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Review of The October Society Season 3

Cover The October Society 3

The October Society concludes in this trilogy of spooky campfire tales (are there any other kinds of spooky tales?) told by mysterious children. All the books in this series are styled after a television show, complete with commercial interruptions. Each child tells a scary story to the others. In the first two, the purpose behind this October gathering was kept from the reader. Instead, the reader is treated to criticisms and observations about the tellers. All is revealed in this, the last entry of the trilogy.

The first book received high marks from me, mostly due to the stories and the intertwining vignettes with the children. This all came together in a true eerie fashion. The second offering suffered the fate of most “middles.” The stories weren’t as inspired this time around, and what was happening to the children—their leader goes missing—was the best part of the collection. Unfortunately, it’s only a small portion of the book, and worse, it ends on a cliffhanger. Onward to book three.

Book three starts where book two ends, resolving the cliffhanger but not answering all its questions. The stories and interstitials guide the narrative to slowly unveil what is happening to the October Society. The scenes between the stories are, as in the second book, more intriguing than the stories the children tell. Again, the stories the children tell are a large portion of the book; therefore, they must be fascinating, no matter how interesting the main narrative.

The stories are improved in this go-around. The originals in the first book were best, but some thrillers are presented in this third go-around. “The Boardwalk Banshee,” “Their Hungry Stare,” and “The Boy that Dared the Dark” are the highlights, for certain. Ironically, one segment is the start of a scary tale told by the most unlikely member of all. This brief, unfinished vignette was perhaps my favorite of the book.

October Society 3 focuses more on origins, characters, and our fascination with the dark and the light. True to movie form, the book brings everything to a cinematic conclusion. Less horror, more thrilling, but engaging nevertheless. Christopher Robertson has landed the plane successfully, and deserves the cheers from his passengers.

Overall, the book is recommended. As for the series, read one or all three, don’t stop at October Society Two. Even if, like me, you aren’t thrilled with the middle offering, consider it a part one to the third book.

The trilogy is more of a Halloween treat than a trick.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CH6N2W35

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Review of Cage the Wolf

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Stefanie Gilmour’s Cage the Wolf is the second in the Alex Steward series of a young woman dealing with the duality of lycanthropy. In this world, the transformation isn’t automatic or strictly based on a moon phase. The afflicted person has some measure of control, even more with practice. Alex is early in the process of unifying with her inner wolf at the start of the novel.

After vanquishing a sinister league in the Midwestern town of Hopewell, Alex is getting along with her new werewolf pack as well as her witch and human friends. She has a new boyfriend, so life is looking up. Yet, she still has reservations about a secret governing body (called The Council) aware of the witches and werewolves in the town. They are charged with keeping the supernatural creatures hidden.

The second offering in this series starts with a new human member joining the Council’s normies (humans) and supernaturals (werewolves and witches). This newbie wants to invite a werewolf hunter into town after the lycanthropic pack is unfairly accused of crimes. Alex must prove the hunter is a murderer to sway the Council’s vote. All the while, she must keep her nature secret from her best normie friend, Anne. Hiding the truth from Anne is hard considering they’re investigating the same murder for different reasons.

Cage the Wolf hits the right notes for a second book in a sequence. The plot progresses story lines started in the first book, and a new threat keeps the reader’s interest and investment in the characters. The werewolf pack trusts her with missions now that Alex is more in control of her nature. Alex is more purposeful and confident in this offering.

In the last book, best friend Emma played a major role in the plot. She plays a far lesser role than Alex’s other friend, Anne, who is getting close to her secrets. Certainly, Alex is hanging around Trish and Nate (her werewolf pack) more, much to Anne’s chagrin. And then there’s Ben, the boyfriend. The relationship becomes complicated when Ben’s sister Joan arrives. Joan upsets the equilibrium of the already complicated girlfriend/boyfriend dynamic. Joan’s presence also reveals insights into Ben’s past. In addition to the familiar characters from the prior book, the reader meets other supernaturals—a definite highlight.

Cage the Wolf continues more werewolf adventures for Alex and her friends. The book is both a second in a series and a superior standalone novel. The reader is treated to suspenseful action, mysterious pasts, and an expanding world. Cage the Wolf is another standout novel in this superior urban fantasy series.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQF9VB5D

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Review of Legend Has It

Cover of Legend Has It

We’ve all heard the legends of the extreme-horror ten-level house, if you make it to the end, you’ll receive a cash bonus. When we look for such a house, we find it’s an urban legend. Legend Has It by D. J. Slater is a horror novel that explores the age-old question of what if the legend was real.

