GetUrBook Review: The illumination by Mescal

 Book Review: The Illumination: Izol by Mescal

If you’re looking for a fantasy novel that’s more about personal transformation than big battles, The Illumination: Izol by Mescal is definitely worth picking up. This is the first book in the Izol series, and it draws you into a world where ancient fears, forbidden places, and the search for identity are at the heart of the story.

The adventure starts when Izol, the main character, ventures into a forbidden forest that everyone in her village avoids out of fear. She comes back changed in ways she doesn’t fully understand. Instead of simply surviving, Izol begins to transform—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Her journey isn’t easy, and the changes she undergoes set her apart from her people, stirring rumors and unease.

What makes this book stand out is how real Izol feels. She’s not your typical fantasy heroine who charges into danger without a second thought. Instead, she’s hesitant, scared, and unsure of herself—qualities that make her growth throughout the story feel honest and relatable. The people around her—friends and skeptics alike—highlight the tension between tradition and change that runs through the novel.

Mescal’s worldbuilding is subtle but immersive. Rather than dumping a lot of information at once, the author reveals the world’s secrets through small details, local customs, and what characters don’t say out loud. There’s always a sense that something bigger is going on behind the scenes, which keeps the mystery alive.

The writing style is gentle and reflective. Mescal doesn’t rush the story, instead letting the emotional moments breathe. If you like books that give you time to sit with the characters’ feelings and let the tension build slowly, you’ll appreciate the pacing here.

In short, The Illumination: Izol is a thoughtful and atmospheric start to a new fantasy series. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy introspective, character-driven stories with a touch of myth and magic. If you’re after fast-paced action, this might not be your cup of tea—but if you want to follow a heroine’s journey of self-discovery in a beautifully crafted world, you’ll want to see where Izol’s path leads next.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Recommended for: Fans of atmospheric fantasy, slow-burn narratives, and stories about transformation.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: MESCAL

 

                              

Author Interview of Mescal for the book ‘The Illumination : Izol

 

1)        If you could put yourself as a character in your book, who would it be?

 

 I hadn’t given this much thought until I read the question. The first thing that came to mind was a beloved great aunt of Izol’s on her mother’s side, who lives in a far-off realm, possibly Niy, and visits Izol every so often during a festive season. Both corresponded via mail and frequent phone calls. She would be the person Izol confides in and most likely to heed her advice.

 

2)       Do you ever get writer’s block? What helps you overcome it?

 

       What works for me is to not over think it. If I’m stuck, I let go of the thought or issue I am struggling with and occupy myself with something else. Usually, reading interesting articles on art or history eases my trouble mind. When I return to writing, the issue or thought that caused my lapse somehow resolves itself without my fixation on it.

 The few times I am genuinely stock in a rut, I skip the paragraph or section causing the dilemma and continue writing until I have a clear idea of how to approach my stagnated thoughts.

 

3)       What was the highlight of writing this book?

 

               The highlight for me was the realization of the power of being present. Understanding that with everything, there is a time and a season, and accepting our magical moment at whatever stage of life it comes to us is how we find purpose and fulfillment in our lives.

Could I have written this story ten years ago?  And if so, would it have been this fantastical tale? I can say emphatically that it would not have been anything remotely close to what I have written.

 

4)         What is your writing schedule?

 

 Having an eight-hour job, which on most days turns into ten hours, one can well imagine how tirelessly busy my twenty-four hours are. I do the bulk of my writing during the early morning hours between two and five, and review what I have written during the evening, usually around eight, while I am having dinner at work.

On my days off, I would write until I reached the point of exhaustion, my fingers cramping, my focus waning, and desperately needing sleep. At that stage, I know it’s time to call it a day.

 

5)       Favorite spot to travel?

 

               It’s hard to choose since I have several favorite cities that I love to visit, but for weekend trips, Paris and Rio De Janeiro are my go-to spots. In Paris, steak au poivre, my absolute favorite, at Paul Bert’s bistro is my first stop. Sampling macaroons, which I’m obsessed with, at Pierre Herme’s shop near the opera house is a most for me. Lastly, shopping for eclectic items, such as street art on Rue Des Pyrenees is a glorious way to spend the evening.

