few individuals, like Kassia, were surprisingly immune to the illness. So was Lynxx, an Outlander who had, for sixteen years, blended in among humans without anybody noticing that he was a hybrid. Two months ago, he was assigned by his guardian to monitor the effects of the First Wave on the people of New York and document the rate at which they died of the outbreak. A lot of people were drawn to his physique, including Kassia, whom he shortly after fell in love with. But when he realized she had cancer and that, despite the outbreak, she had not died within the projected time frame, he was astonished and decided to use her as a test subject.

This story skillfully takes a fresh approach to the idea of “survival of the fittest.” It draws readers into the life of a protagonist who, in addition to a life-threatening disease, is also trying to cope with her mother’s rejection. As death stares at her, she is faced with tough decisions and bewilderment, throwing her hope of ever being loved or surviving away. The author also presents a character who questions human resiliency and is taken aback by their strength, joy, optimism, and love even at the most difficult times. This contradicts his long-held conviction in human inadequacy, sending him along a bizarre path that quickly earns him the term “traitor.”

This book’s startling turns and steadily increasing intensity kept me on the edge of my seat from the very beginning. Its sequence of horrific events that progressively lead to a deep comprehension of the nature of love and the things that can awaken any soul is captivating. With their interesting banter, curiosity, and wit, the well-developed characters complement one another, making the story a progressive one. With its slow-burning romance and heart-pounding action, “Girl on Fire” by Eden Hart is among the finest dystopian adventure epics that create immersive worlds that stir the imagination and enthrall the reader. Highly recommended for all young enthusiasts of post-apocalyptic books.

Involuntarious

Involuntarius by J. R. Izquierdo

Reviewed by Lily Andrews

J.R. Izquierdo’s gripping mystery and suspense novel “Involuntarius” traces a young man’s quest to unearth secrets his father left behind that might prevent a war between two secret societies fighting to be the dominant sect.  Purchase Here.

The sight of his mother’s lifeless body with a pool of blood underneath it shocks Ellis Cattivo. She has a deep gash on her right forearm and is clutching a mystery garnet-encrusted golden knife in her left hand. The dagger is suddenly taken by his father, Julius, who makes off with it. It quickly becomes clear to Ellis that the dagger, Aurum Pugio, is a prized object, and those seeking it would stop at nothing to get it.

Later, Ellis creeps after Sadie, also known as the Profeticis, whom Julius had brought home earlier. They come to a building where Julius is brutally killed because he will not divulge the whereabouts of the dagger. Ellis gets caught eavesdropping and is put in a tough scenario where he has to choose between returning to his former life and becoming a member of the Involuntarius, the secret organization his father was a part of before he was labeled a defectus. Selecting the latter, he makes rapid progress through a series of rituals, catching the interest of Princeps Dominus, the Involuntarius’s leader.

Puzzles, dominance, secrets, killings, and horrifying conspiracies are all central to this lengthy and deeply riveting story. The protagonist, a young man of resilience, perseveres through many setbacks in an attempt to uncover whatever purpose fate may have in store for him. He is at the center of a tense period in which a way of life that has provided many people with a sense of purpose is under threat. He immediately makes an impression on the audience as a guy on a mission after escaping a planned blood fest by an extremely vengeful woman posing as a friend.

The book “Involuntarius” by J. R. Izquierdo is quite entertaining despite its length. The relic that Princeps Dominus passed down over the years and how the adversary may detect vulnerability without it are two of its most intriguing ideas. One distinctive aspect of the book is its gradual pacing and shift in tone as stakes rise along with its exciting conclusion. A worthy page-turner, Izquierdo’s work will tug at the heartstrings of all mystery and suspense enthusiasts who love stories that defy quick solutions.

 

The Anomalous Isle

Anomalous Isle by Jerome Echelbarger

Reviewed by Michaela Gordoni

In Jerome Echelbarger’s latest foray into the world of teen and young adult fiction, readers are swept into a mysterious island that almost seems to be in another universe. The Anomalous Isle serves as a sanctuary for those whom society might deem ugly or different. Only the beautiful Dalisay, a thirteen-year-old born on the island known as “The Princess,” is free from outward imperfections. But her footsteps do glow—a perk of being isle born.  Purchase Here.

