Friday, March 8, 2024

Book Review: "After Oz" by Gordon McAlpine

 

This gripping and emotionally riveting tale is a dark and timely retelling of The Wizard of Oz where one little girl is forced to face head on the prejudices of the Midwest in the late 19th century.

Kansas, 1896. After a tornado destroys the Gale family farm, 11-year-old Dorothy goes missing. As the days pass by, the Gales are increasingly terrified the worst has happened. But when the girl turns up unharmed four days later, the townsfolk breathe in a sigh of relief. That is, until Dorothy herself relates her account of the events that took place after her disappearance. 

In vivid detail, Dorothy describes a fantastical land and its magical inhabitants, from the scarecrow, the tin man, and the cowardly lion to the wizard and the witch. Her recollections are not only regarded as delusional, but also as pagan and diabolical in nature, especially when the body of a local spinster is found. Making connections between the evil witch Dorothy claims to have defeated and the ill-tempered old crone, authorities find what they believe to be incriminating evidence, sentencing Dorothy to the Topeka Insane Asylum.  

When 28-year-old psychologist Dr. Evelyn Grace Wilford arrives at the asylum to interview Dorothy, she begins to wonder if Dorothy truly committed the crime or if something unfathomable has really occurred. 

In a small town full of insidious secrets, will Evelyn be able to save Dorothy from her terrible circumstances? Or is something menacing lurking just out of sight? - from Netgalley.com

I received this eARC from Netgalley.com and am providing an unbiased review.

There were several things about this book that caught my eye and piqued my interest with a desire to read it. The title and synopsis reminded me of a "movie" I had seen a trailer about, that seemed sort of along the same idea, and I wanted to read a version of the possibilities that took place after the famous book and movie of "The Wizard of Oz" by L. Frank Baum. 

In short, the story starts pretty much near the end of what we know of the original story, but with a little more realistic twist. We find Dorothy survived the tornado, with the unrealistic story of 'Oz'. Then the suspected murder of the local spinster is placed on Dorothy, due to her tale of melting a witch. Dorothy is placed in a  mental asylum, where our MC, a female psychologist, meets her, and the story goes on to the details our MC faces over the course of a few short days in trying to prove Dorothy's innocence.

This was a very interesting read, as so many details of the time period were placed that provided a good background. The year being 1896, in Kansas, which I believe is part of the 'Bible Belt', so very strong religious views and following. A small town that has it's secrets. The misnomer that female doctors of any type were basically taboo. Throw in some of the plot twists, and it turned into a very good reading.

I had not read any previous works by McAlpine, but I see there are a few. I have looked at a couple and they seem to be of a similar type to this novel, and the twisted reality of what could be. I hope to be able to read them as well. Would definitely recommend this novel for those that enjoy historical fiction, mysteries, and plot twist with a possible alternate reality.

Saturday, February 17, 2024

Book Review: "The Chronicles of Earth" by C L Jarvis

 

Edinburgh, 1785. A kidnapped geologist. A bombshell new theory.

George Stephens is weeks away from receiving his medical degree, but he doubts he'll make it as a physician in a crowded, competitive marketplace. Instead, he hopes Professor Joseph Black's friend, James Hutton, might get him a job in his chemical manufacturing works.
But before he has a chance to suggest this, Hutton is kidnapped. The eccentric geologist was about to deliver his bombshell treatise on the true age of the Earth, threatening to upend conventional beliefs about the universe and man's place in it.
Getting Hutton back pits George, Black and friends against a fanatical opponent who will stop at nothing until Hutton's dangerous theories are buried. If George wants to survive long enough to graduate, he'll need every ounce of his courage and skill. - from Booksirens.com 
This eARC was provided by Booksirens.com and I am providing an unbiased review.
This is the third novel in the Edinburgh Doctrines series, and hopefully not the last. Again the story revolves around a couple of professors and a student of theirs that is learning Phologiston (an early word for what many of us would call magic). This particular adventure includes a fellow professor that is kidnapped, a geologist. Jarvis has again created a story placed in an earlier version of Scotland, complete with what I would consider appropriate dress, speech, and lifestyles. Looking forward to what I believe was hinted at, a fourth book in this series.

Book Review: "Bloodlust Blues" by Luanne Bennett

 


Welcome to Crimson, Georgia. I’m Charley—reluctant witch, and owner of the best bar in town.

Everyone’s welcome at the Stag—vampire, wolf or human. As long as they don’t make trouble. Or ask too many questions about what we’re selling out of the back room.