 In Rio, I look forward to spending Saturday afternoons at Leblon Beach, where relaxing and feeling the sun on my face is always a welcome experience. Meandering the promenade Avenida Delfim Moreira as I walk back from the beach, is always a treat, and dinner at Marius Degustare at sunset makes for a beautiful end to the day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book Details:

Book Title: The Illumination: Izol by Mescal
Category:  Adult Fiction (18 +),  368 pages
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher:  Tanager Ink Publishing
Release date:  November, 2025
Content Rating: PG: There is no swearing, and nothing explicit in my book. As far as fantasy series goes, it is more on the conservative side with less romantic material than most. 

Book Description:

She went into the woods an ordinary young woman. She returned marked by destiny.
When Izol crosses the boundary of the forbidden forest, she encounters a terror that should have ended her life. Instead, she is not only spared, but chosen. A mysterious messenger reveals a truth that will shatter everything she thought she knew about her family, her people, and her purpose.

Found bloodied and half-conscious, Izol returns home changed. But not everyone is ready for a young woman touched by the divine.

As tensions rise within the keep and dangerous eyes turn toward her, Izol must choose between who she was raised to be—and the powerful, terrifying truth of who she is.  As the verity of her awakening begins to spread, those with something to lose will do anything to silence her.

 Izol: The Illumination is a sweeping story of awakening, devotion, and betrayal. For readers who love epic storytelling grounded in emotional intimacy, myth, and wonder.

Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ B&N 
add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:
In my adolescent years, I was an extreme introvert, though I had a few friends I was close with; if you weren’t acquainted with me, you would probably perceive me as asocial. I believe it was in my mid-20’s that my persona changed. I graduated from college at twenty-three and began working part-time with a major US airline. I thought the job exciting and the ability to travel the world made the position hugely attractive.

My sojourn in the airline industry was only until I had decided on a permanent career path, or so I thought. Many years later, after traveling to a multitude of countries on five continents, having two boys who also traveled the globe with me, I find myself here, at this monumental moment where I’ve embarked on a new adventure, this all unfolding by happenstance, a bedtime story I told my nieces had etched its way in my mind.

The story slowly revealed itself as I sat having lunch in my office, on my commute home late at night, and while meandering the farmers market on weekends, I would see my story in my mind’s eye.

Finally, on a trip to Copenhagen in December five years ago, it beckoned me, the inner child, when I visited the statue of the Little Mermaid with my niece. Watching her entranced by the serin, I felt her wonderment as if reliving the experience of my first reading of the fairytale at the age of ten. A whispered voice caught my ear, and a single word summoned my heart. WRITE!

Invigorated by this calling, I set to paper what had been dancing in my head. Now here we are: the Izol series has been birthed. My grandmother’s words stood the test of time: “Wherever you are, there you’ll find yourself.”

connect with the author:  website ~ instagram~ goodreads

Enter the Giveaway:

The Illumination: Izol by Mescal Book Tour Giveaway

GetUrBook Review : Islands in The Mist

 

Islands In The Mist by J M Hofer

The story begins with Bran, a hardened warrior summoned home from battle to his dying mother. What appears to be a simple tragedy soon unfolds into a mystery no one dares to question. Her death, blamed on a wild animal, carries signs of something far more sinister — something rooted in old magic and forgotten truths. Bran’s search for answers becomes the spine of a journey that pulls him into a world where myth and reality intertwine.

Along the way, Bran’s path crosses with Lucia, a young widow haunted by unsettling visions she does not fully understand, and Gwion, a boy whose wisdom and insight seem far beyond his years. These characters are not merely companions but essential threads in a story shaped by prophecy, ancestral power, and ancient forces that refuse to stay buried.

What truly elevates Islands in the Mist is its world-building. Hofer draws heavily from Celtic and Welsh mythology, crafting a setting rich with druids, rituals, spirits, and gods that feel organically woven into everyday life. The magic here is subtle yet powerful — not flashy, but ancient, grounded, and deeply tied to the land and its people.

The writing style is lyrical and immersive, perfectly suited to the story’s mythic tone. Mist-filled forests, tribal settlements, sacred groves, and battlefields are described with vivid detail, making the setting feel alive and ever-watchful. The pacing balances introspective moments with tension and action, allowing both the characters and the lore to unfold naturally.

