Amongst the Believers by Kochery C. Shibu — A High-Stakes Espionage Thriller Review by GetUrBook

Amongst the Believers by Kochery C Shibu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


🕵️‍♂️ Amongst the Believers by Kochery C. Shibu – A Gripping Tale of Espionage, Humanity & Moral Crossroads
Review by GetUrBook

What happens when patriotism, personal loss, and dangerous ideologies collide? In Amongst the Believers, Kochery C. Shibu crafts a tense and layered geopolitical thriller that takes readers from the narrow lanes of Karachi to the icy isolation of Russia, from the tormented hills of Kashmir to war-ravaged Afghanistan.

At the center of this narrative are three unforgettable characters—each on a mission, each haunted by their past.

Nanda, a man falsely accused of murder, finds an unlikely second chance as a RAW operative. Tasked with infiltrating a powerful Pakistani business family, he moves with caution, intelligence, and the quiet heartbreak of a man who lost everything. Through Nanda, the story delves into questions of redemption, loyalty, and silent sacrifice.

Khusru, a Kashmiri militant disillusioned by the cause he once bled for, now finds himself trapped in the criminal underworld of Karachi. His assignment: escort the daughter of a Taliban warlord through dangerous terrain. What unfolds is a tale of reluctant responsibility and the unexpected stirrings of compassion.

And then there’s Rekha, a doctor-turned-dancer whose obsession with Khusru lands her in unimaginable peril. Her abduction and psychological descent are harrowing, but her strength and survival elevate the story from thriller to tragedy with soul.

What makes Amongst the Believers stand out is Shibu’s ability to humanize characters who live in moral grey zones. None are wholly heroes or villains. Each is caught in the complex dance between belief and betrayal.

This book is not just about espionage—it’s about the human cost of conflict. With his rich narrative style, technical insight, and empathy, Shibu delivers a novel that is both thrilling and thought-provoking.

📚 Verdict: A high-stakes, emotionally intense read that keeps you turning the pages while asking difficult questions about faith, duty, and survival.



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Spark !!

 

Spark by Mel Todd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


🔥 SPARK by Mel Todd — A Flicker of Rebellion in a World on the Brink
Review by GetUrBook

I stumbled across Spark by Mel Todd almost by chance, but its quiet fire took hold of me fast. Set in an alternate 1800s, this short but stirring tale introduces us to Elizabeth Antoinette Frederick—a young woman born into British nobility, trapped in a life pre-written by tradition, and sent off in an arranged marriage to India.

But something is changing.

Magic—real, raw, world-shifting magic—is creeping back into the world. And Elizabeth? She's not going to let history dictate her future. As the title suggests, she is the spark—the first flicker of resistance in a society built on silence and rules.

What stood out to me wasn’t just the fantasy (though the magical undertones are intriguing), but the powerful undercurrent of a woman awakening. Elizabeth sees the coming storm—not just of sorcery, but of possibility. And instead of fear, she feels purpose.

Mel Todd’s writing is sharp and vivid. In just 33 pages, she manages to sketch a compelling heroine, a layered world, and a sense of anticipation that lingers. Spark doesn’t feel like a standalone—it’s a promise. A promise that what’s coming next in the Noble’s Luck trilogy will be fierce, bold, and absolutely worth waiting for.

✨If you love historical settings with a magical twist, stories of quiet rebellion, and female characters who rise, Spark will light something in you too.

📚 Ideal For: Fans of historical fantasy, feminist themes, and short fiction with depth.
🔥 Quick Read: Just 33 pages, but rich in tone and purpose.
🧭 Where It Leads: Sets the stage for the upcoming Noble’s Luck trilogy.



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Author Interview- Renewals by Gregory F. DeLaurier

 

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Sachin @ GetUrBook

Author Interview

Gregory F. DeLaurier

Renewals

What inspired you to write Renewals, and how did the idea for Richard’s journey come to life?

