Thursday, April 3, 2025

**Book Review: Cohesion Lost by John Newton – A Mind-Bending Sci-Fi Mystery**

Cohesion Lost (Avar-Tek Short stories)Cohesion Lost by John Newton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

**Book Review: Cohesion Lost by John Newton – A Mind-Bending Sci-Fi Mystery**

John Newton’s *Cohesion Lost* is a captivating mix of science fiction, psychological suspense, and mystery. As the third installment in the Avar-Tek Short Stories series, this novella takes readers on a thrilling journey where past, present, and future intertwine in an unsettling enigma.

**Plot Overview**
The story follows Alex, an ordinary man who begins experiencing vivid visions of starships, intergalactic wars, and lost civilizations. These aren’t mere hallucinations—they feel like real memories from another life. As Alex grapples with these experiences and an unknown illness that jeopardizes his sanity, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery to uncover the truth behind his visions. Is he losing his mind, or is there a deeper reality at play?

**What Makes Cohesion Lost Stand Out?**
- **Mind-Bending Narrative:** The story leaves readers questioning reality, creating an immersive psychological experience.
- **Rich World-Building:** Even in a short format, Newton builds a detailed sci-fi universe full of intrigue.
- **Fast-Paced & Engaging:** Every scene propels the mystery forward, ensuring no wasted moments.
- **Themes of Identity & Time:** The novella explores the fluidity of identity and how memory shapes self-perception.

**Who Should Read Cohesion Lost?**
Fans of cerebral sci-fi, particularly works like *Inception*, *Dark Matter* by Blake Crouch, or *The Man in the High Castle* by Philip K. Dick will find it both thrilling and thought-provoking.

**Final Verdict**
John Newton delivers a compelling novella that lingers in the reader’s mind long after the last page. With its intriguing premise and philosophical depth, *Cohesion Lost* is a must-read for sci-fi enthusiasts seeking a quick yet immersive experience.



View all my reviews

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Review: Trial of Bronze & Blood by M.K. Deoradhán

Trial of Bronze and Blood (Bronze and Blood Saga, #1)Trial of Bronze and Blood by M.K. Deoradhán
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Review: Trial of Bronze & Blood by M.K. Deoradhán

M.K. Deoradhán’s Trial of Bronze & Blood is a thrilling fantasy romance that plunges readers into the brutal world of gladiators, political scheming, and forbidden love. The novel follows Drusilla Valerius, a fierce warrior forced to fight in deadly trials. Complicating matters is Marcus Scaevola, a man from her past with secrets of his own.

From the first page, the book grips you with its high-stakes action, intricate world-building, and intense character dynamics. Drusilla is a compelling heroine—strong, determined, yet vulnerable beneath her hardened exterior. The chemistry between her and Marcus is electric, fueled by past betrayals and an undeniable attraction.

Deoradhán crafts a story that blends heart-pounding combat with emotional depth, making it a must-read for fans of enemies-to-lovers romance and historical fantasy. With vivid descriptions and a fast-paced plot, Trial of Bronze & Blood keeps you turning the pages, eager to uncover the fates of its characters.

If you love books with fierce heroines, slow-burn romance, and action-packed storytelling, this one deserves a spot on your TBR!

View all my reviews

Sunday, March 30, 2025

The Captured

The Captured (Heir of Earth and Sky #2)The Captured by S.K. Horton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book Review: The Captured by S.K. Horton – A Gripping Fantasy Sequel

The Heir of Earth and Sky series continues to captivate readers with its second installment, The Captured by S.K. Horton. This young adult fantasy novel dives deeper into a world of magic, betrayal, and high-stakes adventure, making it a must-read for fans of The Hazel Wood and Powerless.

A Thrilling Fantasy with Rich Storytelling

Following the dramatic events of the first book, Princess Cate finds herself torn between duty, power, and love. When Lucas, once her closest ally, is captured by the ruthless Embers, she and Daniel must navigate treacherous alliances to rescue him. The novel is packed with heart-racing action, shocking twists, and emotional depth that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.

