The WordSmithe

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Dani Hart continued her contemporary fairy tale with The Arie Chronicles: Dreams.  It was better than the first book. The magic was still there along with the concept of good vs. evil. Hart even introduced a godmother in the last half of the story. Thankfully, Arie is no longer the sorrowful teen constantly reflecting on her mother’s demise. Now that she is more involved with the world around her, Arie is a much more likable character. She spends a good portion of this installment discovering her special gift and she even gets a prize out of the deal.

My favorite character in this installment was Amary. She was delightful and wise beyond her years. Amary was the perfect balance to Arie.

Another interesting character was Heath. He filled the exact same role as River. Instead of Hart presenting the standard Love Triangle, readers got a Love Square. Arie would have been the envy of any girl. She had three different guys in love with her and she had feelings for each of them. It made for some strained relationships to say the least. But, what’s a fantasy without a little chaos?

So far, character development is Hart’s greatest strength. Each character is complete. Their motivations are clearly explained. She does a wonderful job exploring what makes individuals tick. In Dreams each character acts out of love. It’s the same premise as in Reality but this time Hart expands the concept to include Pyrrhus and his mother. Both of them were rejected. Both of them chose darkness.

I assumed Arie’s story would end with Dreams. There were no loose ends. Arie appeared to get her happily ever after. And, then, Hart threw in a hook. The story isn’t quite over with, but isn’t that the nature of fairy tales? 

I received an ARC from Goodreads First Reads program in exchange for an honest review.


James Derry's "Line of Descent" is a dark, creepy horror story. I enjoyed the well-written suspenseful tale of Elise Gardener, a girl destined to become just like her mother, grandparents, etc.

I loved the characters Derry crafted. Elise moved me to sorrow. The poor girl lost her mother and was forced to carry out a strange, twisted family tradition. Mallory was someone in the wrong place at the wrong time. She was a courageous girl wanting to be a good friend. Unfortunately, I think she may have enjoyed being in the Gardener's world. She may even have found it to be advantageous. The character of the Wise One was a classic creepy villain. It was a being only concerned about itself and its survival. Each character Derry created was fully developed and interesting.

I felt "Line of Descent" was the embodiment of the classic horror tale. Derry included all the right elements: foreshadowing (sprinkled throughout the tale), fear (evident in Mallory's and Elise's actions and thoughts), suspense (I couldn't put the book down), mystery (what role did the ring, blood and all the artifacts play in the tale?), and imagination (Derry nailed it with a unique story). Derry's tale included an overpowering evil persona, a strong protagonist, a cast of wannabe's in a power struggle and the good friend who is supportive even in the face of danger.

The details were excellent in "Line of Descent". I could easily slip inside Elise's dreams and visualize everything. Even the setting of the story was easy to create in my mind.

I loved how Derry ended Elise's story. Whether or not there's a sequel, isn't important. Classic horror tales don't need one. Think back to Rod Serling's "Night Gallery". You didn't have to know what happened next to the characters. Your mind created the conclusion or it left you with a thought. Derry's Line of Descent left me a thought: Can something be called a parasite, if the host is willing?

Pick up a copy of "Line of Descent". You will not be disappointed!

I received an Advanced Reader Copy for an honest review.

This anthology is freaking fantastic!!

"Beneath the Cape" is a wonderful celebration of all types of superheroes from all walks of life. Some of the heroes were very obvious (decked out in superhero garb) and others not so much.

All of the authors in this anthology are strong writers with a proven history of intriguing books populated with great characters. This collection doesn’t disappoint. It’s probably rare to like every story in an anthology. I can honestly say I loved all the stories even the cliffhangers–my only complaint about the collection! I’ve contacted the authors who didn’t have a completed story. Those stories are going to be released as novels. Trust me, you’ll be happy to re-read the details!

The seven stories in the collection are unique and thought provoking. The variety of characters is the best part of the anthology. They are all well-developed and very interesting.

Laura Thalassa wrote "Reaping Angels". It was a compelling tale about the power of touch. Just one touch can heal, kill or transform a person. Her characters are strong and complex. I just loved Angel and X.

"Cat Love" by Sunniva Dee provided readers with a male protagonist overly concerned with self-control and an intoxicating female shapeshifter. I honestly couldn’t put the story down.