I grew up in a small working-class city in Northern New York. When I was young, it had a thriving downtown. On any Saturday it would be packed with shoppers and teenagers, like myself. But in the early 1970s the downtown died, a victim of ‘urban renewal,’ Everything was torn down, replaced by ugly look-alike buildings and, for some reason, the whole area was surrounded by a brick wall. It was meant to be a pedestrian mall, but noone went there and so the downtown died. I was always saddened by the death of something that one was so alive. I didn’t want to write a dry factual investigation of what happened, which as a Political Scientist I could have. Rather, I thought a fictionalized account blending real places and events with characters and actions I made up, might capture better the ‘essence’ of my home town. And so I have Richard, actually to a degree me, return home to find out what happened.

The novel deals with corruption, loss, and redemption in a decaying town. How much of this is drawn from real-life observations or personal experiences?

While the book is fiction, I did observe the town die. I did observe the construction of a prison change the nature of the place, making it harder and meaner. I did observe old friends lose hope. I understood what people were like there, their kindness and anger, how they talked and acted. For some reason, everyone had a nickname, just about everyone drank a lot, and there was peculiar accent, sort of a North Country patois, one could only capture by having lived and grown up there. Many, but not all, the characters are an amalgam of several old friends and people I have known in the City.  

Giacomo Duchamps is a complex antagonist—dangerous yet aging. What motivated you to create such a layered villain, and what does he represent in the story?

There’s not a lot of deep meaning to the Duchamps character. The novel, while serious, is meant to have a good deal of humor, and that starts with names. I sometimes hear names and remember them, such as Vivelamore (another villain) and Duchamps. Thus Giacomo Duchamps and his son Bambi (who names their kid Bambi?). These bad guys and their henchman, while indeed violent, are all dumb as bricks. Kind of, to quote Jimmy Breslin, “the gang that couldn't shoot straight.” The banality of evil, I suppose.

As a writer, how do you balance storytelling with social commentary, especially in a narrative that’s rooted in crime and justice?

This is not easy to do. My approach is to let the storytelling be the social commentary; otherwise you end up with a dry diatribe. This is a novel, and so descriptions of the City, the dialogue among characters, their back stories, are the social commentary.

What do you hope readers take away from Renewals, especially those who may come from similar towns facing economic or social decline?

The novel’s title was purposely chosen, to emphasize two renewals. The first is of the City, which Richard and his gang hopefully renew for real. The second is of the gang itself. For instance, a young woman, sexually abused and exploited, who finds her autonomy; a young ex-con who discovers his intelligence and competence. So the story is not just of a town, but of people as well. Places like my hometown don’t often find their way in literature, but I do try to show these places matter, with tough lives but also the courage to face what exploits them. The same is true of many of my characters, hard lives that can change for the better. Not easy, but again, takes courage but also someone who believes in you. I truly believe in the ability of people to change their lives. That is what I hope readers take away from Renewals.

 

Book Review-Renewals by Gregory F. DeLaurier: A Nostalgic Homecoming

Renewals by Gregory F. Delaurier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book Review-Renewals by Gregory F. DeLaurier: A Nostalgic Homecoming

Renewals by Gregory F. DeLaurier invites readers into a contemplative world where returning to one’s roots can reveal hidden truths. The narrative centers on Richard, an academic who revisits his hometown only to unearth a devastating scam plaguing the community. This encounter forces him to reconnect with long-lost friends and family while confronting Giacomo Duchamps, an aging drug kingpin with sinister plans.

As I followed Richard’s journey, it mirrored my own experiences of returning to places rich with memories yet altered by time. DeLaurier expertly captures the nuances of nostalgia, exploring how familiar landscapes morph and people age or vanish, leaving behind echoes of the past. His writing has a subtle ache, making you reflect deeply on the bittersweet nature of homecoming.

DeLaurier doesn’t rush through the unfolding drama; instead, he allows each scene to resonate, giving readers time to digest the emotional weight of Richard’s experiences. The themes of memory, identity, and the relentless march of time are thoughtfully woven into the narrative, showcasing how revisiting the past can stimulate both understanding and transformation.
Renewals elegantly balances the personal with the broader societal issues of corruption and redemption, making it a powerful read for anyone who has retraced their steps back to where they once belonged—only to find that the map has changed.

This is not a loud or dramatic tale, but one that lingers in your mind long after you turn the last page. If you appreciate introspective literature that intertwines personal journeys with universal themes, you’ll find this book resonates deeply.

📚 Highly recommended for fans of literary fiction and nostalgic narratives.


