Review Tales
Trusted Reviews and Author Features Since 2016
Intrigue and Suspense in Parisian Detective Tales, Part One: Two Sisters by Marcel Marquié (Book Review #2046)
In Two Sisters, the first part of his Parisian Detective Tales trilogy, Marcel Marquié weaves a captivating post-WWII detective story set against the backdrop of a recovering Paris. The novel is steeped in the political tensions of the time, with France still grappling with the aftermath of Nazi occupation, labor unrest, and the early stages of decolonization. As the narrative unfolds, Marquié introduces Toni Bonnet, a former Prisoner of War who has returned to Paris and established a modest detective agency in the Marais district.
Read MoreA Riveting Tale of Tragedy, Identity, and History: The Delegation (Book Review #2045)
In The Delegation, author Avner Landes delves into the complex, often tragic lives of two Soviet Jewish artists—Solomon Mikhoels, a world-renowned actor, and Itzik Feffer, a poet who became a government functionary. Set in Moscow in 1943, this novel weaves a tale of espionage, art, politics, and personal struggle during the harrowing days of World War II.
Read MoreNever Have I Ever by Harker Jones (Book Review #2044)
Never Have I Ever by Harker Jones is a dark and twisted psychological thriller set in a small-town Michigan where secrets, lies, and betrayal swirl around a group of teenagers who find themselves caught in a deadly game. With its sinister atmosphere, mounting tension, and relentless pace, this novel keeps readers on edge from start to finish.
Read MoreSinister Stories and Twisted Tales: The Ultimate Anthology of Sci-Fi & Cosmic Horror by Anthony L. Abraham (Book Review #2043)
Sinister Stories and Twisted Tales is an immersive anthology that delves into the darkest recesses of speculative fiction, blending sci-fi and cosmic horror into an interactive experience that is as unsettling as it is thought-provoking. Edited by Kaitlyn Flint, this 2024 release offers readers a chilling journey through a series of linked tales that explore the fragility of the human psyche and the terrifying realms that lie beyond our comprehension.
The anthology opens with a vivid nightmare of a boy’s seemingly innocent dream pet that morphs into a nightmare, a gateway to something far more sinister than anyone could imagine. This story sets the tone for what follows—a collection of narratives that delve into the macabre, from a father’s dangerous pursuit to save his daughter to a girl’s desperate escape from a dystopian world where dark alchemy and twisted flesh reign supreme. Each tale is built on the tension between human vulnerability and the overwhelming forces of the unknown, making them as intellectually stimulating as they are horrific.
Abraham’s writing is sharp and evocative, drawing inspiration from the eerie, mind-bending works of Ted Chiang, Philip K. Dick, and Stephen King. The stories explore a range of unsettling themes, from existential dread to the horrors of body modification, all woven into a tapestry of cosmic terror. The chilling, unpredictable narratives are amplified by the inclusion of video links that accompany each story, enhancing the reader’s experience and bringing the haunting tales to life in new, immersive ways.
For fans of speculative fiction, Sinister Stories, and Twisted Tales offer a unique blend of genres—perfect for readers who appreciate stories that are not only unsettling but also challenge their perceptions of reality. With a strong emphasis on world-building and philosophical reflection, Abraham creates a universe where nothing is quite what it seems, and every choice may lead to an unimaginable horror.
Whether you’re a fan of Black Mirror-esque dilemmas or a lover of cosmic terror, this anthology promises a thrilling ride through the unknown, making it a must-read for anyone eager to explore the darker dimensions of the human condition.
Written by Jeyran Main
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Flew Too High by Louie Mandrapilias (Book Review #2042)
Flew Too High by Louie Mandrapilias is a raw and thought-provoking LGBTQ+ coming-of-age memoir that explores the complexities of identity, drug smuggling, and personal transformation. The story follows Louie, a gay college student from the South, as he navigates his coming-out journey in the late 1970s. When he visits New York City in 1978, Louie is swept into the world of drugs, spirituality, and smuggling by a manipulative figure named Govind. Throughout the memoir, Louie struggles with his deep-rooted shame from his Christian upbringing and his turbulent relationship with his father, Nick.
Read MoreRUNNIN’ NO MORE by G.T. DÍPÈ (Book Review #2041)
Runnin’ No More by G.T. Dípè is a captivating romance that explores themes of healing, love, and resilience against the backdrop of personal trauma. The story centers on Teniade Adeowo, who escapes a traumatic attack in Lagos by seeking refuge in England. His first encounter with Stefan Wickström at Heathrow sparks an undeniable connection, but it’s at Teesside University where their lives intertwine again, complicating their blossoming relationship.
Read MoreThe Drowners by David A. Anderson (Book Review #2040)
A Journey of Self-Acceptance and Love in The Drowners
David A. Anderson’s The Drowners is a compelling and heart-wrenching exploration of a young man’s journey toward self-acceptance and love. Set in Dublin in 1995, the novel follows Aaron Murphy, a troubled teen starting fresh at a new school after being ostracized at his previous one. As he navigates his emotions, friendships, and the struggle to reconcile his religious upbringing with his growing attraction to other boys, the story unfolds with deep sensitivity and raw emotion.
Read MoreSmart Phone: A Mystery Adventure by Josh Eber (Book Review #2039)
Set in 2009, Smart Phone: A Mystery Adventure follows 13-year-old Jeffrey James as he visits California for the first time. Guided by his cousin Margaret and their new friend Diana, the trio embarks on what should be a dream vacation. But things take a sudden turn when Jeffrey’s new smartphone begins sending ominous texts, leading them to dangerous locations. What begins as a fun tour of L.A. quickly morphs into a suspenseful, high-stakes mystery.
Read MoreStoneslayer: Book One – Scandal by Candace Lynn Talmadge (Book Review #2038)
Stoneslayer: Book One – Scandal is a captivating paranormal fiction novel that blends ancient mysteries, political intrigue, and extraordinary female power. Set in a richly imagined world filled with historical layers and fantastical elements, the book introduces Lieutenant Helen Andros, a fierce and complex character whose journey unfolds against a backdrop of power struggles, family secrets, and otherworldly dangers.
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