He Spoke After Ten Years - Book Review

Title: He Spoke After Ten Years

Author : Apurva Mathur

Pages : 260

Publisher : Notion Press

Blurb:

Mumbai. 2021. An ordinary man gets bludgeoned to death at the peak of Covid. R.D. Burman CD was found near the body.

Two years later, during the men’s cricket world cup, a seasoned cop is frustrated with unexpected and extraordinary pressure to solve the cold case.

Neel Mantri, a child prodigy with scars of childhood trauma and a sleuth in making, gets to assiston the case. He pulls a thread and a whole saga of events unfold and the case turns out to be justa tip of the iceberg.

The genius young detective Neel Mantri is tested in every way as the danger looms on his own life.

Will the killer strike again…?

Is it murder or justice….?

Will his first case be his last…..?

Review:

The writing is excellent, the pace is good, the mystery is fascinating, and the characters are all interesting. 

The pacing is perfectly set, neither too slow nor too fast but it won't leave you in the middle, you can't put this book down till you finish it.

The author drew me in with the depth of his characters. The found family element and the trio friendship and a tragic past what else do you need? 

I love the concept of how they are all interconnected with each other, supporting everything.

All in all, it was a pleasurable journey, and I would most definitely read it as a series if the author decides to make it as one. You feel like you know them all what they look like, how they act. 

The characters were easy to fall in love with (Neel especially) and follow, along with the story. The author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the character's actions felt so real. 

It's a cosy book to read and escape into a story, into another land, and someone else's problems.

Once the mystery of what happened is solved you are left with a team of characters so life-like that you are genuinely invested in what is going to happen to them in the future and, of course, what future mysteries are going to befall them. 

The ending is both bittersweet and happy. I hope that you will go and read this book, the storyline will stay with you for a long time as it will me.

Rating : 10/10

About Author:

Just like every other boy growing up in late 80s-early 90s, Apurva grew up fond of murder mysteries and the detectives solving them. According to him, it started with Hardy Boys, then came Sherlock Holmes and eventually graduated to more complex Scandinavian crime fiction by Nesbo, Menkell etc and gripping thrillers by Baldacci, Child etc.

Life took him to IIT Bombay and after graduating, he worked as an educational consultant for over a decade and half nursing the love for books and reading a book a week all this while. But eventually during the pandemic, my inner sleuth and a penchant for storytelling made me write this riveting mystery novel - He Spoke After Ten Years

Buy this book here, 

Amazon. in

Author Interview - Theresa Van Spankeren

Exclusive Q/A session with the Author of my favorite fantasy series, Theresa Van Spankeren

Hello and Welcome everyone! 

Today, we have the honor of hosting my favorite author interview with Theresa Van Spankeren. Thank you for joining us, and let's dive into this enriching author interview together!

1) Tell me about yourself. 

My name is Theresa Van Spankeren and I live in the suburbs of Chicago with my husband. My day job is at an IT helpdesk for fast food restaurants. I have had an unusual career path which includes working for a tool store and grading standardized tests. I enjoy getting out in nature, but am a bit of a homebody.

2) When did you start writing books? Who inspired you?

I have been writing since I was little, but I completed my first actual book when I was a senior in high school. It’s hard to say who exactly inspired me - I can attribute a love of reading to my parents and grandparents on both sides. However, when it comes to writing - maybe my mom’s short stories were some inspiration? I just remember starting to write a few years after learning to read. Maybe it was the authors themselves that were the inspiration.

3) How many books did you published so far?

I have 5 books published so far in the series: Lost Soul, Pursuit into Darkness, Between Darkness & Light, Fallen Soul, and Soul Redeemed.

4) Do you have a favourite character in your stories? 

I can’t say I have a single favorite. There’s a few who have become favorites in the years I have been writing them. Julia and Samuel are favorites for sure - and I can’t count out Matthew. Lane is a unique and fun character to write about - a new favorite, for sure!

5) What makes you write about a book filled with vampires? 

I have been fascinated by vampire lore since I read Christopher Pike’s “The Last Vampire/Thirst” series, and my dad introduced me to Fred Saberhagen’s Dracula series. Since then I have read a large variety of vampire stories, each with their own unique worldbuilding and types of vampires. I find vampires to be an interesting metaphor or parallel for the troubles and transformations that occur in real life. It’s a way to explore good and evil - and sometimes that big murky gray area in a different way.