Authors Angela McPherson and Lynn Vroman teamed up with a unique gypsy tale. "Gypsy Love" was a modern take on the movie “Ghost”. I loved Adrian! He’ll make you want to hurt the gypsy he crossed.

I had never read anything by Magan Vernon. I'm sure I'll be looking for more by this author. I enjoyed "The Only Difference". It was a sweet story about a good guy as hero. Short Stack and Cali were very memorable. Vernon reminds readers that heroes come in all shapes and sizes with all types of strengths. Powerful!

Another new author for me is Christine Zolendz. "Heroes" gave readers a strong and very capable character in Kelly Black.

Author D. Nichole King's "Breaking Through" was an interesting story with a unique plot and amazing characters. I loved Nautica, Riley and Kray. Their roles were so clearly defined along with their strengths and weaknesses.

And, finally Cheryl McIntyre's "Villain" gave readers an ingeniously crafted story. I absolutely loved how each chapter in her novella started with a quote from a superhero. Her characters were fantastic…a superhero and an anti-villain. Genius!

"Beneath the Cape’s" greatest strength is the subtle reminder that superheroes walk amongst us. Everyday brave men and women protect our country, our rights and our freedoms with no regard to their own safety. They return to our country in all types of conditions. It is up to citizens to do their part and say thank you for their service. Purchasing your copy of Beneath the Cape is such a small action. Proceeds will go to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Purchase:
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Beneath-Cape-Su...
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Beneath-Cape-...
Amazon CA: http://www.amazon.ca/Beneath-Cape-Sup...
Amazon AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/Beneath-Cape...

Please pick up a copy today! It’s a great read benefiting our country’s superheroes!

I received an ecopy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed reading Scott Sigler’s Alive. It was like a combination of Survivor, Twilight Zone and Star Trek. It was a well-written tale with very interesting characters.

The protagonist, Em Savage, reminded me a lot of Katniss from “The Hunger Games”. She was tough and determined. When she was afraid she fought hard to not let anyone know. She had this incredible sense of right and wrong which prevailed throughout the book. Another character I enjoyed (and would like to learn more about) was O’Malley. He was Em’s quiet companion. He was a boy trapped in a man’s body. He wanted to be brave but really didn’t know how. Sigler made it clear which characters you were not supposed to like–Yong and Aramovsky. They were antagonists with nothing redeemable about them.

Sigler weaved an interesting plot around a cast of predominately children. I have to admit, though, by the time I got to Part Four I was just as tired as the characters on their endless journey. The story wasn’t boring. I was just waiting for something else to happen. Part Four contained suspense and some much needed answers.

Alive reminded me of Veronica Roth’s “Divergent” as well. There are symbols and alliances to them. Unfortunately, by the end of the book we don’t know a whole lot about the meanings behind the symbols. I got the feeling that there might be some hierarchy involved and Em might be the key.

I encourage readers to pick up a copy of Alive when it comes out July 14. It is the first book in a planned series. Sigler has a lot more in store for this cast of kids.

Lauren Oliver’s Pandemonium delivered—intriguing story, better character development and finally, some action!

Oliver continues the story of Lena, the main character from Delirium who was infected by deliria. This book picks up right where the first one left off. I loved how Oliver crafted the story. Instead of just giving us a blow by blow detailing we get a flash back – flash forward technique. The flash backs are labeled as “Then”. In those chapters we learn what happened to Lena immediately after entering The Wilds. The flash forward chapters, labeled as “Now”, follow Lena’s life six to eight months after entering The Wilds. This technique, in my opinion, moved the story along. I was always intrigued to either find out what had happened or what was about to happen.

In Pandemonium you will want to know everything that happens with Lena. This time she is stronger, bolder and a little wiser. She’s no longer the naive little girl waiting for her Procedure. Now she abhors it and is fighting to eliminate it from society. Finally!

After living in The Wilds, Lena has learned some valuable skills which she’ll use to save a new character, Julian. He is totally likable from his first introduction. He is described as someone you should probably pity, but, amazingly you don’t. Instead you get the feeling that there is a lot more to him just under the surface.

But, Julian isn’t the only character that you’ll like right away. Oliver brings a new batch of tough Invalids that you’ll admire. They’ve all been through hell and back but are thriving in The Wilds. Even their names are interesting: Raven, Tank, Hunter, Bram.

