Book Reviews

Peripheral Vision: A Supernatural Thriller, Kindle Edition, by Timothy Hammer and Courtney Zito

Amazon description:

Sometimes the deepest secrets hide in the the darkest corners.

As a little girl, Sarah suffered a horrific tragedy that would forever change her. She saw it coming before anyone else, but she could only describe it as the feeling. From then on, she always considered herself an “extra sensitive”.

It was as if her mind knew something was going to happen, but she wasn’t able to fit all of the pieces together until after the fact. At night, while she dreamed, her visions played out both the past and the future, and sleep was often elusive. But with the help of doctors, and sleeping pills, she was able to silence the feeling for the better part of her life.
Now, as a thirty-something, “living the dream” in Los Angeles, she’s built a solid life for herself and put the tragedy behind her. But when she’s met with unexpected news, it causes a cataclysmic shift in everything she thought she knew about herself, and her family. Sarah’s estranged Aunt has died, and she has inherited her old farmhouse in the small Nebraska town of Homewood. Deep within the house, she discovers some very dark secrets. What she finds, opens up some frightening doors to the small town’s past. Doors that were better left closed.

Buy Peripheral Vision: A Supernatural Thriller!

Visit author Timothy Hammer’s Amazon author page!

Visit author Courtney Zito Amazon author page!

I discovered this book on Twitter. Timothy Hammer is a top supporter of artists, authors, and those who follow their dreams at all costs. Follow Timothy on Twitter!

Travis Borne’s review:

After the punch-to-the-gut, shocking beginning, Peripheral Vision: A Supernatural Thriller, settles into a steady crescendo of tension, as mysterious terrors begin to travel up your spine, slowly, slowly, as suspense piles ever higher, ever weightier. The hard-hitting realities build until disturbing truths shatter all trust, and soon, even hope itself. Then—trapped. There’s no way back, no way out, and no way to unlearn a most horrific and almost unfathomable history of events. I purchased the Kindle version of this novel and at 74% in, what a blow! I couldn’t believe it. Then again at 83%, BLAM! And the build-up that brought me there was steady, creepy, horrifying, with well-written, well-edited prose that made this story enjoyable, as well as terrifying. I felt like I was watching a movie while reading this!

Great description and deep character development put me inside the story, watching perhaps, at not so safe a distance. And when this one grabs you, and it will, it really takes hold. Just imagine being bound, trapped, and wearing, believe it or not, a…

The ending to Peripheral Vision was pedal to the metal, a door-slamming, all-out dash for survival. And just when I thought it was over, there followed an epilogue and several chapters which added more depth to the eerie supernatural thriller that’d just blown me away. And the film projector sends it out like this…

Imagine a curse. Multiple generations affected. No one in the family lives past a certain age. It took hold long, long ago and there is no cure—or is there? The unthinkable? Perhaps. And a tiny taste was all it took. Delicious candle-apple poison to the lips, and the scourge gets normalized—and spreads. And so does the tension as evil attempts to pass it down the line…

To the unsuspecting, the last member in the family tree, in this case, young Sarah. She didn’t like her job in the big city anyway; realizing this after she’d gotten canned. So, Sarah heads to the country. Road trip! What follows is small-town life, and a slow and steady amplification of eerie occurrences. There’s some newfound love—or is it just a crush, with warm, tingling sensations—but finally some kissing. And then plenty of symbolical, suggestive, perhaps ghostly, dreams. From there it’s one not so warm discovery after another, after another. Thus begins the spiral into the supernatural, preternatural—a dip into rivers filled with blood!

The in-depth, ghastly history solidifies this frightening tale. Peripheral Vision is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. I read this quick, in about three days and found that after about 50% in on my Kindle version, I had trouble putting it down.

Dynamically, the tension grows and the explosion of terror and twisted realizations are sure to have you trembling. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, as well the epilogue and follow-up chapters that added new layers to the ominous experience I’d just survived. Excellent read. I’ll remember this book as the story that drew me in, as I felt like I was not only watching a movie while reading it, but immersed within one!

Buy Peripheral Vision: A Supernatural Thriller!

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Into Armageddon, a novel by Jeff DeMarco, Kindle Editon

Jeff’s description:

The Order, a mysterious and powerful organization, has infiltrated the U.S. government at the highest levels, bent on remaking humanity in its image. Deep in their underground genetics facility, they’ve created a new race of enhanced humans, among other deadly creations.

As an infant, Erica escaped the facility, but will she ever be able to escape her fate? In hiding for over 15 years, she’s been hunted. Her desire, to live free and in peace.

Now the world has changed. A viral outbreak manufactured by The Order, human apex predators roam freely, humanity has bound together in pockets of resistance. The children of The Order have turned on their masters in a race for supremacy; spread out across the country, systematically taking over key military installations.