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Book Review: The Woman Who Wasn’t by Garima Bais | GetUrBook

 

🔍 A psychological thriller that dares to question: Who are you when the world doesn’t recognize you anymore?

Imagine waking up one day and realizing someone out there is living your life—mirroring your every move, leaving behind cryptic clues, and slowly erasing your identity. That’s the chilling world Garima Bais throws us into in The Woman Who Wasn’t, a mind-bending psychological thriller that had me questioning every twist, every character… and even myself.

Evelyn Harper is no ordinary protagonist. She’s a woman caught in the jaws of a terrifying mystery, starting with a single note: “Find me before they do.” What follows is a gripping spiral into a conspiracy that blurs the line between fact and illusion. As Evelyn races to uncover the truth, she’s forced to confront a stranger who wears her face, walks her path, and threatens to undo everything she thought was real.

What makes this story remarkable isn’t just the suspense—it’s the emotional unraveling. Bais expertly weaves themes of identity, betrayal, and the fragility of memory into a taut narrative that lingers long after the final page.

✨ A must-read for fans of psychological thrillers, doppelgänger mysteries, and stories that make you second-guess reality.

🔖 Best For: Readers who love mind games, fast-paced twists, and female-led suspense.

📚 Have you ever read a book that made you question your own reflection? Tell us below!

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🕰️ A Dalliance with Grief by Kate Haley – A Mystery Drenched in Emotion and Elegance 🖋️

Shilling & Florin Book Three: A Dalliance with Grief by Kate Haley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In A Dalliance with Grief, Kate Haley returns to her beautifully imagined alternate Victorian London, delivering a poignant and immersive third installment in the Shilling & Florin Mysteries. With every turn of the page, this book deepens the emotional resonance of the series while still giving readers the clever twists and turns of a top-tier mystery.

Amelia Florin and Charles Shilling are back—and this time, grief shadows their every step. As the duo navigates a murder mystery steeped in personal loss and societal tension, Haley masterfully intertwines the analytical brilliance of Shilling with the fierce compassion of Florin. Their partnership feels richer, more vulnerable, and heartbreakingly human.

The slow-burn romance that fans have come to cherish smolders beneath the surface. But it’s not just about clues and chemistry—this story captures the raw ache of loss, the awkwardness of healing, and the courage it takes to continue searching for truth in a world blurred by sorrow.

Kate Haley’s prose is elegant yet accessible. Her characters are nuanced, her world immersive, and her pacing pitch-perfect. Whether you're drawn to mysteries, period dramas, or character-driven fiction, A Dalliance with Grief offers an unforgettable experience.

🔍 If you haven’t started the Shilling & Florin series, you’re missing out on a rare blend of mystery and emotional depth.

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Book Review: Threads of a Prophecy: Where Heroes Are Born and Curses Unfold

Threads of a Prophecy by Stella Smith is a gripping fantasy novel that weaves together prophecy, rebellion, and forbidden magic. Set in the fractured land of Astralan, the story follows Lumina, a gifted seer tormented by visions of civil war and betrayal. She reluctantly joins forces with a cursed assassin, a rebel princess, and a dwarf craftsman to challenge the ruthless Fae overlord Zerothan. Strengths: Compelling World-Building: Smith crafts a richly detailed universe filled with political intrigue, ancient curses, and mystical forces. Complex Characters: Each protagonist has a unique backstory and personal struggles, making their journey emotionally engaging. Fast-Paced Plot: The novel maintains a strong momentum, balancing action with moments of introspection. Weaknesses: Predictable Tropes: While the story is engaging, some elements—like the reluctant heroes and the prophecy-driven quest—may feel familiar to seasoned fantasy readers. Dense Lore: The depth of Astralan’s history and magic system can be overwhelming at times, requiring careful attention. Overall, Threads of a Prophecy is a thrilling read for fans of epic fantasy, especially those who enjoy themes of destiny, rebellion, and unlikely alliances. If you’re looking for a novel with immersive storytelling and high-stakes adventure, this one is worth picking up!

THE WEB OF TIME- A BOOK REVIEW

The Web of Time by Flavia Brunetti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

📚 The Web of Time by Flavia Brunetti — A Lyrical Tapestry of Time, Art, and Courage 🌍🕰️
What happens when time begins to unravel? In The Web of Time, debut author Flavia Brunetti weaves a spellbinding tale that is as timely as it is timeless. This young adult fantasy transcends borders—both real and imagined—blending myth, memory, and magic into a story that pulses with purpose.