At its core, Islands in the Mist explores themes of legacy, belief, fate, and identity. Bran’s struggle is not just against external enemies but against doubt, tradition, and the weight of inherited expectations. Lucia’s arc adds emotional depth, highlighting the cost of hidden gifts and the fear of embracing one’s true nature.

⭐ Final Verdict

Islands in the Mist is a compelling start to a fantasy series that will appeal to readers who love myth-driven storytelling, historical fantasy settings, and slow-burn magical intrigue. It doesn’t rush its magic or its characters, instead inviting readers to sink into a world where legends feel dangerously close to truth.

Author Interview : J M Hofer

 INTERVIEW OF J M HOFER, AUTHOR OF THE BOOK’ ISLANDS IN THE MIST’  

Where do you get your inspiration? What prompted you to write your books?

All my novels have roots in Celtic myth or folklore. I like having a structure or history to wind my story around, rather than building a world completely out of ether. I've always been drawn to the Iron Age and the Old Religions of the ancient world. These are the wellsprings for my narratives. I can’t get enough. I actually don’t read much fantasy, ironicall. Most of my reading diet consists of folklore, mythology and historical research.

How do you approach writing a novel?

All of my novels have started with an idea that captures my imagination and just won’t let go. From that spark, a particular scene might emerge, or a character—and then it’s off! Everything grows out of planting that seed.

Do you outline your novels before you write?

So far, in the five I’ve written, I never have—not at first. I feel too much structure right out of the gate suffocates my creativity. Instead, I follow my inspiration (whatever scene or character is calling to me), write myself into it, and see where it leads. Once the story gets too large or complex for me to hold it all in my head, that’s when I start plotting and organizing.

How do you ‘follow the inspiration’? What does that mean, exactly?

I quiet my mind and start writing myself into whatever scene or character comes to me (I routinely use 3^rd person limited so that I can inhabit every major character’s inner thought world). As I write down what my character is seeing or feeling, the world inevitably comes alive around me, and things start happening. As I write them down, the story gains momentum, each event or thought having a cause and effect, as in life. Eventually, or sometimes immediately, other characters show up and interact with the character I’m inhabiting. Sometimes they are fully formed with strong personalities, and I’m simply taking dictation when they start to speak. Other times, I have only the vaguest idea of who they are—and need to get to know them through my chosen character as I would get to know someone “in real life.” 

Following the inspiration means to let your intuition rule almost exclusively when writing, and only letting your logical mind get involved when you’re in editing mode.

If you could go back and give yourself some advice regarding the self-publishing journey, what would it be?

Wait to publish that first novel! Don’t hit publish until you’ve had it professionally edited, gotten some ARCs and pre-orders lined up, have a website, and done some promotion for the book. This was my biggest mistake. I didn’t have the money at the time and just couldn’t wait to get that first book into the world. I was frankly shocked I’d managed to finish it. I felt this uncontrollable urge to click that “publish” button just to prove to myself it wasn’t just a dream.

What’s the hardest aspect of being a self-published author?

The cold truth is, no matter how good your book is, it won’t sell itself. If you want to be successful as a self-published author, you have to embrace self-promotion. I suppose this goes for any artist out there. Especially today, when the average attention span has receded to a few seconds. Stay visible and relevant requires daily attention, and most of it does NOT come easily for introverts (which, unfortunately, most writers are). I’m only now, after ten years, settling into this.

Have you ever had writer’s block?

Yes. It stayed with me for a horribly long time, too - 2021 until the summer of 2025, in fact. The craziest thing is that I didn’t even know what the source of the writer’s block was until recently. I knew my desire to write had disappeared, but I realized I’d been telling myself all kinds of lies (that I truly believed) about why: that my day job was too demanding, that I felt called to do visual art instead, that writing was ‘just a hobby’ and I shouldn’t take it seriously, that I just ‘didn’t feel like it,’ and on and on. The truth was that something happened back in 2021 that triggered a paralyzing sense of “imposter syndrome” in me. I buried the pain of it so deeply that my conscious mind became unaware of anything being wrong. I suspect the pain of giving up on it was slowly building up, drop by drop, until I could no longer ignore it and the truth emerged. I’m so glad it did, too. It wasn’t fun to deal with, but until I summoned the courage to face it, I knew the well would remain dry. Now, the waters have started flowing again.