Once again, Oliver gives great descriptions. The book is vivid with details about The Wilds and even the characters. I loved it!

A word of warning…don’t read this one without having the last book in the trilogy handy! Oliver gives a serious cliffhanger in Pandemonium.

It goes without saying that I thoroughly enjoyed this installment!

The premise of  Lauren Oliver’s Delirium is that love is a disease to be avoided at all costs. It is the root of all problems, even crime. The America in Oliver’s book has secured borders and a procedure that removes emotion from eighteen year olds. It’s supposed to be ‘the cure’, if it works. Yes, there are some citizens that the cure doesn’t work on even after repeated procedures. The main character, Lena, is actually counting down to the date of her procedure. She’s not trying to escape or avoid it…yet.

Although the story had a slow start, I eventually got caught up in Oliver’s descriptions. She made the settings, in my opinion, leap off the page (sorry for the cliche). I could easily visualize the different areas around Portland. Unfortunately, I was in the middle of the book before I realized that the book was set in Portland, Maine.

I actually enjoyed the character development in the book. In the beginning, Lena was someone that I didn’t care for a lot. I thought she was a poor little girl who didn’t have any experience. She was okay with living in a “Stepford-wife” world. Then she meets a forbidden boyfriend, Alex. By the end of the book, I just wanted her to escape with Alex and have a real life.

The story did provide a little food for thought as well. Oliver’s America had electrified walls around its border with round the clock patrols. I first thought of the wall that used to divide East and West Berlin. With immigration reform in the news, however, I wondered if we could eventually live in a world with locked borders. That would definitely render America as not being the home of the free.

The fictitious book excerpts at the beginning of each chapter made me think as well. “The devil stole into the Garden of Eden. He carried with him the disease–amor deliria nervosa–in the form of a seed. It grew and flowered into a magnificent apple tree, which bore apples as bright as blood. (from Genesis: A Complete History of the World and the Known Universe).” What a creative way to twist the Bible! The book is full of these wonderful propaganda quotes. Unfortunately, if you put the right propaganda out there, you will always get believers. And, that’s the real story behind Oliver’s book. Events happened and some great master minds decided that love was the reason for the outcomes. Don’t believe everything you see and read people!

Needless to say, I enjoyed Delirium. It is a worthwhile read that I recommend to teens and adults. If you haven’t read it, be sure to pick it up. You won’t be disappointed.

I received an ecopy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Lauren Saft’s "Those Girls" was disturbingly good! It was like “Mean Girls” met up with the cast of “Desperate Housewives”.

There was so much drama going on amongst prep schoolers. It made me glad to no longer be a high schooler. I attended a private co-ed school. The stereotype back then was kids who went to same sex schools were overly obsessed with the opposite sex. After reading Saft’s book, I wonder if that was a stereotype or just a keen observation on life.

Saft’s characters were well-developed and oh, so complex. My favorites were Alex and Drew. Out of all the characters, they were the most normal. Alex and Drew spent too much time trying to figure themselves out and handle the drama in their lives. And, that drama came courtesy of their friends Mollie and Veronica. Oh my god! Those two girls were the worst ever. Totally mean, totally self-absorbed and totally pitiful. They weren’t true villains. They were just confused girls trying to play big girl games.

It took me a minute to realize who the real villains were in "Those Girls". Each girl was her own villain. Each of them had personal demons that needed to be excised. Mollie used sex with the hopes of keeping a guy in love with her. Veronica thought promiscuity was the road to success. Alex tried to hide her true self behind the guise of being every guy’s good buddy. She could hang with the fellas and they accepted her openly. Saft gave readers a glimpse at how a trio of girls tried to deal with anorexia/bulimia, self-deprecation and insecurity. I only hope that today’s youth aren’t using these tactics.

"Those Girls" was a well-crafted tale with a lot of social relevance. It made me wonder about issues facing today’s high school girls. Do they understand that actions have consequences? Clearly Mollie, Veronica and Alex didn’t understand that until it was too late. But, did they learn their lessons? We shall see. Lauren Saft is working on a sequel to this thought-provoking story.

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads in exchange for an honest review.

The Arie Chronicles: Reality was the first book I’ve ever read by Dani Hart and it won’t be my last!