Though not entirely human, Erica may hold the key to humanity’s survival. Will she run, as she always has? Will she stand, one against many and risk losing all she holds dear – Her freedom, her family, her very existence?

Into Armageddon is the beginning of a dystopian post apocalyptic world, includes elements of Military Fiction, Science Fiction, hard science and genetic engineering, but reads like an action/ adventure and romance all wrapped up into one pulse pounding novel that you won’t want to put down. It’s the first book in the Ruler of Ashes series.

“I couldn’t put it down, and now that I’m done reading it I can’t wait to find out what happens next! I haven’t stayed up all night to read a book in years. … if you like Stephen King, …if you’re a TEOTWAWKI [The End Of The World As We Know It] prepper, you need to read this. You’ll be hooked.” – Amazon Reviewer

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Follow Jeff DeMarco on Twitter. Also follow Jeff on his Amazon author page. Visit Jeff’s website: demarcowriter.com

Travis Borne’s review:

Where do I start? I’d initially thought she was gagged and bound, but she’d volunteered for it. And soon after, upon realizing just what she had agreed to, and her pending fate, and after finding love… How she grew up as a person, a mother…

The story evolved just like that segment. Powerfully, touching, gripping. Into Armageddon takes hold of your heart and holds it captive. The author’s use of dialog is straight out of real life, compelling, potent. Claire, and all of the seemingly hundreds characters in this story, sprung to life. And in life, sometimes lessons are very painful. Thus, in very short time, Claire had her priorities rearranged. What came next was the ultimate sacrifice, what parents, two good people who have found each other under terrible circumstances, will do for a child. This—is love. And all of that runs contrary to the twisted minds in charge of “The Order.”

But there’s an evolution to all sides, over the course of almost two decades. This story is an exemplification of love, growth, life, and sci-fi action that’ll have your favorite chair ready for the junkyard. Get ready to squeeze those armrests. I’m not joking. And it’s early to say but I’ll go out on a solid limb: Into Armageddon, by author Jeff DeMarco, will be added onto my favorite’s list, for the year of 2019. This was an explosive, diverse, everywhere adventure that reminds me of only one other book. But the only thing it had in common with that other work—and no names here because I want this 5-star review to fully illuminate Jeff’s unique style and amazing talent for storytelling—was how Jeff’s story will stick with me for a long time to come. I absolutely LOVED this book.

And it rolls out like this… (stop reading if you wish for zero spoilers)
After cleverly thought-out and close-call getaways—and the aforementioned sacrifices, with deep character development continuing throughout the story—a special child survives, against the odds. She’s a beautiful young girl, smaller than most, and one to fall in love with. But there are ten more genetically modified special ones who sit on the fence, wavering this way and that—save for one. One of them is a dark soul with no chance to see “the light,” a black heart, yet very smart, very powerful, with extraordinary capabilities. And this dark one has decided. And because of this decision things go awry for the entire world. SNAP! Fast-paced like the story is, this happens quickly.

From part two, mid-book, it’s all up to a group of survivors—who’d found each other because of some very special reasons—to lead the resultant chaos, and remaining lazy human beings, back toward a life with some structure. From their destination on the military base, everything culminates and builds. And the escalation resulted in me finding myself cheering, nearly roaring out a “YES!” and pulling a few fists of schadenfreude—as well as tearing up. And, a first in a long time, I found myself glancing at the ‘percent-finished’ indicator at the bottom of my Kindle app. I’d hoped this story would never end. But it did. And when it did it was as though I was hopped up on bennies for two hours! The climax of events was a culmination of genetically modified terrors brawling with omnipotent powers. CLASH! And combined with the characters I’d come to love—all of it was just too much.

But all ended well, almost. Stage SET for the sequel! And I am all in!
SIX out of FIVE stars for Into Armageddon. It was THAT freakin’ AWESOME!

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Book review: DreamWalker, by Jessica Mandella, Kindle Edition

Jessica Mandella’s description:

It’s not insider trading if your stock tips are from dreams. During the DreamWalker project, Sam walked into comatose dreams and death experiences of fallen soldiers all over the world. He got their secrets out before they finished dying. Sam never should have started DreamWalking again. He told the shrink about his three weeks of bloody nightmares. He didn’t tell him they were about dying as his hot busty blonde gaming avatar. And he sure as hell couldn’t tell him last night some red headed dream girl elf just gave him his first and only, mind blowing, body thrashing, sheet clutching, female orgasm.

DreamWalking is as intense as waking life. In his dream, Sam appears in Sheela’s hot busty blonde body in the on line video game. She’s looking for the same elf she met last night. She hopes against hope the elf is a real person, not just some vivid fantasy from a cruel dream.