GetUrBook Review : The Devils's Magus by Marius Creed

 The Devil’s Magus by Marius Creed – A Dark Occult Thriller That Pulls You Into the Shadows

From the very first chapter of The Devil’s Magus, I could feel myself stepping into a world where every shadow hides a secret and every encounter hints at something darker lurking underneath. Marius Creed builds his story with gripping tension, weaving occult elements with emotional stakes in a way that feels both cinematic and unsettling.

The story follows Mark Benedict, a man who never expected the supernatural to walk so close to his life—until he receives a warning that his brother, James, is in danger. What begins as a simple attempt to reconnect with family spirals into a confrontation with a hidden society obsessed with forbidden magic. The moment Mark joins forces with Sam, James’s estranged wife, the narrative deepens into a mix of mystery, danger, and unexpected alliances.

For me, the highlight of the book was the balance between supernatural horror and the human emotions running underneath. Whether it’s loyalty, love, regret, or redemption, these themes anchor the darker plotlines and make the story feel grounded even when demonic forces begin to close in.

The pacing is sharp, the atmosphere is chilling, and the antagonist — the sinister Sir Giles Worsley — brings a menacing charm that pushes the story forward. I also enjoyed the supporting cast, especially the psychic medium and the mercenary whose skepticism adds a nice tonal contrast to the eerie tension.

If you enjoy occult thrillers, dark magic, secret societies, and stories with nonstop momentum, this book delivers. It’s atmospheric, action-packed, and filled with that delicious sense of dread that keeps you turning the pages long after you planned to stop.

My Verdict:

A gripping occult thriller with heart, shadows, and high stakes. I couldn’t put it down.

S

GetUrBook Review: The Boy With Wings

 

Boy With Wings

Boy with Wings by Mark Mustian is one of those rare stories that balances quiet emotion with a touch of the surreal, making you pause and think long after you've turned the final page. Told with a gentle, poetic voice, the novel follows Johnny Cruel, as he is called by his mother, a boy born with wings — not as a fantasy spectacle, but as a symbol of difference, longing, and the silent battles we all carry.

What makes this book stand out is the way Mustian blends reality with subtle magic. Johnny Cruel's wings aren’t treated with drama; instead, they become a lens through which we see his isolation, his yearning to belong, and the weight of being “different” in a world that fears the unusual. Every chapter moves with soft introspection, weaving childhood innocence with the harshness of society’s expectations.

The author’s writing is beautifully restrained — atmospheric, thoughtful, and filled with emotional undercurrents. Themes of identity, acceptance, and growing up are explored with empathy. And despite being a slim novel, it leaves a lingering impact as the boy quietly grows, falters, and discovers his own voice.

For readers who enjoy literary realism with a magical touch, this book offers a deeply felt journey that speaks to anyone who has ever felt out of place. It’s tender, reflective, and surprisingly profound — a story that stays with you.

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Author Interview: Mark Mustian

 Mark Mustian: Author of 'Boy with Wings'

How do you write?

               I write whenever I can, but mostly in the mornings. It’s a product of when I first started trying to write a novel; my kids were small then, and the only time I could do it was early each morning, when I would rise before everyone else. I discovered that I liked doing this—that it was time to myself, time I could be creative before the remainder of the day slipped into chaos. I still do it this way today.

 

How do you approach it each day?

               The hardest thing for me to do is to get the initial words on the page. Once they’re there, I can edit them, and that’s easier and more fun, at least for me. But to get them down sometimes is a struggle.  I’ll tell myself: “Just write a paragraph. Okay, just one more.” Each time I write, I’ll go back over what I did the day before. I saw somewhere that this is one of Hemingway’s writing rules. It seems to work for me.

 

Do you know the ending when you begin?

               Generally, I do. I’ve talked to other authors who say they don’t, that they just let the characters go where they will, but I can’t do that. I think the ending of a novel is so important, and novels that don’t “stick” the ending are so underwhelming, that I spend lots of time thinking about it before I start. I’ve had endings shift a little as I’ve written several of my books, but mostly they stay in the same general way I planned them in the beginning.