Strong Character Development

One of the strongest aspects of The Captured is its compelling characters. Cate continues to evolve, balancing her newfound abilities with the responsibilities of leadership. Meanwhile, Daniel emerges as a steadfast protector, while Lucas’s fate adds an intriguing layer of suspense. The character dynamics and relationships feel authentic, adding emotional weight to the story’s high stakes.

Immersive World-Building

S.K. Horton’s world-building is nothing short of mesmerizing. From the icy landscapes of the North to the dark corridors of the Ember stronghold, every setting is vividly described. The intricate political conflicts and magical elements blend seamlessly, making the story even more immersive.

Final Verdict: A Must-Read Sequel

If you love fast-paced fantasy with romance, danger, and powerful protagonists, The Captured is a perfect addition to your reading list. S.K. Horton masterfully balances action and emotion, making this book a standout in YA fantasy.

🔖 #TheCaptured #SKHorton #YAReads #FantasyBooks #BookLover #MustRead #MagicAndMystery #Bookstagram #GetUrBook #YAFantasy #HeirOfEarthAndSky

View all my reviews

Poseidon's Daughters: Reckoning

Poseidon’s Daughters: Reckoning
Reign Reeves Pearson
(Poseidon’s Daughters, #1)
Publication date: March 21st 2025
Genres: Adult, Science Fiction, Thriller

They trained her to be a weapon. Now, she’s turning the blade on them.Eirianwen was Poseidon’s crowning achievement—until she walked away from everything. She’s evaded them for years, carving out a life in the shadows, leaving behind the bloodstained world they forced her into. Now, the past she’s been running from has finally caught up. A storm-wracked night. A breach in her sanctuary. Someone is watching. Someone is waiting. And this time, they don’t just want her dead—they want her to doubt herself. They want the world to believe she’s lost her mind.

They’ve been watching her. Manipulating her. Preparing for her downfall.

Now, the elite organization that built her is coming to collect. Not to kill—to control. They don’t need to break her. They just need to make sure no one believes her when she starts screaming.They want her to understand that her escape, her freedom, was all an illusion.

Erased. Discredited. Untouchable.

But Eirianwen has spent her whole life surviving. And when the walls start closing in, she doesn’t run. She hunts.

Poseidon wants her desperate. Unraveling. Helpless.

They’re about to learn just how dangerous she can be.

Goodreads / Amazon

EXCERPT:

Eirianwen ripped out the earpiece and slammed it onto the desk. Panic swirled at the edges of her mind, but she forced it down. Now wasn’t the time. She grabbed a larger bag from under the desk, slung it over her shoulder, and stormed out. In the closet, she set the bag aside, pressing a hidden panel on the side of her bed. A drawer slid open, revealing her arsenal. Her hands shook as she armed herself, snapping a knife into its sheath and loading a handgun with quick, practiced movements. Now, to find them. Moving swiftly, she ran through the house, slipping out the back door and straight into the storm-charged air. Sullivan’s workshop. If she was going to do this right, she’d need a shovel. She yanked open the heavy wooden door, eyes darting over the mess inside.Where the fuck is it? Why is this place always such a goddamn disaster?

A glint of metal under the workbench caught her eye. She crouched, snatched up a spade, and bolted back outside. The rain had started in earnest, cold drops slicing through the thick humidity. She sprinted to where the trackers last pinged, her boots sinking slightly into the softening earth, almost tripping thanks to a low spot. Looking back at the spot, it was all wrong. She knew something was buried there.

Gripping the shovel tightly, she drove it into the ground. The soil gave easily…far too easily. The clay should have been a nightmare to dig through. Someone had already done the work for her. Within moments, her blade hit something solid, and dread curled in her stomach. She dropped to her knees, clawing at the loose earth with bare hands until the objects were free. Her breath hitched. Six trackers. All of them. Cold, useless, and buried like a mockery of her own paranoia. Eirianwen sat back on her heels, mud caking her fingers as she stared at the pile in her hands. Someone knew.

Her cheeks burned hot, but the rest of her body felt frozen. Tears welled, spilling silently down her face as the questions flooded in. Why? Why would Sullivan do this? Had he done this? He wouldn’t put the kids in danger—would he? Where were they? How long had he planned this? Her stomach twisted. Then, her phone buzzed—a single notification. Hands trembling, she wiped her palms on her pants and yanked it from her pocket. Wi-Fi restored—a new alert. Someone had just crossed the perimeter.