The anomalies residing on the island can only depart its confines and visit Earth by passing through the enigmatic Tree Curtain, a portal unlocked by a special speckled acorn. Upon arriving on the other side, their appearances undergo a transformation as they take part in the great Grand Anomaly circus. But when Dalisay makes the rebellious decision to go with the others one eventful day, it sends ripples through the fabric of the island—literally. It triggers a chain reaction of events that involves the island’s inhabitants and outsiders from an orphanage as well. As the safety of the isle hangs in the balance, it becomes clear that a collective effort will be required to
restore order and stability.

This creative tale is very unusual and adventurous. Echelbarger has taken a unique concept and woven it into a fantasy full of interesting characters, each with their own differences and personalities. There is no single character in focus, and to add another interesting layer, the story is set in the mid-1950s. This is somewhat enticing, as it draws readers into a world on the cusp of change and exploration. The story contains a few twists and turns and even ends on a cliffhanger, leading the reader to think that something much bigger than the Anomalous Isle is out there.

Echelbarger has made the isle of misfits feel both alien and palpably real at the same time with its neon green sun, enigmatic black and white lion-type creatures, and purple water pulsing through its tropical veins. Although there’s nothing described in graphic detail, the book does lightly deal with elements of death and injury. It’s very fast-paced and contains suspenseful moments where characters must run from captors, savage beasts, and the like, making it appropriate for young teens and upwards. In a pleasant round-about sort of way, The Anomalous Isle also imparts a timeless lesson on the significance of inner qualities. It is not one’s outside appearance that is significant, but what’s inside. One’s true worth lies in how one behaves and treats others.

Overall, this is a quick, enjoyable read for anyone who likes a good adventure fantasy with a unique concept. It is altogether compelling, creative, and immersive — an inviting journey of thrills and discovery.

The Jake Matthews Saga: Ascension

The Jake Matthews Saga: Ascension by Josiah Akatab

Reviewed by Lisa Brown-Gilbert

A winning amalgamation of fantasy, science fiction, action, and adventure, author Josiah Akhtab’s, Jake Mathews Saga: Ascension, brings to life the evolution of a superhero of legendary proportions. As book one of an intended series, this work makes for a great introduction to the imaginative world characters and creatures that inhabit this epic tale.  Purchase Here.

At the story’s outset, central character Jake Matthews comes into focus, He is young, and intensely intelligent. Starting out he is a seemingly bored teenager, and at fourteen years old has no real direction nor believes he has a true purpose in life. And to top it all off he is blind. In fact, he has a type of blindness called eagle-eyed blindness, which when applied within the paradigm of this saga means he sees shadows. But much to his credit his visual impairment does not seem to hamper his existence as much as it would others. As it turns out his other senses are amplified, as well as burgeoning ones such as the ability to detect electromagnetic fields, giving him the ability to maneuver through life as a blind person with exceptional prowess. And, little does Jake know, he has a destiny that is much bigger and more important than he could ever realize.

Meanwhile, is a story abundant with adventure as Jake finds himself transported to the unreal world of Figueroa located in the eighth dimension. There he comes to learn of his true destiny and that he does have a true purpose in life. As Jake trains he grows in super-powered skills overcoming the many challenges on the path to his destiny. Defeating many opponents along the way, he soon proves a worthy opponent to some and a hero to many. Ultimately, the scope of this story expands and entangles two worlds; the fantastical world of Figueroa where he grows as a young man, a hero and becomes the ruler, and earth, where he is also destined to be a hero of epic proportions.

Altogether, Jake Matthews Saga: Ascension by author, Josiah Akhtab was an overall enjoyment to read. I found this to be an engaging fantasy-based coming-of-age novel. From the story’s outset, I was engaged by this well told story brimming with plenty of action–packed super-powered fighting scenes, multi-dimensional heroics, and fantastical adventures set in intriguing worlds. For me, this book turned out to be a worthwhile read that I would definitely recommend especially to readers intrigued by fantasy and science fiction sagas.

