Monday, March 18, 2024

Marked Review Spotlight

 


 Marked is the first book in the Keepers of Midgate series. This dark fantasy novella may be short, but it beautifully sets the stage for young Davy’s story as he faces hardship after hardship. It’s not all bleak though, there are moments of love and light. However, it would seem that he is destined for great things as he is forced to endure so much heartbreak and let down by people who should have stepped up to care for him regardless.

First impressions when you see the cover of Marked? “Wow, that’s one vicious-looking dragon!” Right? There’s probably more than meets the eye of a young boy who appears to be leaning back in “terror” of an “angry” looking dragon. For sure though, the dragon’s fierce expression and eye-catching colors is sure to pique your interest in what the author has in store for readers who pick this book up. It definitely looks like the dragon is angry at being disturbed, with a dead or dying sheep at it’s feet. But sometimes it pays to look closer, right? Not everything is what it appears to be.




Marked paints a vivid picture of young Davy’s life. Living with his parents, tending their herd of sheep, and making an honest living. The local town gossip informs young Davy of a baby born with a mark. It sounds like nothing really, but there is more than meets the eye. A particular mark means that you are “cursed.” Davy thinks nothing of it. Why should he? But it would seem that bad luck is heading their way.

Is it because he used certain words too loosely? Did his flippant mention of dragons and other monsters doom his family to the fates that they fall to? You’d be tempted to think so. But is there something else going on that we just don’t know about?

This story really draws you in the deeper you go. You’re going to find yourself smiling during the happy times, feeling heartbreak at the losses Davy is forced to endure, and even anger at the callous treatment he is forced to endure. At certain points, you’re just going to want to reach through the pages to hug him and show him that love shouldn’t “depend.”

This book promises dragons, as you can see on the cover, so...where are they? Well, they’re mentioned several times in the story. But make sure you pay attention when a dragon makes an up close and personal appearance in the early chapters of the story. Don’t worry though, that won’t be the only appearance! There will be another later on, and it’s going to be a scene you’re not going to want to miss.




The way that this novella wraps up is going to truly bring a smile to your face. Essentially it’s like the story is being brought full circle while also setting the stage for what the rest of the series. We for sure are excited to find out what happens next with young Davy. Where one door closes, another opens. You just have to be willing to hang in there like Davy.

Looking for a good fantasy novel? We can’t recommend this novella enough. Be sure to keep an eye out for the next in the series! It’s sure to be a page-turner that will keep you coming back for more if it’s anything like this detailed novella.




Thursday, March 7, 2024

Book of Monster Stories Review Spotlight


Hello readers. 

Looking for something dark? 

Something twisted? 

Something that will have the hair on the back of your neck standing on end? 

Something that will have you looking over your shoulder? 

Then HellBound Books and Black Tide Book Tours has got a treat for you...Book Of Monsters is sure to leave you delightfully unhinged. Enjoy! 




Book of Monster Stories is an anthology of short horror stories that will take a nice little trip through your brain. You'll be taking a second look at that cricket before you think about crushing it. That strange goop you see floating in your pool? Is it really just something strange that fell in? Or is it something more? The darkness between the trees...are they just shadows? Or is there a creature that only you can see?

Remember the rules...if you don't acknowledge it...it's not really there and it can't get you. Or can it?

Book of Monster Stories brings you a collection of horror stories that will grip you and threaten to devour you whole. Each story will bring you a whole new horrific creation from these various authors' twisted minds. Some are truly twisted, while others are more for the mild readers who like sleeping at night. Haha! 

But for readers who enjoy things that are...the creepier the better? There are some in here just for you as well. The stories vary which will keep readers on their toes. You just never know what you're going to get as each author brings some new delightfully twisted treat to the table. 

Not every story is going to be a creep-tastic gore fest. There will be some that honestly...will just leave you with your jaw on the floor. There will be a few here and there that leave you with more questions at the close of the story. We have to guess that this is by design because it allows readers to come to their own conclusions as to where things go from there concerning the characters.