Hart delivered a great contemporary fairy tale. It included magic, fairies, and the concept of good vs. evil. But, she took a different approach with it. We didn’t get the atypical story about mythical beings creating havoc through use of magic. There were no fairy godmothers, no witches, no typical villains. The Arie Chronicles: Reality was about a young girl stumbling into her heritage. She didn’t cast any spells. She didn’t spend the book discovering strange powers. It was refreshing to say the least.

Arie’s story had the potential to be disheartening and very depressing though. For a good part of the story she was dejected. I just wanted to kick some sense into her. I wanted her to wake up and realize she still had to live despite her loss. She had a handsome guy in love with her who was willing to do anything for her. She just couldn’t get on board. Fortunately, her eyes were opened when she was forced to make choices. By the end of the book I was liking her character. She finally realized putting a wall around herself was creating danger for everyone.

My favorite character was Ashe. He was determined and desperately in love with Arie. He wasn’t afraid to admit when he was wrong. Ashe had the potential to be a great book boyfriend.

River was my second favorite character. He was like a Timex watch. He took a beating and kept on ticking. He stuck around through all of Arie’s bull. He stayed true to her even when her heart embraced another. Just like Ashe, everything River did was done out of love. He’s another great book boyfriend.

I didn’t know how I felt about the book until I reached the climax. I had enough of Arie’s constant belly aching. Thankfully Arie matured and the premise of the book was finally revealed. Hart expanded on the concept of good vs. evil. She introduced the theory that people will choose good or evil based on their emotions. The strongest emotion being love. And, that can prompt people to take the high road (good) or the low road (evil) without thinking of the consequences. River was representative of the high road. Ashe was the low road. To make matters worse, evil can masquerade in the guise of goodness. Powerful ideas in a young adult story.

I’m looking forward to read the next installment in Arie’s tale. It’s scheduled to be released in July.

I received an ecopy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Superb…well-written unique debut!

I loved reading Virginia Boecker’s The Witch Hunter. I’ve read my share of books about witches. This was far from the usual fare of witches trying to stay away from executioners. I had not read anything about the executioners themselves. I would have never imagined an elite ‘task force’ within the king’s army designated for capturing those practicing witchcraft. Genius!

Boecker presented readers with well-developed characters–Elizabeth Grey, John Raleigh, Nicholas Perevil, George and Fifer. Elizabeth, the young witch hunter, is a force to reckon with. She’s strong, intelligent and willing to sacrifice herself for others. John, a young healer, has a heart of gold. You can’t help loving him. I love Nicholas and his last name (looks like a play on the words ‘pure evil’). He doesn’t live up to the propaganda surrounding him. George and Fifer are great friends to have.

Even the villains are great in this prolific story! Lord Blackwell has a serious dark side that needs to be extinguished. He’s deceptive and only has loyalty to himself. Caleb, the best friend with a new role, is more of an unwilling sidekick for Blackwell. He’s the product of his own ambition.

Boecker’s details were astounding. Anglia is medieval England. I was transported to that time period without much effort on my part. I could easily envision the town square, the witches chained to stakes and even the smelly, dank prison cell. It’s obvious she did extensive research on this time period. The clothes, the building interiors and even the gardens read true.

I’m now wanting to read more about revenants thanks to Boecker. After reading about Schuyler you won’t think about spirits the same way (there’s a difference between a revenant and a ghost).

There is a valuable lesson in The Witch Hunter which Elizabeth learns towards the end–be careful who and what you believe in. I love how Boecker unfolded the message without constantly banging it over the protagonist’s head.

If you haven’t added The Witch Hunter to your must read list, what are you waiting for? It’s a magical story full of suspense, betrayal and intrigue. I can’t wait to read the next chapter in Elizabeth Grey’s life!

I thoroughly enjoyed the final chapter in Kylie Galen’s life! C.C. Hunter’s Chosen at Nightfall had me intrigued and laughing from cover to cover.

Hunter delivered a cast of unforgettable characters–Kylie, Della, Miranda, Holiday, Burnett, Perry, Lucas and Derek. I loved how the characters developed in this series. Kylie never thought of herself as brave or even confident. By the end of her tale, she was so much more. As much as I liked Derek, I was cheering for Team Lucas. I really enjoyed Kylie’s roommates–Miranda and Della. You couldn’t help but feel their angst on Parents Day. It’s not just humans who have parents that don’t understand. I was also routing for Burnett and Holiday. It seemed as if everyone at Shadow Falls were so stubborn that they didn’t know how to get out of their own way.