I keep the beers coming, and in return the town keeps my secret. But when a gang of deadly vampires shows up at the bar, it’s clear they’re not looking for a drink. They want to take my business. Or my blood.

But this is more than just a shake down. All over town, people are dropping like flies. Disappearing or attacking their neighbors. It’s like they’re possessed. And someone—or something—is pulling the strings.

As if I didn’t have enough trouble, a fancy new restaurant just opened right across the street. And a sexy vampire from out of town seems to think I need protection. I have plenty of dangerous friends already… so why can’t I stop thinking about him?

The whole town is going to hell. Perhaps literally. And it looks like it’s up to me to stop it. - from Netgalley.com

This eARC was provided by Netgalley.com and I am providing an unbiased review.

Luanne Bennett came across my reading radar a couple of years ago, and since that time, I think I have read most, if not all, of her books. This new start to a series was no different. An easy entertaining read that actually has a story line and not just pages of mindless sex fluff. Bennett had proven again that she is an author to contend with.

Thursday, January 25, 2024

Book Review: "The Gathering" by C. J. Tudor

 

A detective investigating a grisly crime in rural Alaska finds herself caught up in the dark secrets and superstitions of a small town in this riveting novel from the acclaimed author of The Chalk Man.

In a small Alaska town, a boy is found with his throat ripped out and all the blood drained from his body. The inhabitants of Deadhart haven’t seen a killing like this in twenty-five years. But they know who’s responsible: a member of the Colony, an ostracized community of vampyrs living in an old mine settlement deep in the woods.

Detective Barbara Atkins, a specialist in vampyr killings, is called in to officially determine if this is a Colony killing—and authorize a cull. Old suspicions die hard in a town like Deadhart, but Barbara isn’t so sure. Determined to find the truth, she enlists the help of a former Deadhart sheriff, Jenson Tucker, whose investigation into the previous murder almost cost him his life. Since then, Tucker has become a recluse. But he knows the Colony better than almost anyone.

As the pair delve into the town’s history, they uncover secrets darker than they could have imagined. And then another body is found. While the snow thickens and the nights grow longer, a killer stalks Deadhart, and two disparate communities circle each other for blood. Time is running out for Atkins and Tucker to find the truth: Are they hunting a bloodthirsty monster . . . or a twisted psychopath? And which is more dangerous? - from Netgalley.com

This ARC was received through Netgalley.com and I am providing an unbiased review.

Imagine a world where Vampires existed alongside humans, but were in colonies, and seemingly hated by the human race. Through in a murder every 25 years or so, and you get this tale of mystery. I found the story to be mildly entertaining, and the plot twists kept my attention that I was able to read the book in a  couple days. Tudor has a way of making a mystery feel real, even in a fictional setting.

Thursday, January 18, 2024

Book Review: "Suburban Moon: The Autobiography of Sam Wyatt" by Joe Huffer

 


Sam Wyatt enjoyed life to its fullest until a trio of tragedies leaves him bitter, angry, and lonely. Sam goes through life seeking solace in a whiskey bottle until his new neighbor decides it is her mission to save him, or does he save her? Is it possible to find true love twice in one lifetime? Spanning five decades, Suburban Moon is a story of love and loss and redemption. - from Goodreads.com

This is a tale told by the main character, Sam Wyatt, that spans nearly fifty years of his life. As the story unfolds through remembrances from his teen and adult years, we also learn of his senior years, and how Life brought him to where he is in the current time of the story. The synopsis of the book pretty much covers the gist of the story, but it what makes this book so much better is the writing style. The Author brings out the tug on the heart-strings when sharing about the loss of loved ones, and the bitterness of grief. He also shares some of the boundless joy so many of us have had when we find our first true loves, and the joys of life in a non-descript family. Placed in central Indiana, a town of Jefferson, the author shows one possibility in the life of the average middle-class man.

This book was definitely too short in length, and I wish there was more to add to it, but there isn't. The story was told in a masterful way that even I was a bit teary-eyed at certain portions. Huffer knows how to explain succinctly the ways of the modern man, and doesn't fill pages with meaningless dialogue or over-explicit love scenes. Though a little heavy on adult language (hey, we all said those words as teenagers and adults) I think anyone would enjoy a touching story. I look forward to possible future works.