One story that stuck with us in particular is the story with the "tulpas." This particular story feels complete from beginning to end. It draws you in with an intriguing storyline, and gives you a satisfying storyline that culminates in the most interesting way. But don't think that's the only story that stuck with us. 

Nope! There's a few others that stood out. Granted, because of our sheer horror and hurt because of the harming of precious felines. LOL! Sorry, not sorry but we're cat people here. You best believe that one may or may not have us looking at a particular insect in a different way. THAT's for sure! But even we have to admit...that story was dark, twisted, and brought a nice amount of creep factor. LOL!

The stories that give you a glimpse at what happens next at the end were typically the ones we enjoyed the most, but each story was deliciously unique and utterly twisted. Little gems of horror can be found throughout this anthology and we're sure that more than one author will soon have new readers trailing after their dark crumbs of horror begging for more. 

5 out of 5 stars


Thank yo to the authors, HellBound Books and Black Tide Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book! We look forward to what comes next! 




The Horror Zine's Book of Monster Stories

by HellBound Books Publishing

Black Tide Book Tours

March 5-8

With an Introduction by Shirley Jackson Award-winner Gemma Files, this outstanding anthology of all things monstrous includes spine-chilling stories from Bentley Little, Simon Clark, Elizabeth Massie, Tim Waggoner, Sumiko Saulson, plus some of the best emerging horror writers working today.

“This anthology gives us a chilling glimpse at the dark and dangerous things prowling in the minds of some of today’s best horror writers.” – JG Faherty, author of Ragman and Songs in the Key of Death

“Throughout the pages are creepy tales by up-and-comers who you may have read, plus writers brand new to a horror reader’s discerning eye. Embark on a journey to the realm where monsters—familiar or unique—dwell. Highly recommended to horror aficionados obsessed with eldritch fiction—this one’s for you!” – Nancy Kilpatrick, author of Thrones of Blood Series and the Darker Passions series

Universal link for the book on Amazon

About the Author

HellBound books are the veritable tour de force in the independent publishing world — for eight years and counting, they have published novels, novellas, and bestselling anthologies of exemplary horror, bizarro, and all things dark — the type of tales from exciting new authors guaranteed to keep you wide awake in the small hours and checking the inky-black, coagulating shadows beneath your bed just one last time...
They are incredibly proud to be champions of the newest, brightest upcoming authors as well as home to more established writers. Their objective is to bring to you — wonderful readers — the very best in the dark genres. They are proud to say all HellBound books titles are available in traditional-sized paperback and ebook, along with a few very special hard cover books, too.

https://hellboundbookspublishing.com/
https://twitter.com/HellBoundBooks
https://www.instagram.com/hellboundbooks






 

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Beauty and the Blade Review Spotlight


We are so excited to share Beauty and the Blade with you this week! Read on for more details!


Beauty and the Blade is the first book in S.C. Grayson's The Talented series, and this book...OMG! It's a must-read for readers who enjoy "enemies-to-lovers" books with the sweetest of romances that blooms over time and with understanding. Yes, this book rates on the "swoon-o-meter" while withholding the steamy. It works, and we loved it. 

Beauty and the Blade is going to capture reader's attention first with it's gorgeous cover. A young woman "inside" a chess piece on a beautiful black and red background. Captivating, right? It draws you in a piques your interest as to what exactly this story could hold inside. Go ahead and grab a copy, because this story is one that will captivate you and sweep you away.

Beauty and the Blade details the story of Contessa as she embarks on a quest for revenge. In a time of political upheaval, her world has been rocked. Her father, was once the protector of the king...until the king was murdered by someone with a Talent for invisibility and the king was thereby murdered. Now, Contessa's father has led a campaign to bring them all, the Talented, or as he calls them now...the Cursed to justice. 