At the heart of the novel is Anna, a young girl with a writer’s soul, and Jack, a gifted artist. Together, they set out on a quest to restore the fragile balance of time. But this isn’t just another hero’s journey—it’s a deeply evocative voyage through ancient cities like Rome, Tunis, and Tripoli, guided by a constellation of deities who represent Kindness, Art, and Language.

As Anna and Jack race to reopen the Great Portals—sacred doors tied to human creativity and compassion—they learn that saving time is less about fixing the clock and more about rekindling connection, identity, and hope. Each portal becomes a metaphor for the forces that hold civilizations together. And in this delicate dance between mythology and modernity, The Web of Time shines.

Brunetti, a humanitarian and global storyteller, infuses each page with rich cultural textures and heart. Her lived experiences echo through the narrative, reminding us that stories shape worlds—and perhaps, even time itself.

If you love books that blend deep philosophy with vibrant fantasy, and tales that call young readers to imagine a better world, this one is for you.

✨ The Web of Time is not just a book—it’s an ode to resilience, creativity, and the power of language.

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THE WEB OF TIME - INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR

 

INTERVIEW

 

1. Do you have another profession besides writing?

I do. I’m also a humanitarian aid worker. Part of why I’ve traveled and lived in different countries over the years is because of that job, and those experiences are absorbed into my writing, sometimes not on purpose!

 

2. How do you balance your time as an author with your other work?

Balance is something that I often struggle with, not only dividing my time as an author and with a job, but also ensuring I make time to do other things that nourish me, like reading, or spending time with my friends, or taking a long walk along the Aurelian Walls here in Rome.

 

What works for me is making lists, because that helps me to get everything out of my head and onto a piece of paper, so I don’t feel I have to keep everything at the forefront of my mind. That list also includes things like, take a break, watch a show, finish reading that chapter, have a lovely dinner. And then I have a new rule about not giving myself a hard time when I can’t get through everything! If there are things I have to get through but that I’ll tend to drag my feet about, like editing, I use the advice I got from a friend some time ago: I just start, promising myself that I’ll do it for ten minutes to start with and that’ll be a win. Most of the time, getting started really is the hardest part, as trite as that sounds, and much more often than not once I’m in the swing of things I’ll keep working through it.

 

3. Writers often use a computer or laptop. Have you ever written parts of your book on paper?

I always have a notebook with me and I grew up scribbling, but these days, if I’m honest, I’ll often jot things down in my notes app on my phone because it’s so much faster. Then, I’ll move it to my laptop to expand on the idea. I’ll always read my last version out loud to myself because I think hearing things helps process differently. In all of this, I miss the paper element, and I think paper itself is the most powerful thing, but I have to admit I often fall into the “it’s so much faster to type” category. I do always keep a notebook still with me and my agenda is a physical one I write in, but I’ve even noticed recently my writing hand gets tired much faster these days because I’m less used to physical writing. So I have a commitment to change this back to writing, at least shorter pieces, more on paper!

 

4. What is your next project?

When WOT is out, you’ll find me hard at work on the sequel. The book can stand alone, because as a reader, I tend to love series that intertwine but also wrap up their individual storylines, but the world we’re meeting in this first book isn’t done with me yet, and I hope the readers will feel the same!

I’ll be sharing as I start to work on research for the second book (which, right now, is set to take place in Egypt, in a place we already see in this first book, but that’s all I can say!) You can find me on Substack and Instagram to talk WOT, places and how we define ourselves by them, cultural cross-pollination, and the occasional is-curly-hair-better-than-straight-hair convo.

 

5. Do you snack while writing? Favorite snack?

I snack all the time! I’m a big proponent of “a little treat”. I love sweets but have some blood sugar issues so I try to always pair protein with it, so my go-to snack is often a piece of parmigiano and some cookies to much on.

THE PERFECT MOTHER - INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR

INTERVIEW 

 

1. Can you talk a bit about the main themes of the novel?
At its core, "The Perfect Mother" delves into the complexities of motherhood and the indomitable spirit of a woman driven by love and desperation. It's also a story about secrets—the ones we keep to protect others and ourselves—and the inevitable consequences when those secrets are unearthed. Another key theme is identity, both lost and rediscovered, and how our past shapes our understanding of who we are.