Seth McCartney and his best friend Peyton Fischer have explored haunted houses for years. They started in grade school and now are in their early twenties. Seth feels let down when Peyton admits that he’s outgrown the thrill of their October ritual. Seth’s loath to walk away from his past. A short time later, Seth and Peyton learn their friend Marcus has found an extreme haunted house in the Wisconsin wilderness. They recruit three more friends—Dante, Angie, and Jessica to accompany them for one final thrill. They arrive at an abandoned, haunted house with no one else around. The attractions greeter appears suddenly, accepts no money, and warns them they won’t survive. He leads them to the back entrance, and they descend four levels to a horrifying, and deadly, experience.

Legend Has It has an intriguing hook as this local legend had persisted for decades. Movies like Hell House LLC and Haunt riff on the same theme. This novel has a meta-moment before they enter where the six visitors discuss what makes for a frightening experience. Seth proposes a slow build up, disarming the audience when the thrills come. This novel follows that blueprint.

It takes a few chapters but then it becomes clear to the group that their lives are in danger, and the panic sets in. The “house” increases its punishments as the six proceed upward. Author Slater uses many haunted attraction tricks but then twists them toward a deadlier outcome. The house not only has savage denizens, but murderous traps as well.

The highlight of Legend Has It includes the creative themes of each level. Again, the settings rely on horror tropes of a darkened hallway with chains, stone passageway, or a rundown hotel interior. What is unique is how they twist to become an element of horror. Curved mirrors, two-image pictures, exhibits behind glass transform into the reader’s nightmares. The scenes are effective and chilling.

The characters serve their purpose with Seth being the most fleshed-out. While they contain a typical cast—the horror aficionado,  the athlete, the love interest—they each have a moment where they show their mettle. As the novel progresses, the reader roots for them.

Superb setting descriptions, realistic dialog, and entertaining puzzles round off this exciting offering.  A few minor drawbacks include the choice of omniscient point-of-view, a handful of technical issues, and a misdirection that is used twice. However, the strength of the rest of the narrative overshadows any of these quibbles.

Legend Has It is for readers who love horror novels, creepy creations, and interesting traps. For fans of urban legends that come to life, especially haunted houses, it’s highly recommended.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DH8R3BWX

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Follow the Rules, then Don’t

Nearly every new fiction writer has a writing hook, something about the way they tell this story that will draw the reader in. In this blog, instead of focusing on plot or characters, let’s examine the way the words unravel to the reader. Some of these writing styles are creatively designed and were part of the original conception of the manuscript. The author believes the world is going to be agog when they read their work.

Writing advice

And then, the author reads about common writing mistakes and finds their wonderfully conceived idea on the list. Perhaps it’s the use of multiple first-person point-of-views, a non-linear narrative, a prologue/epilogue, and the list goes on. The gut reaction is that your story is different, your style doesn’t need to adhere to these rules. Who are these so-called experts to tell you about rules? You are an artist.

The sad truth is, if you’re starting off, you should follow the rules. This may mean a rewrite, unfortunately, and (what you first perceive as) a dimming of the initial story’s spark. For the sake of your story, you should at least give following writing guidelines consideration. Spend some time with the advice, write a few chapters without your gimmick. See what unfolds.

But why? If you are learning the craft, you must become proficient in it before taking on an unconventional style. The rules aren’t there to limit you; they exist to guide you. An agent or publisher is interested in your style, especially if you use the rules to better your plot, characters, or themes. Your writing style is the selling point. Too often, an unconventional choice will distract your agent, publisher, or reader and leave them rejecting your work.

“But,” you say, “I know of many stories with these ‘writing mistakes,’ and they are successful.” True, but do you think this was the author’s first attempt? I’ll admit in rare cases, they work. Stuart Turton’s Evelyn Hardcastle comes to mind. However, most authors have a series of published credentials before they try a writing maneuver that flaunts the rules. For example, both authors of This is How you Lose the Time War, an epistolary novel, have many novels to their credit. The novel’s unique style wasn’t their first rodeo.

If the story cannot be written in a conventional way, then go for it. It’s always better to write the story than not. But, be conscientious that you’re at a disadvantage from the start. Make the decision purposefully, not as a reaction.

After you gain experience and skill, play with the rules if you want. A novel that flaunts the rules is usually a delightful read.

