A Pinch of Distrust Review Spotlight

 A Pinch of Distrust by D.T. Bella is a fantasy novel packed with mystery from beginning to end. This book will absolutely grab you from the beginning and keep you page-turning to the very end. Danger lurks unseen in many forms and the characters in this story will have to keep a wary eye out for it all.

This novel starts out with an attack on a fairy. Yaetherim does not witness the attack, but he is one of the first on the scene. He’s quick to spring into action, but unfortunately, his aid will be for nothing. The author will be quick to point out that Yaetherim himself has survived a similar attack in the past. He bears the scars from what happened to him, which causes many characters who witness them to stare. Quite rude of them, no? LOL! The good news is that Yaetherim is patient and rarely has much of a reaction to impertinent stares.

The story will quickly shift to another character who will be the focus of this story. Arch-Mechanic Tenora Perskel will literally come roaring into the story. Not roaring like you’re thinking. She’s not an animal mind you. LOL! No, she comes roaring onto the scene in a steam-powered vehicle to save a young family. Their vehicle is out of control. Despite her efforts to bring the car to a stop, the magic powering it seems to have decided to run a muck. You’re thinking – “Well, the best way to stop a steam-powered vehicle is to cut off the supply.” Well, she does that. Magics the heat to shut off, but despite that – it kicks back on. What?! Things quickly escalate to bring you to the edge of your seat. The question of “Will she make it?!” will literally plague your mind. It’s a chaotic situation that will lead to pertinent questions. The most important one is – what’s happening and why?

The deeper you go into this story, the more questions will begin to arise. Tenora is digging into things on the human side, or Rychillans, as they are called in this story. As she investigates she’ll begin to piece together this intriguing puzzle. There is more than meets the eye, but the mystery is complicated. While there have been multiple incidents of note in the past, there is yet a connecting factor to bring them all together. So, what is the connection to all incidents? There are clues, but finding them will take some time, and of course, patience.

This story is told from alternating viewpoints. In one chapter you will get the fairy, Yaetherim, and then in the next chapter you will get Tenora. Each will be investigating their own mysteries, but eventually, the two will cross paths, and realize that their separate mysteries are connected. Magic is used consistently throughout this book by both the fairies and the Rychillans. Both use magic-infused crystals that help them cast a variety of spells. Now, that does not mean that they can simply do any and all kinds of magic with these crystals. The crystal is attuned to their particular kind of magic.

There is earth magic, fire magic, water magic, and air magic. The crystals help with the use that is specific to that particular individual and fairy. There are some who are dual users, but those are rare.

The intrigue that author Bella builds within this story will keep you engaged throughout as every chapter has a mysterious element to it. Both characters are searching for something that will point them to the truth. Yaetherim is on the hunt for someone who has no qualms with killing and sees it as just a means to an end.

While she is not one of the main characters, Veritor Karis is going to be a character who stands out and catches your attention. She’s a very no-nonsense type of individual without the off-putting attitude that you typically get with these types of characters. When it comes to “no-nonsense” types, they are typically short-tempered, a touch arrogant, and difficult to stomach. Veritor Karis is the exact opposite. She’s one of those characters who demand that you do your job and that you do it right. Think of the Veritors as police officers. They are meant to help uphold the peace, find answers to investigations and such other work. Karis is tough, but you’ll see some softness in her from time to time. That particular element of her character not only makes her more palatable, but more interesting as well. You’ll feel drawn to her, and look forward to seeing more of her in this book.

As the investigation ramps up so will the danger. The clues will be there in the story, but there will also be red herrings. When things seem like they are on the verge of wrapping up, proceed with caution, because nothing is ever what it seems. It’s good that the author has a character or two who follows this similar train of thought because it is exactly what will keep them on their toes...or wings. Piece by piece, lies will be exposed and the truth will begin to come out. Quickly it will become a race to stay a step ahead so that they can stay alive.

A Pinch of Distrust is a well-written novel overall. The characters are engaging and the storyline is sure to keep you page-turning to the end. Drama and mystery run rampant from beginning to end. An attack followed by death starts things off, but you are ensured a satisfying ending with closure for all.

Time for a touch of picking at some of the details in this story. One thing that stands out the most in this novel is the overuse of the word – “smirk.” It would have been preferred if other terms had been used when talking about Yaetherim smiling. A smirk tends to read as condescending or sly. It is easy to doubt that Yaetherim is constantly being condescending or anything in a negative aspect when he is simply smiling. In some situations in this story, a smirk does fit. However, it does not fit them all, and using a different descriptive terminology would have been preferred.