2. How did you approach the research for this book?
I delved into articles, books, and documentaries on child abduction cases, focusing on the psychological aftermath for families and the investigative process. I also spoke with law enforcement professionals to ensure the procedural aspects were accurately portrayed. It was important for me to approach this sensitive topic with respect and authenticity.

3. Can you share a challenge you faced while writing this novel?
One of the biggest challenges was balancing the tension and suspense inherent to a thriller with the emotional depth and nuance of the characters’ journeys. I wanted to ensure the plot was compelling without overshadowing the characters' emotional development, which required a lot of rewriting and fine-tuning.

4. Was there a character or part of the book that was particularly meaningful to write?
Writing the interactions between Dawn and her son, Daniel, was both challenging and meaningful. Capturing the complexity of their relationship, marked by years of separation and misunderstanding, required a delicate balance. Their reunion scene was particularly powerful for me, symbolizing both loss and hope.

5: The relationship between Dawn and Evelyn is intricate and intense. How did you approach writing their dynamic?
Writing Dawn and Evelyn's relationship was a delicate balancing act. I wanted to capture the tension and unpredictability that comes with their situation, all while exploring the emotional depth and complexity of their characters. Their interactions are a dance of suspicion and intrigue, layered with moments of genuine connection that blur the lines between friend and foe.

THE PERFECT MOTHER

 

Book Title:  THE PERFECT MOTHER by Desiree Moodie
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 
Genre: Thriller
Publisher:  Twisted Thoughts Publishing
Release date:  May 2025
Content Rating: PG-13 + M: My book has a few "f" words, one or two religious profanities and a few crude terms. There is no sex, but there is violence. Mature themes include pregnancy loss.

Book Description:

The perfect neighborhood. The perfect family. The perfect crime.

When Dawn Harrington moves to the quiet, picturesque town of Meadowbrook, she’s hoping for a fresh start. A place where no one knows her name. Where she can leave behind the whispers, the heartbreak, the gaping hole left by the son who vanished from a park nearly twenty years ago. But secrets have a way of following you.

A few blocks over, Evelyn Harper has spent years crafting the perfect life—an adoring husband, beautiful children, a home straight out of a magazine. But when she sees Dawn standing in her driveway, Evelyn feels the first stirrings of something she hasn’t felt in years.

Fear.

Because Dawn isn’t just any new neighbor. She’s a woman with a past. A past that collides violently with Evelyn’s own. 

At first, Dawn and Evelyn circle each other warily—neighborly smiles masking something far more sinister. But as Dawn starts asking questions and Evelyn begins watching her every move, the game between them becomes something far more treacherous.

As their carefully built lives begin to crumble, one of them will stop at nothing to uncover the truth.

The other will stop at nothing to keep it buried.

Because some lies can be forgiven. Others demand blood.

The Perfect Mother is a spellbinding psychological thriller about deception, obsession, and how far a mother will go for the truth. Perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, Gillian Flynn, and Shari Lapena, this is one twisted suburban nightmare you won’t soon forget.

Buy the Book:
Amazon
(release date May 16)

Meet the Author:

Desiree Moodie has been writing since before she could talk — seriously. As a kid, she spent weekends scribbling on notebook paper and stapling the pages together into makeshift books.

Now, she crafts dark, twisty stories featuring morally complex characters and impossible-to-put-down plots. Her writing is influenced by her travels, old-school noir films, and pro-wrestling (yes, still). She loves difficult women, villains who might just have a point, and snappy dialogue.

When she's not writing, Desiree is watching reruns of Perry Mason, working on her Lauren Bacall impression, or pulling Tarot cards. She’s got a soft spot for readers who love clever, gritty stories with a little bite — so don’t be shy. Drop her a line (just not in all caps).

Keep up with her at desireemoodie.com

connect with the author:  
website  ~  X/twitter  ~  facebook ~ instagram ~ pinterest ~ goodreads ~ bookbub

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Enter the Giveaway:

THE PERFECT MOTHER by Desiree Moodie Book Tour Giveaway