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Review of European Travels for the Monstrous Gentlewoman

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The second book of the Athena Club involves the main female characters traveling far from their London home to stop a fiendish scheme. The Athena Club consists of the daughters of Dr. Jekyll (Mary Jekyll) and Mr. Hyde (Diana Hyde). Also, the poisonous daughter of mad biologist named Beatrice, the puma woman of H. G. Wells’ Island of Dr. Moreau named Catherine, and Justine, Frankenstein’s female creation. The five members have received a note asking them to help an imprisoned girl, Lucinda Van Helsing in Vienna. And if that wasn’t enough, they are to proceed to Budapest to break up a convention of the evil Alchemical Society. This society is the one that made them all monsters through various branches of science (e.g. Moreau created Catherina from vivisecting a puma).

Mary and Justine decide to travel to Vienna to investigate, receiving help from an acquaintance of Sherlock Homes. Travels by train and carriage ensue along with several adventures for all the club members. Spies for the Alchemical Society, prison breaks, kidnappings, and more exciting action occurs throughout the book. A handful of famous characters in this genre: Abraham Van Helsing, Dr. Seward, and Edward Prendick are the villains. The Athena Club meets other interesting adversaries en route.

I enjoyed the first book in this series, The Strange Case of the Alchemist’s Daughter. The assembly of the Athena Club and the mystery that surrounded them was captivating and worthy of the term “gaslamp horror.” This time around, we have a longer novel, so long it can’t be finished if you were really traveling between London and Budapest. This book should have been exciting with a chase across Europe, multiple secret enclaves, and (in case you haven’t guessed it) vampirism. Instead the ordinary elements overwhelm the extraordinary.

European Travels for the Monstrous Gentlewoman has its moments. The story takes great pains to make readers feel they’re in London, on the Orient Express, in Vienna, or in Budapest. The character interactions, especially those with Diana, are often funny. Each woman has her own personality, and they form an interesting group. And for the uninitiated, the previous book is summarized near the beginning.

On the other hand, the book goes on far too long. Lengthy passages describe nothing relevant to the story. And for some reason, all the heroes are flipped to villains. This reviewer has no idea why given the outcome of the story. The villains are completely flat, not even aspiring to mustache twirling. Last, the male characters in this novel are either evil, inert, or exist purely to have a monstrous gentlewoman fall in love with them. They have no personality of their own. And the owner of the residence the women lodge in in Budapest should have been a real stunner. But as far as I can tell, the reason he’s in the story is to provide money for the Athena Club.

This novel should be entitled The Strange Case of the Writer Who Fell in Love with Her Own Story and Couldn’t Stop. The book has, at its center, a good story, but it needs a development editor to pull it out. Some reviewers noted they didn’t want to continue the series after this one, and I understand why.

European Travels for the Monstrous Gentlewoman is humorous, has delightful characters, and presents some surprising cameos. Yet, it loses its story somewhere along the way of this journey.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075RN7DR3

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Review of Visionary Investigations

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Visionary Investigations, book 1.5 of Dead and Back Again series by C. Rae D’Arc, is a short collection of three novellas set in the world of Novel. Novel was introduced in the Haunting Romance trilogy, and Inspector Specter was the first in this new series.

Visionary Investigations details the mysteries of three private detectives: Truth Locke, Nita Incog, and Aeron Spade. The narrative is from Truth’s perspective. Rather than being adjunct tales that support the novels, the plots continue the events of the initial book. In Novel, the three detectives live in a noir-ish county, and Truth and Aeron both have magical abilities. Their talents and logic help them solve mysteries.

The first novella is Sole Searching, a Case (in Novel, Cases are capitalized as they are central to what the country does) about a murderer who overdoses their victims with cocaine and steals their shoes. Though bizarre, the situation is treated seriously by all involved and the conclusion follows Novel’s logic. This offering has the most outlandish premise and sets up an arc for Detective Locke.

The second entry is Death in the Family. The middle story concerns itself with a friend of our three main detectives being murdered. All suspicions point to an abusive husband at first, but reader beware! Do not jump to conclusions. A trespasser who hates art and another close friend play a significant part in this mystery. This novella is a slow build with a creative payoff and the closest to a classic mystery.

Last we have Undead Murder in which a member of the undead community is seemingly murdered by impossible means—impossible to kill the undead, that is. The setting is a party at an immense, gloomy mansion with a mysterious host. Outside, a vicious crowd has gathered, surrounding the building. Undead Murder is wildly conceived: a chilling setting, a “locked-room” type of murder, and a reveal about one of our detectives. This story ensures the trilogy of novellas ends on a strong note.