Bitterness is a hell of a poison and one, that in this case of Contessa's father, runs deep. He lost everything, yes, but did it have to burrow so deep into him that it left no room for anything else in his life? Unfortunately...that appears to be the case. But it makes perfect fuel for this story that's for sure! 

Author S.C. Grayson writes a captivating story that will draw you in deeper and deeper with each turn of the page. Contessa is getting married to the man accused of murdering her mother. He took one look at her and asked for her hand in marriage. Cue jaw-drop from shock. No conversations, no getting to know her...none of it. Bizarre, right?! Well, wait for it because the reason will be revealed in due time. 

Contessa's story unfolds in the most engaging manner. This book follows a true to form "enemies-to-lovers" paths. Contessa marries Nate aka the Beast. She hates it for what she believes to be true, but little by little she begins to see that there is more to him than meets the eye. Could it be that he's not as awful and evil as he's portrayed to be?

One thing is for sure, Beauty and the Blade is going to give you all the feels. Shock, dismay, joy, excitement, heart flutters and more. Yeah, there are specific scenes in this book that you're absolutely going to melt into a puddle over with a smile on your face. Others - you're going to get that "ah yes, romance" flutter." LOL! 

Wondering where the "fantasy" element comes in? Well, it's in the Talented. People who have special unique abilities that sets them apart from the rest of the populace. It's a subtle fantasy element, but it works. It makes its appearance when it is necessary for it to do so. This is not necessarily a "flashy" fantasy story, but it gives you just enough to be satisfying at the end of the day. 

Beauty and the Blade has twists, surprises, and drama that keeps you coming back for more. Author Grayson really did a great job writing this story and if you aren't already a fan of this author you will be by the end of the book! 

We can't wait to read what this author comes up with next. Readers who love light fantasy novels, with a nice dose of "enemies-to-lovers" and a really nice ending...this is the book to grab! 

5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to the author, S.C. Grayson, and R&R Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book. We look forward to what comes next! 


                                Beauty and the Blade (The Talented Fairy Tales Book 1)

Publication Date: January 5, 2024

Genre: Gaslamp Fantasy/ Fairy Tale Fantasy

"Bridgerton Meets Peaky Blinders"

🌹Enemies-to-Lovers
♟️Slow-Burn
🌹Arranged Marriage
♟️Found Family
🌹Magical Street Gangs
♟️Who Did this to You?

Most London socialites dream of marrying for love or status, but Contessa’s wedding is about justice—and revenge.

Nathanial Woodrow is known on the streets of London as the Beast, leader of the fearsome Lion gang who mark their victims with three slashes on their face. Since her mother was found dead with the signature slashes years ago, Contessa has wanted nothing more than to see her murderer brought to justice. However, the Beast has been impeccable at maintaining his façade as the high society Mr. Nathanial Woodrow, and nobody has been able to gather enough evidence to convict him. When the Beast unexpectedly asks Contessa’s father, the Chief of the Royal Police, for her hand in marriage, Contessa and her father hatch a plan to bring him down from the inside.

As Contessa enters the lion’s den in search of evidence to convict the Beast, she finds that not everything is as she once thought. Her father’s work, hunting down Talented that use their magic to rule the criminal underworld, is thrown into question with each glimpse of the kind-hearted man beneath the mask of a hardened gang leader. As Contessa navigates her search for justice, she finds herself questioning what side she’s really on, and why she finds herself drawn to a man she’s supposed to hate.

Available on Amazon


Book Tour Schedule

March 4th

http://rrbooktours.com Landing Page

https://www.instagram.com/evergirl200/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/over.on.my.bookshelf/?hl=en - Review

http://www.instagram.com/moonlight_rendezvous - Review

https://www.instagram.com/kiera_reads_/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/gryffindorbookishnerd/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/bookishlyrieka/ - Review

https://rissreviewsx.wixsite.com/website - Review

https://www.instagram.com/bookgrlobsessed/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/thebookishbrunette20?igshid=MTNiYzNiMzkwZA%3D%3D - Review