 

How and when do you do research?

               I start by researching the topic, then research it more as I go. I know some authors spend years researching a topic before they begin to write, but I find that the writing process helps bring up additional questions and research avenues that I need to explore. I’ve found, too, that I have to be into what I’m researching, or I’m wasting my time and need to pick another topic.

 

How do you approach editing?

               Editing separates the wheat from the chaff among writers, in my view. I end up reading my finished novels through countless times—maybe twenty? 25? I don’t keep count. I feel like it’s so important, particularly with respect to the prose, but also with regard to consistency of tone and voice. Having a good copy editor at the end is, of course, very important, as it’s amazing what they can see that I can’t no matter how many times I’ve been through it. I want to feel like it’s done, though, before I send it to them.

 

How do you know when you’re done?

               When I can’t stand to look at it anymore.

 

Do you listen to music when you write?

               Yes, generally classical music or jazz. I find music with lyrics distracts me, and I’m there to write. The type of music can vary with what I’m working on—for The Gendarme, it was twentieth century atonal stuff—Stravinksy, Schoenberg. For Boy With Wings, more jazz—Coltrane, Miles Davis, Cannonball Adderley.

GetUrBook Review: Since The Night We Met by Kajal Rai

Since The Night We Met by Kajal Rai

A Fiery Tale of Second Chances, Secrets & Slow-Burn Love

Kajal Rai returns with another emotionally charged romance in Since the Night We Met, the second instalment of the Ever Since Series — and this one is packed with tension, grudges, unresolved chemistry, and the kind of heartbreak that keeps you glued to the pages.

At the heart of the story are Siya Kashyap and Abhay Agrawal, two people whose history is as tangled as the feud between their families. Once deeply connected, their past collapsed under the weight of betrayal and misunderstandings, leaving Siya emotionally shattered and Abhay carrying more guilt than he admits. When circumstances force them into an arranged marriage, the emotional temperature of the story shoots up instantly.

The author handles the “second-chance enemies-to-lovers” trope beautifully. There’s a delicious friction between them — anger, attraction, bitterness, longing — all simmering beneath every conversation. Their marriage begins as a power struggle, but slowly transforms into a fragile rebuilding of trust. Kajal Rai’s strength lies in her ability to show why these two hurt each other and how they slowly find their way back to vulnerability.

The pacing is smooth, with the right balance of family drama, personal conflicts, and romantic tension. The supporting characters are well-sketched, the emotional beats feel real, and the narrative captures that messy, complicated journey of loving someone who once broke your heart.

If you enjoy stories filled with painful truths, healing arcs, inherited grudges, hidden motives, emotional chemistry, and a satisfying romantic payoff, this book is worth picking up. As Book 2 of the series, it also adds a deeper layer to the Ever Since universe while still working well as a standalone.

A gripping, emotional ride with intense romantic tension and a satisfying build-up. Perfect for readers who love passionate, dramatic, second-chance romances with strong Indian family elements.

GetUrBook Review :Buckskin Brigades By L.Ron Hubbard

 Buckskin Brigades

Reading Buckskin Brigades felt like stepping straight into the rugged, untamed Montana frontier. As a paid ARC reviewer for Galaxy Press, I had the chance to revisit one of Hubbard’s earliest works, and I was pleasantly surprised by how immersive and dynamic it still feels today.

The story follows Michael Kirk, a white child raised entirely by the Blackfeet. His life among the tribe gives him a unique perspective—he isn’t just living between two worlds, he truly belongs to both. When tensions rise between the Blackfeet and the encroaching white trappers, Michael becomes the bridge between cultures, fighting to protect the people who raised him while confronting the harsh realities of expansion and greed.

What stood out most to me was the respectful portrayal of Native American culture—something rarely found in Westerns from the 1930s. Hubbard paints sweeping landscapes, tense skirmishes, and emotional loyalties with a vivid, cinematic touch. The pacing is brisk, the stakes stay high, and Michael’s internal conflict adds a surprising layer of depth.

If you enjoy classic Westerns, frontier adventure, or culture-clash narratives, this is a gripping and atmospheric read. Galaxy Press’s edition is clean, polished, and brings this vintage tale back to life for modern readers.