“It better be Sullivan and the kids.”

Eirianwen exhaled sharply, swiping at the sweat and tears streaking her face. Standing, she brushed the dirt from her clothes as best she could, shoving the useless trackers deep into her pocket. She locked her phone and steadied herself. If the kids were with Sullivan, she needed to stay calm. Normal. They couldn’t see the weapons strapped under her clothing. At least the incoming storm gave her an excuse to rush them inside. She’d get them safe first—then she’d deal with Sullivan. She turned toward the tree line, heart pounding in her throat. The property was massive, and she had built the house at its farthest edge. Finally, headlights cut through the gloom. A vehicle emerged. Not Sullivan’s truck. A cold, electric jolt shot down her spine. Every instinct screamed at her.

No one came out here. No one. She had made sure of it. For years, she had meticulously crafted the illusion of a perfectly ordinary life. She knew everyone in town—just enough to avoid suspicion, but never enough to invite curiosity. A delicate balance of friendly but distant. She never gave anyone a reason to visit. She didn’t even use their real address! She picked up all of their mail and deliveries in town. So who the hell thought they had the right to pull up to her house? The SUV slowed to a stop, tires crunching against the gravel. The doors swung open in near unison, and two men stepped out. Sheriff Ford. Deputy Pines. Ford adjusted his jacket, his gaze steady, unreadable. Pines lingered a step behind, eyes sharp, scanning. Ford closed the gap between them and gave Eirianwen a curt nod.

Author Bio:

Reign Reeves Pearson is a writer, storyteller, and chaos enthusiast based in Houston, where she lives with her husband, four kids, and three cats who may or may not be plotting world domination. She thrives on Kopiko, rainy days, and an endless love for Final Fantasy VII and Dungeons & Dragons.

She’s been writing for as long as she can remember. But in 2019, a health scare forced her to take a hard look at her life, and the answer was clear: writing wasn’t just something she did. It was what she was meant to do.

Her debut novel and series, Poseidon’s Daughters: Reckoning, is her first and only planned adventure into sci-fi. Going forward, expect Southern Gothic chills, cosmic nightmares, and nostalgic ‘90s horror—all infused with her signature mix of heart, humor, and a touch of the macabre.

When she’s not writing, she’s probably dreaming up elaborate D&D campaigns, getting emotionally wrecked by Final Fantasy VII (again), or staring dramatically out a window while it rains.

Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Instagram


GIVEAWAY!



Book Review: Shiver by Giuliana Victoria

Giuliana Victoria’s Shiver, the fourth book in the Philia Players series, masterfully combines heartfelt romance and personal growth to create an unforgettable read. This engaging hockey romance centers on Samara Perez-Allen, a dedicated child custody lawyer, and Luca De Laurentiis, a star goalie for the Philly Scarlets. Their story is both an emotional journey of self-discovery and a poignant exploration of love's transformative power. Samara's unwavering determination and Luca’s evolution from a misunderstood playboy to a committed father provide depth and relatability. Their chemistry sizzles, capturing the reader's heart and imagination. Victoria's nuanced portrayal of vulnerability, resilience, and redemption makes this novel resonate on many levels. Structured with a steady pace and emotional depth, Shiver will appeal to fans of sports romances and strong female protagonists. Its vivid narrative keeps readers hooked, while the themes of independence, vulnerability, and second chances ensure it’s a standout in the genre. Why You Should Read Shiver: *Gripping characters with layered backstories. *A heartfelt romance woven with humor and authenticity. *Insightful exploration of life challenges and triumphs. Victoria’s storytelling sparkles with authenticity, making Shiver a must-read for romance enthusiasts looking for a blend of passion and depth. Have you read Shiver? Share your thoughts in the comments or grab your copy now to dive into this memorable hockey romance. #ShiverBookReview #PhiliaPlayersSeries #HockeyRomance #RomanceReads #GiulianaVictoria #BookLovers #MustReadRomance #BookishCommunity #geturbook