https://www.instagram.com/alexandriavwilliams_?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D - Review

https://www.instagram.com/reesiecup08 - Feature

March 5th

https://www.instagram.com/bookishcaitt - Review

https://www.instagram.com/balancing_books_and_beauties/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/a_lyttle_book_blog/?igshid=MzNlNGNkZWQ4Mg%3D%3D – Review

https://www.instagram.com/bookish_lady_night/?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D – Review

https://www.instagram.com/bingingbooksandcoffee/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/littlebonelibrary/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/squeakeysundergroundlibrary/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/booked_by_megs/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/pandorasboxofbooks - Review

https://www.instagram.com/books_cats_andchemistry_tt/ - Review

March 6th

https://ilovebooksandstuffblog.wordpress.com - Review

https://www.instagram.com/ilovebooksandstuffblog/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/copyrightxcasey/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/emmabeeslibrary/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/teastarsandbooks/ - Review

https://www.tiktok.com/@kaydeereadsbooks?_t=8jbnFUJ4TsI&_r=1 - Review

https://www.instagram.com/kaydeereadsbooks?igsh=MXA2bjBxcXhoOTNldQ&utm_source=qr

https://www.instagram.com/nvl_reads/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/mandyisreading_/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/respectyourshelves/ - Review

https://bookwormbunnyreviews.blogspot.com/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/shanisshelves?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D – Review

https://www.instagram.com/ripples_and_embers/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/lsreads_ - Review

March 7th

https://www.instagram.com/crooks_book_nook/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/littleredpandareader/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/erikoreads?igshid=YTQwZjQ0NmI0OA&utm_source=qr – Review

https://www.instagram.com/hardcovers.withhans/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/bookboundwithjen/ - Review

https://www.tiktok.com/@minionjenn - Review

https://www.instagram.com/minionjenn/?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D 

https://www.instagram.com/nicole_nightrey/ - Review

https://christinebialczak.com/ - Review

https://darkfantasyreviews.wordpress.com/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/yerawizardsaraaa?igsh=MWhndXM5OW0wN2RwNA%3D%3D – Review

March 8th

https://instagram.com/the_bookish_cave_of_wonders?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== - Review

https://www.instagram.com/arielrosereadsandwrites/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/creepylilbookworm/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/theoriginal_b00k_nerd/ - Review

https://freelancewriterjannyc.com/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/niveditha_preeth/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/its_a_literary_life?igsh=MWI4bjhjdGxxdzl1MA&utm_source=qr – Review

https://www.instagram.com/shandybereading?igsh=bndzdWZkaWk5cTB1&utm_source=qr – Review

https://www.instagram.com/reading.with.tabitha?igsh=MWJlaDZiamxoenZkag&utm_source=qr   - Review

https://www.instagram.com/evenromanceisnerdy/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/betterthantherapy?igshid=MzMyNGUyNmU2YQ&utm_source=qr – Review

https://www.instagram.com/spiritedbookishbabe/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/authormariereed/ - Feature








Tour organized by @rrbooktours





 

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Double Grudge Donuts Review Spotlight

 


The latest book in the deliciously delightful Deputy Donut Mystery series is here! The 8th book in this long running series by Ginger Bolton is sure to be a crowd pleaser as amateur sleuth and Deputy Donut Cafe owner, Emily Westhill, returns with a wedding on the horizon, and all while a murder is brewing.

True to form the Deputy Donut Mystery series graces Double Grudge Donuts with a delightful cover that showcases the storefront of Deputy Donuts and their patio area. Dep sits adorably at one of the patio tables with a paw outstretched towards a plate of double fudge donuts. Makes you wish you could be there to share in one, too. Right? The cover definitely sets a scene that is sure to draw in fans of the series and new readers alike. Eye-catching, delicious elements, and an adorable kitty that surely will pique the interest of adoring cat lovers.