A solid, engaging Western that blends action, history, and heart.

GetUrBook Review: A Fate Worse Than Death

 

A Fate Worse Than Death

Britt Lind’s *A Fate Worse Than Death* is more than a mystery — it’s the origin story of Rosemaria Baker, a detective whose sharp instincts and fiery spirit make her unforgettable. What struck me most was how Lind balances Hollywood glamour with the grit of police work, weaving Rosemaria’s childhood influences into a compelling journey toward justice. The novel doesn’t just set up a crime series; it builds a character whose resilience and humanity resonate long after the last page. Suspenseful yet deeply personal, this prequel adds emotional weight to the Rosemaria Baker mysteries and makes me eager to follow her future cases.

“As someone who values character-driven storytelling, I found Rosemaria’s backstory both inspiring and relatable. Lind’s writing reminds us that destiny is shaped not only by circumstance but by courage. This book fits beautifully into my ongoing exploration of stories that blend legacy, emotion, and suspense.”

THE HOLLYWOOD MYSTERIES Book Tour Giveaway

GetUrBook Review- A Cold & Bitter Revenge

 

Shilling & Florin Book Five Review: A Cold & Bitter Revenge by Kate Haley

There’s a sharpened edge running through A Cold & Bitter Revenge, making Book Five one of the more emotionally tense installments in the Shilling & Florin universe. The series has always walked the line between cerebral mystery and human drama, and here that balance leans further into the characters’ psychological spaces.

This time, the narrative feels heavier, colder — fitting the title perfectly. The revenge theme isn’t just a plotline; it shapes the tone of the entire book. The world remains richly atmospheric with its alternate-Victorian grit: the kind of streets where every lamplit shadow feels suspicious.

Charles Shilling is at his rawest here. His internal conflicts, past burdens, and instinct-driven approach add a compelling volatility to the story. Amelia Florin, on the other hand, anchors the narrative with her reasoning and medical precision. Their contrast has always been a strength, and this book pushes them into new emotional territory without losing the intellectual core of their partnership.

The mystery itself is layered with old grievances and quiet betrayals. Some seasoned mystery readers may predict a few turns early, but the journey is still rewarding because it’s the why and the emotional fallout that truly drive the story. The slower, introspective moments allow depth but may feel stretched for readers who prefer a tight thriller rhythm.

What stands out most is how the book explores consequences — not just of crime, but of choices, loyalties, and the quiet wounds characters carry. It’s a more mature, reflective mystery, and it gives the series a sense of growth.

Overall, this is a thoughtful, atmospheric continuation that deepens both character arcs and world-building. For readers who enjoy mystery with emotional weight, this will hit the right notes.

Rating: 4.2/5

GetUrBook Review: Avarice

 

AVARICE BY BRITT LIND

Stepping into Avarice felt like diving headfirst into a thriller that refuses to slow down. As a reader who loves character-driven crime fiction, I found myself immediately drawn to Rosemaria Baker — an ex-cop turned prosecutor who only wants a peaceful getaway in Pacific Beach with her fiancé, Josh Sibley. Instead, she becomes the target of a brutal assassination attempt that rips the calm right out of her vacation.

Reading this in the first person, I couldn’t help imagining how I would react if my holiday turned into a manhunt. Rosemaria’s determination, even while recovering from severe injuries, gave the story a raw emotional pulse. I admired how she refused to sit back. Instead, she teamed up with her ex-homicide-detective father and old Beverly Hills PD partners, retracing shadows from her past — wealthy elites with secrets, old roommates from Hollywood’s darkest corners, and criminals she once put behind bars.

What gripped me the most was the constant tension between her instincts and the official investigation. The further I went, the stronger the suspicion grew that the real danger wasn’t far away at all — it was unsettlingly close to her personal life. This blend of psychological suspense, family bonds, and the gritty reality of past cases gives Avarice a unique edge.

If you enjoy fast-moving mysteries with layered motives, shifting clues, and a lead protagonist you can root for, this book delivers from start to finish. I closed the final chapter feeling satisfied, slightly breathless, and eager for whatever Britt Lind writes next.

THE HOLLYWOOD MYSTERIES Book Tour Giveaway