Readers who love a good fantasy novel packed with mystery and intrigue will absolutely enjoy this novel. Characters with secrets and everything to lose will do whatever it takes to remain a free individual.

Pros:

- Engaging storyline

- Thorough mystery

- Title ties into the story nicely

- Interesting characters

- Unique twists

Cons:

- Over usage of the word “smirk” with Yaetherim.

Lesson of the story: Gluttony for money and power will drive an individual to do horrible acts.

Cover Score: 8.4

Overall Book Score: 8.3

My original review can be found @ A Pinch of Distrust by D.T. Bella – Scribble's Worth Book Reviews (wordpress.com) in association with Scribble's Worth Book Reviews.

Duatero Review Spotlight

 

Are you an avid reader of science fiction? Do you enjoy horror? If so, then this novel, Duatero, is going to be a great fit for you.

Duatero is a scifi/horror novel by Brad C. Anderson that takes you to a planet where the people every nine years wait for the Founders to return, and it seems like the planet was “forgotten” by them. People are struggling for survival and the vegetation that rules the planet. It doesn’t want them there, and it will do what it must to “bring them to heel.”

The protectors, the falchilo, do what they believe they must, by ordinance of the Founders, to protect the people and “cleanse” this evil. But what does it all mean when this vegetation, Malamiko, begins to evolve? The game has changed. The big question now is: Can the people protect themselves from what is to come?

This novel is packed with action in just the right places to keep this story engaging and a real page-turner and the first chapter in this book is really going to set the stage. You’re going to be introduced to Majstro Falchilo Kredo. He has his second, Talia, with him as well as a group of initiates. Danger is lurking nearby and they have no idea just how close they are. The author is quick to bring the horrors that these characters will face and just how insidious it is to them and their survival. You’ll learn very quickly that curiosity? It’s more dangerous here than the thing they are fighting.

Kredo is an interesting character, and he’s the one that the author focuses the story on mostly. We follow him and really get to see inside his head as he fights to save people from Malamiko, and cleanse those who are taken by it. You’re going to see his hard-boiled point of view, due to the belief system he follows to the letter, most times, and at times, even if his own consciousness appeals to him asking: “What if you are wrong Kredo? What if things aren’t what you believe they appear to be?“

The author focuses heavily on the situation that these people are finding themselves in, which makes this story multi-tiered. There is much more going on than what you first see, and it’s truly heartbreaking when Brad C. Anderson shines a light on how these characters behave when things are dire. Fear is the driving force for many things, but it’s not the only one and it’s beautiful to see how the author reinforces this throughout the book. There are some really heartbreaking moments in Duatero, so do brace yourself.

When it comes to characters, it’s difficult to pick just one favourite character in this book. I gravitated towards Talia and Esperante, specially the latter. She’s a kind-hearted character. She’s literally the exact opposite of Jak. Esperante does what she must, but she’s not senseless about it. She’s brave, smart, and observant, and she takes time to think about things. She wants to learn more, and solve problems. Not just assume that everything needs a “hammer” to be fixed.

Jak, is… a power-hungry character that will make a good contrast to the good ones. When he’s first introduced, he seems like a decent enough individual, but as the story continues, this attitude of his begins to develop and you’ll come to find that he has something darker and deeper than simply arrogance.

Duatero is a serious page-turner scifi. You’re probably going to be yelling at the characters, on the action packed scenes, and sometimes when things calm down a little, and appreciate while you read the struggles they battle within their minds and as the author builds up moments of hope, you will have those “maybe, just maybe” moments that will leave you on the edge, even when the outcome is dire.

You are going to enjoy this book. As I reflect on this story, I have tears in my eyes, I enjoyed it so much, the highs and the lows, because, ultimately, it is a true reflection of what we all know inside.

I’m honestly hoping that the author will consider, if he’s not already doing so, writing a second book to follow up on this one. I’d love to know what happens next. There are many questions left unanswered at the end and I’d love to know the answers to all of them.

Pros:
This book is emotionally evoking.
A real page-turner packed with drama, horror, and hope.
The characters are engaging and really help draw you in piece by piece.
I loved the unpredictability of this storyline. You just never really know which direction the author is going to take you.

Cons:
Kredo is a good character, but he’s too blind to the truth around him. It causes me to be disappointed in him.
I’d have liked more of the evolved Malamiko interactions.

Lesson of the book : Everything is not black and white, there are always shades of gray.

Cover Score: 9.0

Book Score: 8.7 (5 stars)

This review was made by me @ Duatero by Brad C. Anderson – Scribble's Worth Book Reviews (wordpress.com)