The characters and the setting of this collection are bursting with creativity. The method Truth uses to read her victims in the first story, the clever who-could’ve-dunnit-next pace of the second entry, and the supernatural impossible crime of the third—and best—tale are imaginatively designed. The pacing, humor, and surprises are all top-notch. If you want to read a set of novellas unlike any other, read Visionary Investigations.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FKD2KDJC

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Review of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

Cover of Addie LaRue

In 1714, young Adeline (Addie) LaRue makes a pact with a dark god to live a life greater than her destiny in a provincial French town. She gains, with her new freedom, a lack of identity. People cannot remember Addie for a long period of time, certainly if they lose sight of her for over a minute. This allows Addie to travel and thieve her way across geography and time. But it’s a lonely life having someone you’re attracted to forget you in the morning. Adjusting to her situation, she exists through history without living in it, until one day she meets someone who remembers her.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is written by author V. E. Schwab who also wrote The Darker Shade of Magic trilogy and Vicious/Vengeful duology. Both sets of novels are high marks in the realm of modern fantasy and science fiction. Ms. Schwab is talented, and any of her novels receive instant notice. A standalone like Addie is no exception.

This novel has such an inspired premise that could explore so many different themes: how women have been overlooked over time, how much identity plays a role in loneliness, the entire question of what it means to be mortal and what it means to be a god. Plot-wise, the novel could have delved into historical fiction, or leaned more to the fantastic. While all those elements exist (e.g. the rules around Addie’s freedom are a pleasure to discover, which is something at the heart of an urban fantasy), this story is mostly about how women deal with anonymity both in the past and now—a worthy theme.

Again, the premise is entertaining. Some have criticized Schwab’s style as she departs from more conventional prose to a lyrical way of relating the story. For this reviewer, it works and puts the reader in Addie’s head, allowing said reader to not only know all her strengths and foibles, but feel them as well. The historical fiction element of the story is well-researched, bringing to life such things as the French Revolution. The supporting characters serve their purpose, with two of them having more substance than the rest. Many readers will likely get lost in Schwab’s voice as they live life through Addie’s eyes.

However, in Schwab’s list of novels, this novel is my least favorite and one I will never return to. The anonymous theme supports a rather drab plot for many pages. This is a great 275 page, possibly 300 page novel, but theme and idea cannot support the 442 pages. I found the narrative dragging, not advancing to the back jacket’s description for over 100 pages. Why? Too much back story, too much description of how Addie survived and thrived through history. The interesting story line is in the present, but too little time is given to that thread and too much to the past. To make it worse, Schwab decides to delve into the past of a secondary character halfway through the book, repeating the issue at the start. So many passages could have been cut without harming the theme or plot. Addie, to me, is a clear case of an author falling in love with their material too much, and an editor allowing the author to do so to sell a larger book.

Another twist at the end between Addie and a powerful character also didn’t ring true to this reviewer. While she redeemed it, it seemed like an unnecessary plot element and uncharacteristic of Addie. For once, I was upset at her. I understand Schwab’s decision to include the plot device, but again thought it would have been a better choice to have cut it.

This book didn’t hook me at the beginning. I started enjoying it about 150 pages in, but then had to push through another backstory. But the end can make or break a plot. Schwab masterfully sets up impossible odds, proving once again how talented she is. And yes, she pulls off an ending that is both plausible and pleasurable.

I believe many will find The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue a delightful read, but between a slow start, an unnecessary backstory to a minor character, and a twist that didn’t work, I find this one hard to recommend.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084357H23

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Review of DuMort

Cover of DuMort

DuMort, a gaslamp horror novella by Michelle Tang, is set in the fictional gothic city of Myndalla. An oppressive, creepy place where one cannot discuss the dead, and to raise them will send you to the gallows, or worse.

Miss Mina Kwan, aka Lady Mina Braithwaite, seeks out a famous occultist in Mydalla. She crashes a party to meet him and pleads with him to help her while the host is showing her the door. The occultist, the famous DuMort, demands she stay. Ghastly Alexandre DuMort with his rippling robes and dark, angular features proves he can speak to the dead. When the law arrives to imprison everyone, DuMort and Mina escape. After they get a moment to slow down, Mina describes how the ghost of her dead sister is victimizing her and hurting her when she falls asleep. DuMort agrees to help her as long as she serves as his assistant.

From there, the novella twists and turns, leading the reader through interesting encounters, attractions, and horrifying locations. Scenes of DuMort helping others, being evasive about his sick wife, or interacting with Mina crackle with tension. The last third of the book takes an unexpected narrative swing with Mina, and the ending pays off the dread mounting through the pages.

Not only are the plot and setting stunning, but Tang’s prose is morbidly beautiful. Passages pull readers in and keep them there. Her description of falling out of love (“we were once flowers, now dried into husks; we were marble busts, crumbling into dust”) reads like poetry. Or her description of one oozing package as “wet decay and liquid horrors,” provide the right amount of revulsion in so few words. The writing unfolds like a fever-filled dream with a nightmarish conclusion.