 

Immortal

Immortal by Josiah Akhtab

Reviewed by Daniel Ryan Johnson

If you have ever imagined a postapocalyptic diaspora of humanity to worlds unknown accompanied by vampires, immortals, and other supernatural beings, Josiah Akhtab answers all your questions in Immortal. Packed to the brim with action and intrigue, this page-turner is hard to put down.  Purchase Here.

The novel centers around Brandon and Ellie, partners working for the immortal Vanguard at the Porting City Detective and Vampire Hunting Agency on planet Vayne. While the story builds slowly at first, once the action gets going, it is a non-stop action-packed thriller that never lets up until you hit the back cover of the book. With vivid fight scenes and an endless supply of baddies, our protagonists’ adventures take them from rooftops high above the cities of planet Vayne deep down into the sewers.

Immortal is filled with mystery, grand plans of world domination, quests for vengeance, and plenty of gore. The characters in the book are intriguing, and discovering the various motivations behind their actions pushes the story forward and keeps the reader glued to the page.

Josiah Akhtab’s novel is not for those with an aversion to violence, as the fight scenes in the book are vivid and plentiful. While action of this level can be hard to capture in writing, the author paints a clear and thorough picture that transports you to the scene and makes you feel like you are dishing out the hits and taking them yourself.

Immortal certainly isn’t lacking in originality. While the book contains many well-known creatures and staples of the science fiction, fantasy, and horror genres, Mr. Akhtab combines them in new ways and provides plenty of unique ideas to make what could be a predictable story in the hands of a less imaginative writer a captivating and surprising tale that leaves the reader guessing. Around halfway through the book, it becomes clear that there is more story to tell than can be contained in the pages that remain, and when you reach the final period, you will be anxious to get your hands on the next book in this expansive epic.

Wyndona's Cloak

Wyndano’s Cloak: A Tale of Magic and High Adventure by A.R. Silverberry

Book reviewed by Chris Phillips

Silverberry’s debut novel is a surprising fantasy. There are all the classic elements. There is a headstrong and determined young heroine. There are the enemies and friends. As with any good book there are friends that turn dangerous and become enemies or almost. Then there are some that appear to be enemies but are really friends in disguise.  Purchase Here.

Since Jen’s early life she has been apart from her family, living in another world rejected and so different. She returned after the last battle with Naryfel, her evil aunt and queen of another rival kingdom. Now she has settled with her family and they are at peace. Her father the King is in the Rose Castle and the land of Aerdem is at peace. However, Jen has an uneasy feeling that her aunt Naryfel is planning to take over the kingdom yet again. Jen is always on alert and always watching for the surprise attack.

Leading the supporting characters is Bit, the young fiancée of Jen’s brother Dash. There is Pet, a Countess the same age as Jen, who is a friend, but there must be something else going on. There is Yalp the dwarf magician whose magic sometimes works and sometimes works too well and, of course, sometimes doesn’t work at all. The attack comes in the night. All seems to be lost when Jen and Bit take off on different quests to save the King and Dash from certain death. Wyndano’s Cloak is magical with very special powers, but Jen was hurt severely when she tried to use it. However she knows that the cloak is the key to saving the kingdom.

Will Jen find the cloak in time? Will the cloak be found at all? Will Bit and Dash wed? Will the King and kingdom be saved? Will Naryfel win the day? Will good triumph? Will anyone survive? Give Silverberry and Jen the chance to win the reader’s heart and spend some time learning the secrets of Wyndano’s Cloak.

The plot has sufficient twists and turns to keep the reader’s interest. The characters are solid and fully developed. The mysteries and surprises grab the reader’s attention and send the imagination scurrying. This is a delightful book and can be highly recommended.

This book is best for young adults and pre-teens. It would be good for their parents and teachers as well.

5 Stars
Published by Tree Tunnel Press, PO Cox 733, Capitola, Ca 95010 […] Reviewer received the book from the publisher.

