GetUrBook Review : Into the Shadows by J.M.Hofer

Into the Shadows

 If Rise of the Pendragon was about destiny taking shape, Into the Shadows is about what destiny costs.

The fourth installment in J. M. Hofer’s Islands in the Mist series shifts the tone into darker, more introspective territory. The mythic atmosphere remains strong, but the emotional weight intensifies. Alliances feel fragile, victories uncertain, and the line between light and darkness becomes increasingly blurred.

This book explores the aftermath of rising power. Leadership is no longer an abstract calling — it is a burden carried daily. Decisions ripple outward, affecting not only kingdoms but relationships. The political tension deepens, and the mythological undertones grow more ominous.

Bran’s evolution continues in a compelling direction. Strength alone is no longer enough; wisdom, restraint, and sacrifice take center stage. The internal struggles feel grounded and believable, making the larger mythic events resonate more powerfully.

Lucia’s arc grows even more layered here. Magic, once mysterious and awakening, now feels heavy and dangerous. There’s a noticeable emotional intensity to her journey — a sense that every choice carries irreversible consequences. Her development adds depth and tension to the unfolding narrative.

What stands out in Into the Shadows is its atmosphere. The writing leans into darker imagery, uncertainty, and moral complexity. Rituals feel more urgent, confrontations more personal. The pacing is deliberate but charged, giving important moments room to breathe while maintaining narrative momentum.

This installment feels like the quiet before a storm — or perhaps the storm gathering strength.

⭐ Final Verdict

Into the Shadows deepens the emotional and mythic core of the Islands in the Mist series. It’s darker, more reflective, and rich with tension. Readers invested in the characters will appreciate the layered development and rising stakes that prepare the saga for its next major turning point.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)

@ireadbooktours, @jmhofer

 The Spine Carries Memory

Yesterday, the piano carried our launch — ethereal, flowing, like vows echoing across lifetimes.

Today, the guitar takes over. Rudra’s favorite instrument strums softly in the background, grounding the ritual in warmth and intimacy. A book is not only read, it is held. The spine carries memory. The cover glows with promise.

The Vow Rewritten is now available in print on Amazon. This edition is a ritual — the act of holding the vow, turning its pages, and feeling the resonance of Meghraj galloping through dreams.

• Amazon Print Edition — a vow you can hold.

• Amazon Kindle Edition — a vow you can carry anywhere.

• Smashwords Free eBook — a vow you can begin today (Coupon Code: [insert code]).

Every copy is a reminder: vows are not broken, they wait patiently to be rewritten.

RIDE WITH ME MEGHRAJ — vows rewritten across lifetimes.

 Ride With Me Meghraj — The Vow Rewritten Launch

Across lifetimes, vows wait to be rewritten. A riderless horse gallops through dreams, carrying echoes of memory and promise.

Today, The Vow Rewritten begins its journey into the world.

• Kindle Edition — available now on Amazon.

• Print Edition — hold the vow in your hands, live on Amazon.

• Smashwords Free eBook — begin the pilgrimage at no cost, then continue deeper with Amazon.

This is more than a book launch. It is a ritual, a resonance, a call to ride with Meghraj across lifetimes.

RIDE WITH ME MEGHRAJ — vows rewritten across lifetimes.

NOTE: PLEASE DM FOR THE SMASHWORDS FREE CODE

GetUrBook Review: Mission Earth – The Invader’s Plan by L. Ron Hubbard

 Mission Earth: The Invader’s Plan 

Mission Earth: The Invader’s Plan by L. Ron Hubbard marks the opening of an ambitious science-fiction series that approaches Earth not as a heroic center of the universe, but as a vulnerable and strategically valuable planet viewed through alien eyes. As the first installment in the Mission Earth saga, the novel establishes a complex narrative built on political intrigue, satire, and large-scale world-building.

This ARC review is based on an advance reading copy provided for an honest and unbiased opinion.

Overview of the Story

The novel is presented as a historical account narrated by Soltan Gris, a high-ranking bureaucrat from the Voltarian Confederacy. His perspective immediately shifts the narrative away from human-centered storytelling and into a wider interstellar framework.

