Myths come alive in gritty, urban fantasy
Everything from family drama to Greek gods 5/5 stars If you like fantasy that makes you question the world around you, Mark Johnathan Runte’s “Ash,” the start of his Mythos series, is just the book for you. His slightly gritty, urban fantasy is a fantastic read. With everything from family drama and romance to shapeshifters...
Fear “The Keeper of Night”
Exciting Tale Explores Japanese Myths, Racism My rating: 3 of 5 stars Sometimes you really want to enjoy something, and you keep trying and trying. The beginning of this tale had me sitting in my car, having to peel myself out to go on with my errands (I listened to the audiobook). However, as it...
An Ode to the Multiverse
“Jailbreak” epic end to Tattler Series One sign of a good book is it leaves you wanting more, even when you know it’s the end. You’ve become so invested in the characters and the world that you’re not quite ready to let go. And that’s exactly what Chad Descoteaux delivered in the last installment of...
Take a journey with “The Crystalline Chronicles”
With Apologies for my Nerdiness 5 of 5 stars If lock down has you jonesing for a good D&D session, then picking up “The Crystalline Chronicles” by Blake R. Wolfe might just be what the doctor ordered. I haven’t been able to sort out playing since my daughter was born almost four years ago, and...
Write a New Story with Tabula Rasa
Inspirational Tale Not for the Light of Heart 5/5 Stars Sometimes the promotional materials for a book prepare you for the pages inside the cover. Other times, you’re left blindsided when the “Jewish” heroine is the most fervent believer in Jesus you’ve ever seen outside of the Bible. Rebecca is a young woman who has...
Corn Pone, Bacon, and Coffee
A Southern Gal’s Take on “Spying on the South” 4 out of 5 stars The farthest north I’ve ever been is Washington, D.C., and as Hamilton taught us all not that long ago, that’s still the South. Though I reckon a lot of us deep Southerners would have a few words to say about that....
Have a laugh on the “The Tattler”
With Apologies to Kanye Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars If you’ve ever caught yourself spiraling down a YouTube conspiracy rabbit hole or wondering if those clouds on the tabloid really look like Jesus, then Chad Descoteaux’s “The Tattler” might be your next read. In “The Tattler,” young photographer Barry has fallen into using his...
Cozy Up In Branson Falls With Third Kate Saxee Mystery Book
‘The Devil Has Tattoos’ Offers Funny, Thrilling Ride 5 out of 5 Stars **Review Contains Some Spoilers** The devil drinks coffee and has tattoos, and he can get both easily in Branson Falls now, much to the chagrin of many of its residents. Two new stores in the town have the more religious residents up...
Lake City Way’s Ninja Girl Will Fight Her Way Right Into Your Heart
4 out of 5 stars The thing I enjoyed most about this story is that the principal character, Gaby, is a strong, unapologetic lead. She is not a giggly, girly-girl, nor is she by any stretch of the imagination perfect. It is always great to see more of that in literature, especially that targeted at...
Answer the Irresistible Call of Lake Arcadia
5 out of 5 stars Great literature is a study of the human condition, and in that vein, Blake R. Wolfe’s debut novel Lake Arcadia could be considered an example of great literature. If none of the characters’ story arcs explored in these eleven chapters pull your heartstrings, you might be a robot. It’s not...