Double Grudge Donuts picks up with the Fallingbrook’s Art Festival week. What should be a joyous time for the town isn’t exactly going too well for one particular performer. A cornet performer seems to be struggling with their performance. Is this a case of stage-fright? Loss of concentration?

Well, when a bagpiper decides to let out a series of “squawks” and “wheezes” from their own instrument, it is definitely with the intent of lending a “helping hand” or any sense of “encouragement.” What those dreadful sounds end up doing is turning heads, drawing the ire of many and setting the stage….for murder.

Kirk, the bagpiper, is would appear is out to make more enemies than friends with his behavior. He’s a recent transplant to Fallingbrooks and works as a janitor at the local school. You’re quickly going to get the sense that he’s one of the least liked individuals in town. Kirk’s attitude and irritating behavior quickly create a list of people who like to see him silenced. But when he turns up dead, does that mean that someone he annoyed with his raucous late night playing and rudeness did him in?

With Emily and Dep discovering the body, and all signs pointing to a clear case of murder, the question arises...who did the deed? Was it someone he upset with his rudeness? Was the murder weapon a Deputy Donut mug that was stolen?

Settle in, because Double Grudge Donuts is going to immerse you in a delightful cozy mystery that details Emily’s drive to solve this mystery and not end up the murderer’s next victim in the process. This won’t be easy as the air of suspicion has been cast upon Emily and her family. Who would dare to suspect Emily and her parents? Well, you can bet that it’s not the local police force. That’s for sure!




Emily is definitely going to have her hands full in Double Grudge Donuts! She’s got the business to run, customers to keep happy, events to participate in, and a wedding to plan! Throw in a murder, and boy does she have an overflowing plate! Can she do it all and stay one step ahead of a dangerous murderer? You bet!

Of course, things get complicated when the list of suspects just keeps growing and growing. Why did Kirk have to go and make so many people mad?! Let’s be real though...if someone was walking around at night playing their bagpipes and disturbing people’s sleep...you’d be mad, too. LOL! Add in him interrupting performances with his rude playing...you’re going to be hard pressed to feel much sympathy for him.

Emily stays true to form to the Deputy Donut series with her desire to figure out the truth. She’s shown a lot of development through the series with her learning to share any information she gathers with her soon to be husband, Brent. Of course, she’s constantly going to be warned along the way by many a character to “let the police handle things.” Not an easy thing to do when it appears that someone is trying to frame you for murder.

Double Grudge Donuts is packed with delicious donutty treats that will leave you drooling and wishing you could have one...or two...or more! LOL! Engaging characters that will keep you engaged in the story as it all unfolds. The back and forth between Emily and a variety of characters keeps you wondering...”Who is the killer and what would their motive be?”



Author Bolton drops little hints along the way throughout the book like crumbs from a donut. Can you piece together who would have motive, means and opportunity to end Kirk’s haunting tunes? For this reader, author Bolton managed to keep that particular mystery buried deep until the final lead-up to the fateful reveal. A unique turn of events will show you that this particular case goes well beyond Fallingbrook, and ties to something else from the past.

While this book is the lead-up to Emily’s wedding, we don’t get a lot of the wedding planning itself. Author Bolton throws in a few mentions here and there, along with some fun playful banter. However, if you’re hoping for more...you may be a touch disappointed. Double GrudgeDonuts focuses more on the mystery and the solving of it. You get swirls around the town, but the story stays focused on the characters, the festival, and uncovering hidden secrets and potential motives.

Double Grudge Donuts is an average paced cozy mystery novel. The characters come off as realistic and overall engaging. Dep gets to play a pretty important part of the story, but you’ll have to pay attention to what that element particularly is. Of course, you’re going to tempted with some tantalizingly delicious donuts, and as with every book in this series, you’ll find a couple delicious recipes in the back.

The book gives readers Emily’s big day, but we’ll have to wait and see what happens next with Emily and Dep as they continue their path in this next chapter of their lives.