Earth becomes a focal point not because of its strength, but because of its weaknesses. Corruption, environmental decline, and internal conflict are repeatedly highlighted as factors that make the planet susceptible to outside manipulation. Within this context, the story follows Jettero Heller, a Voltarian officer tasked with a mission that appears benevolent on the surface but is deeply entangled in political schemes and personal rivalries.

Rather than relying solely on action, the novel emphasizes strategy, manipulation, and power struggles, allowing readers to see how large empires operate behind closed doors.

Themes and Narrative Style

One of the defining features of The Invader’s Plan is its use of satire. The exaggerated portrayal of both alien bureaucracy and human society creates a sharp, often uncomfortable commentary on authority, greed, and systemic failure. The humor is dark and deliberate, reinforcing the idea that moral decay is not limited to one species or civilization.

Hubbard’s writing style is detailed and expansive. Long conversations, political explanations, and layered conspiracies dominate the narrative. This approach may feel dense to some readers, but it also serves to establish the foundation for the multi-volume series that follows.

Character Development

Jettero Heller stands out as a principled figure navigating a deeply corrupt system. His struggles are less about defeating enemies and more about surviving institutional sabotage. In contrast, Soltan Gris offers an unreliable and self-interested narrative voice, adding irony and tension to the storytelling.

The supporting cast further emphasizes the theme of ambition and moral compromise, reinforcing the novel’s focus on power rather than heroism.

What Works Well

• A unique alien perspective on Earth and humanity

• Strong political and bureaucratic world-building

• Consistent satirical tone

• Clear setup for a long-form science-fiction series

Considerations for Readers

• The pacing is slow and deliberate

• Heavy focus on dialogue and exposition

• Best suited for readers who enjoy complex, layered narratives

Final Verdict 

Mission Earth: The Invader’s Plan is a challenging yet intriguing introduction to a science-fiction epic that prioritizes political maneuvering and satire over traditional action-driven storytelling. While its density may not appeal to every reader, the novel succeeds in establishing a distinctive voice and an expansive universe.

As an opening volume, it effectively lays the groundwork for the Mission Earth series and will likely resonate with readers who appreciate ambitious world-building and unconventional narrative perspectives.

GetUrBook Review : Rise of the Pendragon

Rise of the Pendragon

 Rise of the Pendragon, the third installment in J. M. Hofer’s Islands in the Mist series, marks a powerful shift in the narrative — from discovery and expansion to inevitability and transformation. This is the book where whispers of legend begin to solidify into destiny.

The story leans more heavily into prophecy, leadership, and the burden of power, drawing clear inspiration from Arthurian myth while retaining the series’ distinct Celtic tone. Where earlier books focused on uncovering hidden truths and navigating unfamiliar worlds, this installment confronts its characters with a far more dangerous question: What happens when fate can no longer be avoided?

Bran’s arc reaches a critical turning point here. No longer just a warrior shaped by circumstance, he is forced into roles that demand vision, sacrifice, and moral resolve. His struggle feels grounded and human — leadership is portrayed not as glory, but as responsibility weighed down by consequence. This evolution is one of the novel’s strongest elements, making his rise feel earned rather than foretold.

Lucia’s journey continues to deepen in complexity. Her relationship with magic becomes more intense and more costly, reinforcing the theme that power always demands a price. Rather than romanticizing magic, Hofer presents it as something ancient and exacting, capable of both protection and destruction. Lucia’s inner conflict adds emotional gravity to the larger mythic framework unfolding around her.

What sets Rise of the Pendragon apart is its sense of scale. Political tension, shifting alliances, and belief systems collide as the idea of a unifying leader begins to take shape. The world feels more volatile, more alert — as though history itself is holding its breath. Rituals, symbols, and spoken prophecies are woven seamlessly into the narrative, strengthening the connection between myth and emerging legend.