Kahuna - Tampa Bay

Kahuna: Vol. 1 – Tampa Bay by Brent A. Phillips

Book Reviewed by Daniel Ryan Johnson

KAHUNA: Vol 1. – Tampa Bay is not your typical supernatural beings fantasy book. While the story does feature some of the usual suspects, like vampires and witches, these characters appear in supporting roles. Meanwhile, the protagonist of the story is a water-manipulating kahuna, and many of the supporting players in his world are equally unique “supernatties” that don’t live among the pages of your average fantasy novel.  Purchase Here.

Author Brent A. Phillips dives deep down into the imagination to create a world filled with unique characters. It is a refreshing take on a genre that can often feel overplayed. With terrific character development, you can easily get drawn into the lives of this diverse group. KAHUNA grips you from the start and makes you interested to discover what new creation lies around the next page.

Phillips tends to keep things light even when the darkness approaches. Humor weaves throughout the book despite the dangers constantly confronting our lead character Vox Montague. Sex, violence, alcohol, culinary delights, sports rivalries, and a diehard devotion to the ones he loves are the driving forces behind this likable lead.

The water-wielding kahuna plumber is tasked with keeping the peace among all supernatural beings in Tampa Bay and the surrounding Florida area. However, despite having the two full-time jobs of peacekeeper and plumber, he still finds plenty of time to drink his way into trouble and let his sexual appetites take the wheel more often than they should.

KAHUNA is an easy read that can be hard to put down. As the nefarious activity of supernatties continues to heat up in Tampa Bay, you can easily get swept along as Vox battles his way up the baddie food chain while attempting to uncover a plot that threatens the city and deeply affects the people closest to him.

Phillips succeeds in keeping the reader eager for more up to and including over the final page. The story is fast-paced, and the action and suspense continue to build with every sentence. Once you have finished the book, you will be champing at the bit to get your hands on KAHUNA Vol 2. Hawai’i.

Season of the Dragon

Season of the Dragon (Dragos Primeri Book 1) by Natalie Wright

Book Reviewed by Timea Barabas

Natalie Wright’s Season of the Dragon opens up the Dragos Primeri series in a mystical storm. Using familiar elements like dragons and shapeshifters, the author succeeds in building a unique and complex world that easily takes root in the reader’s mind.  Purchase Here.

Following the life of Quen, a young girl born under a curse or blessing – a simple matter of perspective – we embark on a journey of magical self-discovery. Since she was a child, Quen was different from the other children, more agile, faster, and stronger. However, what set her apart most was her differently colored eyes, flaming red and calm blue.

A misfit, Quen tries to suppress her unnatural abilities in hopes of social acceptance. Yet, she continues lingering as an outcast until the day an ominous visitor comes to claim her. That visit sets in motion a series of events that lead to the destruction of her home and deeply scar her family.

Quen promises to seek revenge for the loss and destruction the dragon inflicted on her settlement and loved ones. Thus, she sets off with a group of diverse misfits to find and destroy the fire-breathing dragon and his rider.

Her quest for revenge is deeply intertwined with self-discovery, as her true identity is at the center of everything. All her life, she tried keeping her shadow soul at bay, but the ancient voice gradually awakens and bubbles over in her conscious mind. As the duality within her asserts itself more and more, the possibility of an ongoing harmonious co-existence weighs heavy on Quen.

Walking in the shadow of prophecy, Quen tries to break free of the shackles set by ancient words. Natalie Wright makes her personal quest our own as we uncover a layered and disjointed social system of magic, politics, and religion.

While Season of the Dragon is aimed primarily at a young adult audience, it is a mesmerizing read for adults as well. Natalie Wright’s world-building skills, together with her astute psychological and social observations, weave a compelling and multi-layered story.

Archangel: The Book of Mammon

Archangel: The Book of Mammon by Black Mike

Book Reviewed by Chris Phillips

Title of the review, where appropriate. Questions, answers and the trouble in between.