Pros:


  • Engaging storyline
  • Twists and intrigue
  • Well developed characters
  • Tons of mystery


Cons:


  • Little focus on the wedding planning, since this is the book with a wedding in it.


Cover Score: 9.6/10


4.5 out of 5 stars


Monday, March 4, 2024

Blending of the Sands Review Spotlight

 


Blending of the Sands continues the story of Harmen and Imani as the quest to bring change continues. Blending of the Sands continues where Sands of Ruin left off, moving forward with our two main characters striving to not just survive all that the world is throwing at them but to make it back to each other. This will be no easy task, especially for Harmen, but it’s something that must be done...for the sake of all.

Blending of theSands’ cover continues with the primary image of the sands and dunes that defined book one. Where book one had the compass, an heirloom from Harmen’s family, book two has an array of items that will be familiar to most readers of the series. The blue scarf that Harm gifted to Imani, the blending pendant he intends to give her, and a pair of crossed daggers. The first two items will be familiar, but the last? Not so much. It all simply comes together to draw readers into diving into this book to discover what hides inside.




Blending of theSands is the second book in R.M. Muller’s Sands of Ruin series. Sands of Ruin, book one, left readers with the question of what happens next to our heroes? Both Harmen and Imani have been taken captive by the Guardians. Charlie is a captive as well, held by own his own brother, the Chancellor. Now what? Imani was on the verge of being hanged, but with the capture of Harm everything shifted.

Now, this book picks up over a month after we were left with the ending of book one. Harm is being held in the prison. Every day he must endure what the Guardians put him through. The questioning. The abuse. The demands for answers of what he knows concerning the device. No matter how honest he is with them, they extract pain and suffering from him. His only hope? That somewhere out there...Imani is still alive.

The first time Harmen landed in prison, he had help getting out. This time? It appears that there will be no help coming for him. It would seem that he’s on his own. The hits don’t just come physically though. The Guardians are seeking to break his spirit...and that comes in a heartbreaking blow when they tell him the last thing that he’d ever want to hear.

Imani is going through her own personal hell. She’s no longer being subjected to the prison, but one can hardly say that her “accommodations” are much better. One would hardly want to find themselves in the “care” of their enemy. Granted, this particular captor is better than her father, but not by much. Can you guess who?


Blending of theSands continues with the quest to fix what the Chancellor has broken. The people are suffering and dying and the time for change must come soon. But this book takes readers deeper. We explored the sands in the Sands of Ruin. Now, Blending of the Sands is going to introduce readers to a new area – the forest/jungle area. Cue jaw-drop, right?! LOL!

What do you mean there’s more out there than just the sands and dunes? What do you mean that there is something separating everything into “sections” and people are living uniquely in them!?! Yeah, prepare to delve deeper as our characters discover the truth that is out there, and then come to being able to explore the forest area for themselves.

It’s a nice element of enticement to draw readers deeper into this book. Imani and Harm continue to face a variety of challenges. They find help along their separate journeys. Harm reconnects with Jonah and Enid. Imani finds some unexpected help from a kind villager, whom she repays with a dark service.

All the while Harm is still being hunted, probably more viciously now than before. Fletcher really has a been in his “bonnet” when it comes to Harm. But is there something more to it than meets the eye?



Where Sands of Ruin played jump rope with the line between YA and Upper YA/New Adult, Blending of the Sands takes that step and shifts fully into New Adult territory with multiple sex scenes between the new couple. The scenes aren’t overly graphic and steamy, so readers who prefer just the “basic” of elements, no more and no less, will be pleased.

Wondering if there is any character development? The answer is yes. There are new characters introduced into the story with the “discovery” of a new area. Secrets are coming to light, and Harmen and Imani are learning new things. But as they are learning new things, and discovering themselves, th taint of the Chancellor and Fletcher is reaching further and further in an attempt to draw Harmen back out and extinguish the hope that his very existence threatens to bring.