C.C. Hunter gave a different spin on the stereotypical ‘quest’ most heroes and heroines encounter. Kylie had to learn who she was, appreciate who she was, and embrace who she was. Kylie was adept at helping her fellow campers with their woes. It took her nearly five books to follow her own advice. Thankfully, she realized she was cheating herself by staying angry. She also learned where her anger came from.

My favorite quote from the book was Kylie reminding Lucas “who was it that said if the door is locked, find a window. If the window’s locked, well…break it. If it won’t break then find a freaking sledgehammer and make a new one.” In other words, do whatever it takes to get what you want. Congratulations! Little Kylie Galen grew up.

I love how everyone got their just rewards at the end of Chosen at Nightfall. The villains went to their final resting places. And, the campers all enjoyed a happy ending.

I’m happy to say “The Shadow Falls” novels don’t end with this book! C.C. Hunter has written more about the campers.

I received an e-copy of the book from the author, via Goodreads, in exchange for an honest review.

Dawn Brazil’s Finding Me was like a reading about a young group of the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Except these supernaturals has a member with amnesia.

Finding Me was a creative spin on time travel and supernaturals. Brazil’s tale centers around a young girl who doesn’t remember she’s supernatural. She doesn’t remember anything about her life other than she’s a normal teen with a pretend boyfriend, snobby parents and snooty friends at an exclusive school. Once I got past all the name dropping (Louis Vuitton, Christian Louboutin, etc.), the story was good. Chloe wasn’t a fan of all the big designer names. It was the world she lived in and Brazil attempted to reveal that to readers. I think she succeeded especially when the seventeen year old received a brand new sports car for a birthday present.

Chloe and The Great 8 are fighting an enemy they’ve known all their life. Unfortunately, she doesn’t remember the enemy until the last quarter of the book. Her memories start flooding back and now we get a major cliffhanger.

Brazil wrote a hopeful story with a clear, positive message–when you embrace who you are, you’re unstoppable! That’s a great message for everyone and not just teens. I look forward to reading the next installment by Brazil.

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest book review.
***Mature Audience: 18+ Only Due to Sexual Content and Language.***

A truly touching love story!

I really enjoyed K. Webster’s “Apartment 2B”. I found it to be a well-written tale about a young woman’s awakening. After years of abuse she learned to love herself and others.

The characters were well-developed. I especially loved the main character, Sydney. She was amazingly strong for someone who had become numb. With the love of a good man, she overcomes so much. I was so grateful for the character of Lane. She truly needed him in her life.

“Apartment 2B” isn’t just your average romance novel. It deals with mental illness as well. Webster did an impressive job delivering a character who could have been the poster child for insanity. Although it wasn’t divulged in the book, I suspect Momma had issues with Sydney because she looked so much like her father. Momma wanted to punish the man for leaving her. Sydney became her substitute. If it hadn’t been for Liam and Lane, Sydney would have been locked away within herself–a true victim of mental illness.

“Apartment 2B” was my first read from K. Webster. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading more by her.

Corinne Michaels’ Beholden was an emotional roller coaster. But, oh, what a wonderful ride!

Once again Michaels wrote a book with palpable emotions. I felt both Catherine’s and Jackson’s pain. At times I wanted to beat the crap out of them. I’d never read a book where I had to stop reading because it was too painful. That’s just how real Catherine’s heartache felt.

Michaels uncovers more about what makes Catherine and Jackson tick. These characters have been broken by life. They need…no, require each other to become whole again. Their romance is the stuff of movies.

Beholden was a tear jerker and a page turner. I read this one in a day and a half because I was racing to find out how this story would end. Well, I wasn’t disappointed.

Thank you Corinne Michaels for such a well-written romance story. Not only did you give us a great couple of characters, but you gave this reader some insight into the life of a military family.

Beholden is the conclusion of Catherine’s and Jackson’s story. You need to read their story to appreciate what happens with Natalie and Aaron Gilcher (Consolation and Conviction).

Of late I’ve been trying to keep my review postings on Tuesdays and Thursdays. But, this book was so good I couldn’t wait until Tuesday!