Beautiful yet grotesque, gentle yet harsh, this novel takes the reader on a riveting journey of horror and fascination. DuMort is an intriguing, attention-grabbing gaslamp horror fantasy. It evokes the dread and mystery of similar novels in the genre, but does it in a refreshing style all its own.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F2MD41G7

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Review of Atlantis Rising

Cover Atlantis Rising

Ember Weathers is a bookstore owner on the island of Devil’s Island, Maine. She dreams of adventure and escape from her small town. Nothing ever interesting happens to her. That is, except she has an invisible dragon that only she can see. At the start of the novel, a mysterious stranger appears one cold winter night and informs Ember of her legacy. She is destined to help the invisible city of Atlantis return to Earth.

Amy Cip’s Atlantis Rising may be read as a standalone or as the first in a series. The novel is equal parts adventure, fantasy, and coming-of-age story. Ember is a woman who, instead of balking at what she could become, embraces it. She meets the mysterious Shep, the dashing Hawk, and the spunky Paine as she learns more and more about the people of Atlantis and their history. She wrestles a bit with Chosen One syndrome, but in an affirming, “I’ve got this” sort of way. Ember just may be the one to break the spell that keeps Atlantis from view of the rest of the world. Or is there another person who is of equal importance?

This book is filled with a rag-tag list of archetypes: the man of mystery, the rescuer, the sleeping “princess.” This is a compliment because as the reader comes to know each one, the story grows more interesting. As each character takes the stage, usually unexpectedly, they bring a breath of fresh air to the narrative. Once readers think they have a handle on the plot of Atlantis Rising, the story twists into something different. 

The novel’s pacing is just right and engages the reader along. The writing is descriptive and humorous when the narrative calls for it. Yes, the ending could’ve benefited from a POV switch to read the comeuppance of a character or two. The novel’s lighthearted journey ends too quickly—that’s praise not a criticism. The finale has spectacular imagery and fulfills the promise of the narrative.Atlantis Rising is an thrilling, entertaining ride of a novel with sympathetic characters and unexpected twists.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D94MJW6L

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Review of An Heir of Realms

Heather Ashle’s An Heir of Realms is the first book of the Realm Rider Series. The novel is a multi-world, multi-POV, epic fantasy of soldiers who ride dragons, protecting a world.

Cover of An Heir of Realms

A brief summary. In the main world of D’Erenelle, Rhoswen and Thane are niece and nephew to the king. They are on their way to Aethelburh to train to become Realm Riders. Realm Riders ride dragons and destroy shadow creatures called Narxon. Narxon destroy the landscape and create rifts in the sky. Realm Riders also seal the rifts with their fire.

Meanwhile, on Earth, Emmelyn is recruited, against her wishes, to a job in a nexus area known as the Exchange. The Exchange is a place that allows portal travelers to slightly modify other worlds like D’Erenelle. Portal travelers influence worlds to keep them from harm. Emmelyn learns of D’Erenelle and all the intrigue surrounding the efforts to save it. As time passes, she’s not sure the people of the Exchange are trying to save it?

This book is an epic fantasy, following the tradition of a lengthy, world-building narrative that uses magic to contemplate broad ideas. As indicated by the subtitle, An Heir of Realms is the first in a series and ends abruptly. But before it does, the reader is treated to dragon training, a dance club outside of all worlds, an evil king with a plan to save his world, and compasses that do more than give directions. The worlds are richly described, and the characters are engaging. Changing point-of-view is always a risk, but author Ashle pulls it off, allowing the reader to get into the minds of Rhoswen, Emmelyn, and a few other characters. The switches are done on chapter boundaries to orient the reader.

One element that stands out is the writing. The writing is superior to most books on the market, especially for the size. Its language, metaphors, and details are captured elegantly. The style draws the reader in an easy-going narrative that fantasy fans are bound to enjoy. If it has a fault, it provides too much technical detail at times for a magic novel. That said, the handling of creatures, in particular the dragons, feels authentic. The winged creatures have a personality all their own.

Is it a portal fantasy? Yes, but a unique one because the Earth characters don’t go to D’Erenelle but influence it from afar. Is it an epic fantasy? Yes, though there are few epic battles, instead opting to set the stage for future entries. An Heir of Realms is best as an intrigue novel wherein different factions are jostling for control. The novel shines at describing the machinations of evil and the countermeasures of good.

An Heir of Realms is a fantasy with more on its mind than simple sword fights and spells. The novel has world-ending stakes, plucky heroes in over their heads, and a set of dragons with unique personalities. What a start to the series!

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B9KCR954