The closer this story comes to a close, the more the author begins to set the stage for a shake-up in the story. You’re going to get little clues here and there, but apparently, the characters won’t be in on what’s to come. Of course, neither will you, the reader, but we think you’ll handle things better than they will when it all plays out.

Just as book one ended on a cliffhanger with a twist, Blending of the Sands will be no exception. Thanks to some of the clues and hints dropped we weren’t as tormented with this ending, but that doesn’t mean that the characters aren’t impacted negatively. We’ll have to wait and see what comes next for Harmen and Imani. One thing is for sure, it’s going to be really interesting.


Pros:


  • Engaging storyline
  • Twists and turns
  • Introduction of new characters
  • Page-turner


Cons:


  • None of merit


Cover Score: 9.8/10


4.5 out of 5 stars


Thank you to the author, R.M. Muller, for the opportunity to read and review this book. We look forward to what comes next!


Soul Masters: The Hunting Grounds Review Spotlight


Soul Masters: The Hunting Grounds is the first book in K.R. Gastreich's Soul Masters series. Prepare to embark on a world-blending novel as Mayela comes to learn more about who she is and the dangers that she unwittingly embarked upon. Now, she must face the consequences of her actions and work to come out the other side alive. 

Soul Masters: The Hunting Grounds piques readers' interest with a forest-style cover with what appears to be a portal. Where does this portal lead to? Is it a new fantastical world? Or is there something dark and insidious on the other side? The only way to find out is to delve into this story and explore as the story unfolds.

Soul Masters: The Hunting Grounds is the first in this new series, and it alternates between the present and the past. You get get to see some of Mayela's childhood. Mayela remembers events that happened but she thinks that they are just hallucinations from overly stressed mind. But is the truth something else? As you reflect at random moments back to her childhood you'll see that there is more going on than meets the eye. 

Is Mayela in denial as to the things that she is seeing? The answer to that question is a touch complex and one that requires you to delve deeper into the story to truly understand what is going on. 

The dynamics between Mayela and Nathan, when he enters the picture, is interesting. She's drawn to him not realizing what is actually going on. That there is already a connection between them. But what is with this other guy? The coffee shop owner's financial advisor? The way that he behaves is extremely off. Is he dangerous? Is he something like Nathan?

These questions will push at you more than once when he makes an appearance at the oddest of times. We literally reared back at one specific unexpected appearance. You get the sense that something bad is about to happen, but...she's saved by the sound of heels on flooring! Think it's Nathan coming to her rescue? You may want to guess again.

Soul Masters: The Hunting Grounds is an interesting story, but we feel like it could have benefited from having a prologue. A prologue would have given readers a foundation to build on. As it is, Mayela remembers certain things that readers have no idea even transpired already. It's like we're rushing to play catch-up to something already in motion. 

There are other things that just hit wrong when it comes to the storyline. When the truth starts to come out Mayela gets upset and claims that Nathan has been dishonest with her. We were really thrown by this because there is no sign that they were even texting back and forth that heavily before the date. So it translates to her being over-dramatic...and for what?

The boat rocks a bit from time to time with the back and forth between the characters, but it does even out here and there. You get some questions answered, and others you're left with, but this is just the first in the series, so who knows where things will go from here. 

4 out of 5 stars


Thank you to the author, K.R. Gastreich, and Bewitching Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book. 


Soul Masters: The Hunting Grounds

Soul Masters

Book One
K.R. Gastreich


Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Date of Publication: February 7, 2024
ISBN: 978-1509253302
ASIN: B0CP6GMWRK
Number of pages: 320
Word Count: 90k
Cover Artist: Kristian Norris

Tagline: He wants to claim her soul. But can she capture his heart?

Book Description:


On a hike through the forest, Mayela stumbles into a terrifying world where immortals hunt souls. To survive she secures protection from a Soul Master. When he demands payment, Mayela fights back. But how can she fight the desire consuming her heart?