It’s official–Corinne Michaels writes tear-jerkers! Conviction had me reaching for a tissue box. I held my breath, I laughed, I cried, I even smiled. The story of Natalie and the two men who love her is filled with turmoil and heartache. Once again Michaels delivered palpable emotions from Natalie’s “surprise” at the door to Liam’s tragic goodbye to a loved one. If these moments don’t make you weepy, you must not be human.

The characters in Conviction had such depth. I really wonder if they were not fictionalized representations of people in the author’s life. Of course, Liam is the ultimate book boyfriend. He’s always putting everyone else before himself. He fell so deep in love with Natalie the poor boy nearly lost his mind. And, Natalie became so much stronger in this installment. Her good friend Reanell, everyone should have her in their lives, recognized this strength and helped Nat embrace it. Although Aaron made bad decisions, he wasn’t a bad guy. I actually understand his point of view. He was completely unaware of what happened state side. To him, he was merely MIA therefore nothing had changed in his mind. Nat was his life force. Doesn’t every military person deployed need one?

I can’t stop complimenting Michaels on the books in the Salvation series. They are heartwarming, thought provoking and just plain well-written. Conviction has its humorous moments too. The epilogue had me laughing out loud (good thing my hubby wasn’t home). Michaels can work a description. I got great visuals on everything she put on a page.

You have to read this series–yes, the whole series! If you don’t, it would be like starting The Great Gatsby on page 100. You just wouldn’t do it. So, go out and pick up Beloved, Beholden AND Consolation. You won’t be sorry.

Let me just start by saying, I LOVE THIS BOOK!! I’d read it again!

Recently, I read Corinne Michaels’ Consolation and I was told I needed to go back to the beginning. So, that’s what I did. And, I’m so glad I made that decision. I just love the characters Michaels created especially Jackson “Muffin” Cole! He’s deliciously yummy. He’s the good guy women dream of. I appreciated Catherine’s character. She’s been through so much, but she doesn’t recognize that she’s had a hand in many of her personal woes. Outside of Jackson, my favorite female had to be Ashton, Cat’s roommate. She’s smart and blunt. She doesn’t mince words and will give Cat the kick in her pants she needs…a lot.

I read Michaels’ bio and learned she is the wife of a former SEAL. The details she puts in her writing is evidence of her background. She does a wonderful job of detailing the SEAL experience. I got a new appreciation for what the sailors (not soldiers) and their families go through. Thank you Michaels for that little perk. I’m now explaining to my husband that you can’t refer to all military as being soldiers.

Beloved is Jackson and Catherine’s story. It’s touching. It’s heartbreaking. It’s a moving tale that I couldn’t put down. The book is full of great quotes and some seriously funny one-liners.

Conviction, the final book in this series, comes out tomorrow. If you haven’t read Beloved, be sure to pick up a copy first. You will get a whole new appreciation for Jackson (he appears in Consolation and Conviction).

I received an ecopy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Just how far would you go to unearth clues in a scavenger hunt? That’s the prevailing question in Erik Therme’s Mortom. I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel. It was well-written with clearly developed characters.

The plot was intriguing and had me captivated from page one. Therme’s book revolved around three main living characters and one deceased. Even the dead character was interesting. All of the characters were well-defined and is easily understood. Andy was the obsessive-compulsive type who wouldn’t let anything stop him. Kate, his sister, was a peacemaker. She didn’t want to upset anyone and took it upon herself to constantly make amends. Craig, the deceased, was a misunderstood wannabe master mind. He had a very large chip on his shoulder, and there wasn’t anything anyone could do to remove it. Mary, the crotchety aunt, hoarded objects and secrets. I loved these characters and their personalities.

Therme provided surprise throughout the story right up to the end. I got a little worried when Andy discovered the rat. I was wondering if the rat was a symptom of a bigger issue (maybe a house of dead bodies). I’m glad my concern was for nothing. I enjoyed deciphering the clues right along with Andy.

Mortom did not have a cliffhanger ending, and there wasn’t an obvious hint of a sequel. I was left wondering what was next for Andy. He didn’t seem the type to just let the story end the way it did. But, for everyone else in the book, the story ran a successful course.

Good job Erik Therme! I highly recommend this debut novel to anyone who likes to read suspense. I look forward to reading more from him.