“What’s yer poison?” The bartender is smiling, a little. Strictly business.

As Sam answers, she hears a sultry, seductive voice behind her answering at the same time. “Walker, straight up”.

The elf looks Sam up and down, making Sam blush as she stares at her. The elf’s soft voice is like velvet song. “Nothin like the taste of a good Walker, right?”

Visit the author’s website jessicamandella.com and see here many works on excessica.com

BUY Jessica Mandella’s novel Dream Walker, on Amazon!

 

Travis Borne’s review:

Mind-blowing twists and turns that almost gave me whiplash. I didn’t know what to expect around corner after corner, on ‘penrose’ stairs! Great tie-ins keep this almost paradoxical story interesting and explained. Reading Dream Walker, by Jessica Mandela, sent me out of my comfort zone, into multiple universes and endless dream possibilities. Some were funny, most were shocking, sexy—HOT! The author is highly creative and kept the surprises rolling at breakneck speeds. This was a fast-paced and unpredictable novel. Just imagine…everything that can be, not only in one single universe, but many, including dream realms and separate realities, and future technology beyond what is currently fathomable for humans.

I chose Dream Walker because I have always enjoyed the studies of dreams, sleep, and lucid dreaming; when I say always, I mean from the earliest age I can recall. And this novel didn’t disappoint. Stories that possess elements that spurt me to thinking, make me angle my head and smile. Clever, yes, this author is very. I also chose this novel because I wanted to read stories that would blast me out of my comfort zone. My last novel was a western (guilty, I’m a sci-fi nerd foremost) and now some, yes—erotica. Mixed with lucid dreaming, amazing capabilities and potential.

Even time travel! But not in any way you will ever guess! Go back and make changes, sure—but think NOT directly when approaching Jessica’s talent for writing. Clever, original, colorful and SMOKIN’, was the author’s power for description, with a style of writing I’ve yet to encounter—and I read a lot. The author’s erotic prose had me blushing, tomato-faced, to all-out kablooey. Multiple hot and steamy scenes set my brain on fire time after time. Comfort zone, obliterated.
Read my review of Dream Walker, on Amazon.

BUY Jessica Mandella’s novel Dream Walker, on Amazon!

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Book review: The Crown for Castlewood Manor, by Veronica Cline Barton  Series: My American Almost-Royal Cousin Series

Veronica’s description:

The English ancestral manor of Cherrywood Hall is ready to compete for selection in an upcoming British TV period drama series: the grounds are manicured, the mansion is polished, and the servants are poised. American heiress Gemma Lancaster Phillips has crossed the pond to help her cousin defeat the three other stately homes vying for the prize.

What Gemma doesn’t realize is that this competition is life or death, and someone is taking that challenge literally. The occupants of one home are killed in an automobile accident, and murder becomes a frequent occurrence at the other locations. Who is behind the mayhem? Selection would be a major coup for both the estate and the community. At first the other contestants seem to be likely suspects, but no one is quite certain as the tragedies continue. Could it even be Emma’s beloved cousin Evan, the surviving heir to the Lancaster fortune, or Kyle, his best friend and estate manager? With the Royal family in attendance at each event, the puzzle becomes a crucial one for Scotland Yard, and they enlist Gemma’s help to solve the mystery.

When the competition’s winner is announced on New Year’s Eve, will Gemma’s future be forever tied to her ancestral past?

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VISIT: https://myamericanalmostroyalcousinseries.com/

And Follow Veronica on her Amazon author page

Veronica  is a top supporter of authors, artists, and those who follow their dreams. Be sure to follow Veronica on Twitter. And follow Veronica on Instagram!

 

Travis Borne’s review:

“SLAP! I’m out of here. How could you! Oh, I can’t believe what he did to me after how long we’ve been together. And we had plans, plans to—”

But, it could be the best thing that ever happened to young Dr. Gemma Phillips. Will she find new love? Tall dark and handsome…

From the beaches of California, travel east to England, to Castlewood Manor for the by-chance, breathtaking chance of a lifetime! Gemma will experience what most people only dream of. The Crown for Castlewood Manor: My American Almost-Royal Cousin Series, by Veronica Cline Barton, was one of the most intensely colorful, and tasty, yes, tasty novels I’ve ever devoured. The author employs her words elegantly. She’ll pique your every sense with colors, smells, sounds, and especially taste, as well as some very handsome steaminess, for those who, as I mentioned above, love the tall dark and handsome. And she does so flawlessly. My mind was lighting up like fifty Christmas trees, then given surge after power surge after the unexpected happened again and again.