Every soul Nathan claims expands the power of his realm. In Mayela, he finds a rare gift that could guarantee his place among the Soul Masters. All he must do is secure her allegiance without losing his heart. And Nathan has no heart to lose. Or does he?  

With eternity at stake, Mayela and Nathan ignite a transcendent passion that breaks all the rules. Among the Soul Masters, a malevolent force awakens. The final hunt is on…



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Excerpt:

Then everything froze. Joni, the customers, the cars outside. All movement simply stopped. The chime on the front door sounded. My throat went dry. Somehow, I knew what was happening. I knew who had arrived, though I didn’t understand how or why.
Twisting around, I peered over the rim of the booth. Standing in the doorway was the man from my hallucinations, a creature of the dark plains. Tall and slim, broad-shouldered, dark in aspect. That same man had beheaded a snake in my kitchen. Not my kitchen, I reminded myself. The illusion of my kitchen, part of the same hallucination of an impossible world. The Hunting Grounds, he’d called it. Where we go to hunt souls.

My mind spun with the impossibility of what I was seeing. He couldn’t be real.  Yet here he was, in Joni’s shop. Except, he looked different. His hair was peppered gray instead of black. His skin seemed a shade darker. Or maybe lighter? It was like wrapping my head around a mirage, trying to remember what he looked like in my nightmares. But the simple force of his presence, the quiet luminescence of his spirit, was unmistakable. That was him.
Without so much as a glance in my direction, the man stepped into the shop and started toward the counter. Everything stirred at once. Several people looked his way. Joni let go a long, low whistle.

Well, I’ll be!” she exclaimed. "We haven’t had anyone that drop-dead gorgeous walk in here since…Well, ever!”

She kept staring, mouth agape, as he ordered coffee. Then her face lit up, and she jumped into action, wiping down the table next to me.

I’ve got an idea,” she said. “I think you should go for him.”

What?” I croaked.

He’s totally your style.”

I don’t date men in suits.”

What are you talking about?” She laughed. “Look at him! It’s fate. I can feel it.”

Joni –”

Sir!” She called. “Sir, we’ve got an empty table right over here. Next to the windows.”

Holy crap! I sank deeper into my seat. “I’m serious, Joni! Send him somewhere else.”

Straighten up, beautiful.” She patted me on the shoulder. “Give it a shot. What’ve you got to lose?”

Then she was gone. I cast about frantically for an escape, but there was no back exit from the booth. Unless I wanted to crash through the window. Could I do that? Crash through the window?

Yeah, I could do that. But I’d have to leave my insects behind, and –
And there he was, taking the table next to me. His chair scraped against the floor. His clothes rustled as he settled in. Minutes passed while my heart pounded inside my chest. I kept my face turned, pretended to stare out the window, wondered whether it would hurt to feel the glass shatter against my skin.

Idle talk filled the coffee shop. Customers came and went, orders were taken, steam forced through frothing milk.

Still the man said nothing.

I snuck a glance in his direction. Damn, he was handsome. Heart stoppingly so. Desire tugged at my gut, a strangely familiar sense of attraction, as if we’d known each other before this moment. As if I’d been bound to him in a time before memory.


About the Author:





K.R. Gastreich is a recipient of the OZMA Award for fantasy fiction and the Andrews Forest Writer’s Residency, as well as a winner of the Women on Writing Flash Fiction Contest. Her fantasy novels feature high-stakes romance, gripping battles, and darkly lyrical prose. In addition to Soul Masters and The Silver Web trilogy, she has published short stories in Zahir, Adventures for the Average Woman, 69 Flavors of Paranoia, and World Jumping.

A proud native of the American Midwest, K.R. Gastreich lived for many years in Texas and then in Latin America before returning to the Kansas City Metro where she grew up. When not writing she enjoys hiking, camping, studying dance, and spending time with her family.


To learn about new releases and other events, visit K.R. Gastreich’s website at krgastreich.com, or follow her on Instagram @EolynChronicles.


Linktree:
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https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063135194840


Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4431702.K_R_Gastreich