The pacing is confident and deliberate, allowing pivotal moments to resonate. Hofer’s prose remains atmospheric, particularly in scenes involving councils, sacred rites, and moments of quiet reckoning where decisions reshape the future. There is a growing sense that the story is no longer about survival alone, but about legacy.

⭐ Final Verdict

Rise of the Pendragon is a defining chapter in the Islands in the Mist series. It successfully bridges myth and destiny, transforming personal journeys into the foundation of legend. Fans of Arthurian fantasy, folklore-driven storytelling, and character-centered epics will find this installment deeply rewarding.

 “Why Reincarnation Stories Resonate in India”

Across India’s forts and rivers, reincarnation stories echo through memory and legacy. The Vow Rewritten carries that tradition forward, weaving vows, karmic bonds, and soul echoes into a mythic journey. This book is more than a story—it is a living echo, reborn across lifetimes.

• ✨ Discover The Vow Rewritten worldwide → https://books2read.com/thevowunwritten

GetUrBook Review :A Quiet Kind Of Wrong

 A Quiet Kind of Wrong by Mary Frances Hill 

This is a chilling psychological thriller that proves suspense doesn’t always need loud twists — sometimes, silence is far more terrifying.

At the heart of the novel is Jane Taylor, a woman living what appears to be a perfect suburban life. She’s a mother, a wife, and a successful children’s author. But beneath this calm exterior lies a devastating secret — Jane was involved in a hit-and-run accident that left her teenage neighbor dead. Instead of stopping, she drove away, choosing silence over truth.

For a year, Jane carries this guilt quietly, convincing herself that staying silent is the only way to protect her family. But when a true-crime podcast resurfaces the cold case, her carefully controlled world begins to crack. The tension deepens when her own teenage son becomes involved, prompting Jane to confront her past, which she has desperately tried to avoid.

What sets A Quiet Kind of Wrong apart from typical thrillers is its morally grey protagonist. Jane is neither entirely innocent nor deliberately cruel. Her fear feels real. Her guilt feels heavy. As readers, we’re forced to wrestle with uncomfortable questions: What would we do in her place? Is silence ever justified?

Mary Frances Hill excels at building slow-burning suspense. The suburban setting, filled with hidden secrets and fragile facades, adds a haunting realism to the story. The pacing is deliberate, allowing emotional tension to simmer until revelations hit with real impact.

Themes of guilt, motherhood, truth, and consequence are woven seamlessly into the narrative, making this book as emotionally gripping as it is suspenseful. Rather than relying on shock value, Hill crafts a psychological thriller that lingers in the mind long after the final page.

Final Verdict:
A Quiet Kind of Wrong is a compelling choice for readers who enjoy character-driven psychological thrillers with ethical complexity. It’s unsettling, thought-provoking, and quietly powerful — a reminder that the most dangerous secrets are often the ones we keep to ourselves.

A Quiet Kind of Wrong

 

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  A QUIET KIND OF WRONG (A Novel) by Mary Frances Hill
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+),  266 pages
Genre: Thriller, Domestic Thriller
Publisher: Mary Frances Hill
Release date:  September 2025
Content Rating:  PG-13 + M: Non explicit sex scenes; a few curse words in dialogue and conversation. No violence

Book Description:

One mistake. One secret. One family about to unravel.

Jane Taylor seems to have it all—a loving husband, a successful career as a children’s book author, and a picture-perfect life in Orange County. But one terrible night, she hits her neighbor’s teenage son, panics, and drives away. The police never come to arrest her.

For a year, Jane hides behind her carefully constructed suburban façade. Then a true crime podcaster revisits the unsolved case, and her son, Noah, a podcast addict, discovers the guilt-soaked letters Jane has been writing to the victim.

When Jane resolves to confess, Noah begs her for time. He’s sure the truth about that night is more complicated. Terrified of what her imprisonment would do to her family, Jane reluctantly agrees to Noah’s request. But as their search for answers pulls them deeper into the secrets of their seemingly safe neighborhood, Jane soon realizes that she’s not the only one hiding something.