Monday, December 18, 2023

Book Review: "The Legacy of the Witch Hunter" by Matthius J. Diaz

 


Witches never died, they were only waiting…

A young student is bequeathed a villa in Berlin from his estranged dead uncle. The only catch: He has to spend the night before Halloween alone in the safety of his new mansion, and not open the door for anyone until sunrise.
He soon learns why.
The Grand Witch of the East has returned to complete her Last Ritual, and end the current age.
Discovering he is the last descendant of a blessed bloodline of witch hunters spanning ten generations, Robert Burmantel has to join a crackpot team to take on his family's arch nemesis. There’s wise-cracking sniper, Juan. Tech expert with a dark past, Salena. Sergei the monk; mighty with the pen and the sword. Leading them is over-the-hill Sigurd, who prefers a drink over responsibility.
Pulled suddenly out of his comfortable life, will Robert rise to the occasion and live up to his mighty legacy, or escape his duty and return to the state of mediocrity from which he came? - from Booksirens.com
I received an eARC from Booksirens.com and am providing an unbiased review.
Looking at the cover, and even after reading the story synopsis, I imagined this to be more situated in an older timeline - something like 1800's or something. However, this is much closer to modern times, which is why it is labeled an urban fantasy. I was fine with that, with either situation, as the plot just called out to me to be read. I'm adding in some speculation and comments that will surely be spoilers, so read at your own risk.
The story started out fairly okay. We have a bit of background on our MC (lives in Berlin), fancies get-rich-quick schemes, struggles with school, has no social life (basically). The typical loner hero-to-be story character. An eccentric uncle has left his estate to him, on the requirement he stay inside it Halloween all night. There he discovers his uncle carried the title of Witch Hunter. Story moves along and he meets his first witch (that first night) and then three other hunters. Story is moving along at an okay pace.
Then it stumbles. Cutting the tip of a finger off... immediately following the commands of someone you don't know, in your own new house. Just too much starting to make out MC sound like he obviously cannot do something without being told to do it. Much of the rest of the book is that way. There is much self-doubt going on, and finding out facts about these new hunter "friends". Let's not forget this Grand Witch of the East, that his uncle has hunted for years is coming to Berlin to bring about the end of the world by bringing a demon to it. Sigh. 
It took me a couple days longer to get through the book. Each time I picked it up and read some, I would just mentally shake my head and put it down for awhile. Overall, I love the synopsis of the story. I like how an 'unknown world' is eye-opening to the MC, and finding out he has a special power, well, kind of cool. There is a bit of romance starting between MC and one of the hunters (who happens to be a witch, which witch hunters live to hate/kill - see what I did there.... witch which witch). Overall I thought it really slowed down and became a word-count game to the author after about halfway. By the end of the story, I wondered if the Witch was ever going to be stopped, because it ddddrrrraaaggggssss. If somewhat felt like the author was trying to leave a possibility of future sequels...? But I don't see where that would really go, as the power he has is gone (allegedly) and evidently he is falling for a witch. Yeah. Pretty okay book, prolly a bit more young adult genre.

Friday, November 17, 2023

Book Review: "Devil's Ivy" by C. A. Martin

 

I was broken, until the day a gorgeous stranger invaded my life and declared I was his witch…

I never wanted any of this…
Heartbroken, with my life as a trainee surgeon in tatters, all I wanted was to crawl into a hole and die.
Then Kit darkened my door.
As devastatingly attractive as he is infuriating, he turned what was left of my world upside down, inside out and every which way but straight.
And he did it all with just seven little words.
You’re a witch, Fleur, and you’re mine.
I can’t believe it.
It’s a joke, it has to be.
And yet it all makes perfect sense.
My life had been ruined, but maybe there is a still chance for me.
A chance to overcome my demons and learn the truth about myself.
The truth about the ties of fate that have bound me to this man.
If our nightmares don’t destroy us first… - from Booksirens.com
I received this eARC from Booksirens.com and am providing an unbiased review.
This is the first book in this series and I will admit I was drawn to read this one due to the cover art. When I read the synopsis of the book, I thought, well, I will give it a shot. Overall the book is a pretty easy read. Starts out fairly slow, explaining our MC's background (failed superstar trainee surgeon, now hopelessly worthless). About midway we meet the sexy guy that claims he knows her, and that they are slated to be together because of magicke.
Okay, I admit I did not read the complete book. by midway, and this guy explaining magicke to a muggle, just didn't fit my vibe. I tried picking it up again after a couple days, but the story could not pull me in. I feel it is written easily to read and understand, my mind just didn't like some of it.