Black Mike presents a major conceptual change for beings that might be called angels and demons. The story follows Michael, a law enforcement agent with an unidentified agency seeking out terrorists and related organizations. He is also an orphan who grew up from a very sketchy background of family. Another active character is Sara who is a detective with the local police force. Then the third person heavily involved is Michael’s sister, Hannah. The plot revolves first around Michael truly discovering who and what his place in this universe is, Sara and her relationship with Michael and, at last, Hannah and where she is and how does she fit with the crimes and questions Michael and Sara have for her about her activities and motivations.  Purchase Here.

The first scene is an undercover surveillance situation where Michael is trying to catch a terrorist who is trying to buy arms from illegal arms dealers. He finds the suspect and gives chase. Bright lights, supernatural beings and trips across the veil between worlds leave him completely blown away. Then Sara and he are introduced, and they begin a partnership that deepens as they each learn about these two-world existence.

These two worlds exist simultaneously and intertwined with each other. There are many gifts and magic as well as powers and principals in one or the other world. This is the whole point of the plot. To all questions there are answers, and the answers are big and little. Finally, when all is said and done the questions are more important than the real actions taken, and the answers all lead to more questions as the tale spins on.

In general, the plot is convoluted and complex in the extreme. The reader is only revealed answers as they are discovered by the characters in the telling of the tale. And, although the characters are well-developed and very realistic, their interconnections keep changing and morphing into something much more as the tale spins onward.

There is both depth and development of the characters and the plot, with many twists and turns. The length of the book is very much required to cover all the convolutions, so there is little frivolous content even though it sometimes appears differently.  The twists and turns follow the questions, the answers and the revelations that each of the characters discovers.

The original concepts and the way that the battles between good and evil develop are frustrating not only for the characters within the storyline, but for the reader as well, until suddenly another epiphany arises opening understanding and making for a very satisfying means of story development.

Although Black Mike has some very original ideas and some different constructs to develop the plot, he does so with a sensitivity to the “people” involved.

This is highly recommended for those who like supernatural plots, mysteries, or battles between good and evil. This is a quality novel, good for any reader with the maturity to deal with life and death as well as those many gray areas in living in the real world.

The reviewer recommends this book.   This is a great beginning for the first read by this author and the beginning of a good series here.

Ever the Night Road

Ever the Night Road by Michael Breen

Book Reviewed by Timea Barabas

Ever the Night Road is a thrilling tale of adventure and self-discovery. Michael Breen introduces us to a vast magical universe filled with wonderous creatures and treasures lurking in deep waters. Perhaps the most enchanting aspect of the book is that it is on the threshold of childish naivety and worldliness.  Purchase here.

 

This is a story about the many forms of loss and the innate human need to fill the gaping void left behind. Dagny is an orphaned child who was taken in by her brother’s best friend and welcomed as a member of their family. She is raised on tales of exploration and discovery, daydreaming of her own adventures. On a day like any other, child’s play seamlessly transitioned into a fight for survival.

 

Join Dagny through her awakening to the dangers of the world. Amidst mystical creatures and phantasms, the most dangerous being is man. As Dagny explores abandoned lands, degenerate cities, and drowned worlds, she faces myriad dangers. While Ever the Night Road follows a group of teenagers and children, this is not a tale of mercy. The characters are exposed to palpable physical pain and suffering.

 

Michael Breen opens our eyes to the contagious quality of courage and the force of small acts of kindness. While strongly independent, Dagny taps into hidden powers when joining forces with her friends. It is these friendships and her small deeds of kindness that shelter her from the heavy dark veil of fatal danger.

 

This coming-of-age adventure story mesmerizes the reader on multiple levels. The story has a melodic rhythm for its unfolding. The author also takes his time to paint the atmosphere and the characters’ inner states and have the reader inhale these two worlds. Furthermore, Michael Breen shows great skill in character development. He explores the hidden motivations of individuals while factoring in the influence of external societal forces.

 

Ever the Night Road explores the mystical darkness of the human soul and the breaking of light as rays of hope and love pierce through the darkness. After peering into the magical realms, lively slums, and cheerful settlements outlined by the author, resisting the call of adventure becomes futile.