Dark, twist-filled, and emotionally charged, A Quiet Kind of Wrong explores guilt, family loyalty, and how far we’ll go to protect the lives we’ve created, even when they're built on lies.

BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon 
add to goodreads

Meet the Author:

Mary Frances Hill was born in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. The daughter of a music professor and an elementary school teacher, she obtained a master's degree in counseling psychology and worked as a therapist before raising two children. Mary currently lives in Southern California with her Russian Blue and Scottish Straight cats, her Pyredoodle puppy, her golfer husband, and her adult son and daughter. She is an avid dog walker and home renovator and loves binge-watching true crime documentaries and mysteries. She is the author of three novels: The Worm Man, The Heaven Spot, and A Quiet Kind of Wrong.

Connect with the author:   Website  ~ instagram ~  Goodreads 

Enter the Giveaway:

QUIET KIND OF WRONG (a novel) Book Tour Giveaway

GetUrBook Review : Across The Sea

 Across the Sea by J. M. Hofer

Across the Sea, the second book in J. M. Hofer’s Islands in the Mist series, deepens the mythic foundations laid in the first novel and boldly expands the world beyond familiar shores. Where the opening book was rooted in mystery and awakening magic, this installment is about movement, consequence, and the cost of destiny.

The story shifts its focus outward — geographically and emotionally. Journeys across treacherous waters introduce new lands, unfamiliar customs, and rising tensions that challenge everything the characters believe they understand. The sea itself becomes a powerful symbol, representing both escape and inevitability, freedom and loss.

Bran continues to evolve as a protagonist, no longer driven only by questions of the past but forced to confront the weight of his choices. The warrior’s strength is tested not just in battle, but in loyalty, leadership, and restraint. His internal struggle adds a compelling layer to the action-driven narrative, making his journey feel earned rather than heroic by default.

Lucia’s arc grows darker and more complex in this volume. Her connection to magic feels heavier now — less like a gift and more like a responsibility she cannot set aside. Hofer handles her transformation with care, allowing fear, doubt, and resolve to coexist rather than rushing her into certainty. This emotional grounding prevents the magical elements from ever feeling distant or decorative.

What stands out most in Across the Sea is its expansion of lore. New political dynamics, belief systems, and power struggles enrich the story, reinforcing the idea that magic does not exist in isolation — it reshapes societies, fuels conflict, and demands sacrifice. The mythological elements remain subtle but potent, reinforcing the series’ signature tone of ancient power simmering just beneath the surface.

The pacing in this installment is more deliberate, giving space for character growth, cultural discovery, and moral tension. Moments of quiet reflection are balanced with urgency and danger, making the narrative feel mature and purposeful. Hofer’s prose remains evocative, particularly in scenes involving the sea, rituals, and confrontations where words carry as much weight as weapons.

⭐ Final Verdict

Across the Sea is a strong and thoughtful continuation of the Islands in the Mist series. It doesn’t simply raise the stakes — it widens the world, deepens character arcs, and reinforces the myth-driven identity of the saga. Readers who appreciate fantasy rooted in atmosphere, folklore, and emotional realism will find this installment both engaging and rewarding.

The Vow Rewritten

 Reincarnation and Indian Forts – Ride with Me, Meghraj

Reincarnation stories have always echoed through India’s forts, rivers, and legends. The Vow Rewritten carries that tradition forward, weaving a mythic journey of vows, janma (birth), and karmic bonds. From Panvel to Korlai Beach, from warrior spirit to modern youth, Meghraj—the shining black horse with a white patch—rides as the eternal companion across lifetimes.

This reel captures the transition: a Maratha‑inspired warrior dissolving into a modern youth, both riding Meghraj. It symbolizes reincarnation, legacy reborn, and the timeless Indian theme of vows carried across janmas.

The Vow Rewritten is not just a novel—it is a mythic fiction rooted in Indian forts, Marathi heritage, and soulful storytelling. It blends spiritual crossover fiction with emotional resonance, inviting readers to travel India by feeling, not by checklist.

✨ The Vow Rewritten is now available worldwide. Read it here → ✨ books2read.com/thevowrewritten

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