I lived a life of royalty for the five days I savored this book. From basic ol’ tea and scones (pronounced “scons,” as I learned from the author) to some of the most delectable dishes imaginable. I was put into a “food coma” (author’s words), many times while reading. Food for prestigious royalty but also, much, much more. Imagine the best dresses, boots, gems and semiprecious stones, and ghosts, yep, perhaps…ghosts! (And I won’t name ‘ghost’ names).

Tasty treats, sensual feels and “proper” kisses many times over. Indulge yourself in Veronica’s prose, which is some of the cleanest, most descriptive writing I’ve ever had the pleasure of reveling in.
And it goes like this… Gemma arrives. The glitz and glam of beach life, magnified 100 fold at Castlewood Manner. And then, skulduggery! The adventure of a lifetime begins, and so do some pretty bad, even fatal occurrences. Who did it? Why? No one plays to lose, and some, well…

It’s a grandiose competition dreams cannot even fabricate, but who knew it would be such a cut-throat contest. Gemma is invited to England to help plan the events, royal dinners and more. And with her American spunk and desire to win, will Castlewood Manner win the spotlight? Or will they all give up when the heat gets just too hot.
Gemma’s adventures include hunting on horseback, fancy dinners, jaunts in the English countryside, fabulous outings and planning, planning, and more planning, and getting run off the road, and even… And tall boots and fancy dresses, handsome men and gorgeous women. And scheming that gets way to close for comfort, even bloody. But who? And why?

Again, I’m not saying. And you’ll never guess. Even though, like me, you might think you know before the end. You won’t. The secrets of Castlewood Manner run deep. There’s trick buttons and hidden rooms, secret doors and vaults filled with riches, and good and bad to wonderful, then hatchet-in-the-air harrowing close calls and cliff falls. Slap to start, slap to end. It was perfect.

When I write a review and declare it gets 5 stars on both Amazon and my site, that means it was good. That means it really gets 5 stars. Veronica Cline Barton’s The Crown for Castlewood Manor gets 5 stars across the board. Do not pass on this title! And as for me, I am anxiously looking forward to the next in the series.

Don’t pass on this title! Buy The Crown for Castlewood Manor, by Veronica Cline Barton, on Amazon!

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Book review: Second Chances, by Aaron D. Brinker, Kindle Edition

Aaron’s description:

Chaun Hutchins was like any normal 32-year-old. He had a wife, a degree, a full-time job, a comfortable home, and a baby on the way. An accident turned his world upside down, but not before he uttered words for which he can never make amends.

Haunted by his past, and events that neither he nor his family can explain, Chaun must find answers to his dark troubles, before his past destroys his future.

BUY SECOND CHANCES!

VISIT: https://aarondbrinker.com/

And Follow Aaron D. Brinker on his Amazon author page. As of typing this, I see 3 more books! YES!

Aaron is a top supporter of authors, artists, and those who follow their dreams. Be sure to follow Aaron  on Twitter. And follow Aaron on Facebook!

Travis Borne’s review:

The eyes turned black and… Do six-month-old babies sit up like that? I do not believe so! Second Chances, by Aaron D. Brinker, was a paranormal, spooky and freaky trip I thought I saw coming. But the ending, or should I say endings, said otherwise! Especially the epilogue; it literally had me laughing out loud—and had the judge dancing naked, and, and, and what!? People actually getting along with…

Don’t dive into Aaron’s novel expecting gore, but do expect the unexpected. There’s a freak tragedy, then some pain. Then weird stuff, things moving around or floating in midair, hairs getting pulled out here and there and a few almost lethal claw marks and then, the reeeeally weird stuff.

I found this to be a fast, fun read and chose it because the plot sounded cool. I mean, who doesn’t love to get “Second Chances.” Especially after THAT, and what Chaun (a name I couldn’t, in my mind, pronounce as Sean or Shawn, even after reading the entire story) had endured and then had to live with.

Yep, the beginning got right to it, starting out pretty terrible. And I’m not talking about the writing, but what happened! Who knew it’s better to crash into a parked car while going 35 mph instead of 30? You’ll get why when you read it. And who knew, whatever in the world was going to happen, and then did because of such a “chance” happening, a should-have, would-have, but ultimately a nothing that could-have been done! And from there goes layer upon layer of paranormal peculiarities. Think of the movie Paranormal Activity, but no sneaking around with the paranormal part. It comes straight at you, and not so much in tension building waves, but in dynamically crescendoing smacks and jolts. And when…(one of my favorite parts)…when Jake turned around to see it, then fainted (feinted) head first into the table, I knew this was gonna be good. And it was.

And I skipped some things I should have been doing: chores, cleaning, eating, sleeping, breathing, and finished reading Second Chances in less than two days. It’s not a long read anyhoot, but it is a good one. Enjoy!

Good job, Aaron D. Brinker!

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