6) As a reader and as a research student I always chose to indulge myself in books that worth my time. I completed five of your books in a short span of time as I can envision the story in my mind as a movie. How did you create such a story? How do you handle writer’s block?

Parts of the first book were based off of X-Files fanfiction I started in high school and a dream. Ideas and plot points come to me, but I don’t put fingers to keyboard (or still at times, a pen to paper) until I can envision certain parts in my head - much like a movie. I allow my characters to lead the way and I try to capture their thoughts and emotions as realistically as possible - even if they are not the narrator of the story.

As for writers block . . . I have a few techniques for this. One is to listen to music - often instrumental - to capture the mood of the scene. Sometimes this can jumpstart ideas or development. I also turn to fellow writers and/or friends familiar with the story to bounce ideas off of. I use them as a sounding board. Occasionally, I just have to relax and let my mind wander. I have solved writer’s block by swimming or just taking a hike.

7) What do you like to do when you aren’t writing?

I enjoy swimming and hiking. I also love playing The Legend of Zelda and have probably dedicated more hours than I should to playing! Reading is something I’ve always enjoyed. My husband enjoys hiking as well, and we also like to investigate reported local haunted spots.

8) What's the hardest thing about writing for you?

There’s times where I am unsure where exactly the plot is going and I find myself stuck at times. One of my weaknesses that I’ve gotten better at is describing the surroundings better. Otherwise, the hardest part about writing isn’t the writing. It is the marketing - getting the word out to readers.

9) Are you working on anything new? What would you like to tell your readers?

Yes, I am about to release a side story of the War of Destiny series called “An Ember of Hope” that is from Matthew’s POV. It takes place between books 2 & 3 of the main series and chronicles much of his adventures with the Medici family. It brings insight into the later books as well. It is on pre-order now for 99 cents and is set to release on Aug 9th. The normal price will be $1.99 after the release.

I have also started writing Book 6 of the main series. We are headed towards the final books of the series. The main story will be wrapping up at book 7 or 8 depending on length. There’s a few more side book ideas that I plan to explore, but I don’t have full details yet.

10) What themes or messages do you hope readers take away from your work?

I know my books are darker in nature, but I hope that readers take away the theme that there’s always hope, even in the darkest of situations when there seems to be no way out. I hope they see a little of themselves in the various characters they can identify with - characters that are courageous, that don’t see their own worth, ones that are proud of who they are (most of the time), who are witty. None of my characters are perfect, and they struggle and make mistakes despite their immortal status, and yet they still strive for what they believe is right. I believe people can relate to that.

Author Interview - Monica Sahu

Exclusive Special Q/A session with Author Monica Sahu

Hello and Welcome everyone! Today, we have the honor of hosting a special author interview with the talented Monica Sahu. Thank you for joining us, and let's dive into this enriching author interview together!

1) 𝐓𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟.

Born in the golden age of cable television and houseful theaters, I have always been enchanted by the power of storytelling. From listening to plays on the radio to running back home after school to watch my favorite cartoon, there was no shortage of enthusiasm when it came to embracing the world is entertainment. So, after I decided to leave my corporate job and do something different, creating content and eventually, writing books made sense to me. I always wanted to leave a lasting impact on the World. Storytelling gives me a beautiful platform to not just inspire but also empower people who are looking for someone like us to pave the way.

2) 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬? 𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮? 

 I started writing from a very young age but did not think of, or rather act on publishing a book until 2019. That's when I found my current Publisher and started working on my first book, a thriller short story. So far, I have written three books and numerous online stories. I'm deeply inspired by horror and thriller genre and my exceptionally supportive readers believe that I bring a good mix of both into many of my stories.

3) 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐨 𝐟𝐚𝐫? 

Three Books:

A FAMILY OF STRANGERS (family drama thriller)

THE STRANGE REALITY (psychological horror thriller)

KISS ME WITH YOUR DOE EYES (thriller romcom)

4) 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐩𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐩𝐚𝐝? 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞? 

I write online fics when I have an idea worth working on, even if it might not be something that mainstream publishing would usually print. Wattpad for me is a place for creative expression and spontaneous storytelling. I'm glad that my online stories have made many readers feel represented, celebrated and empowered!

5) 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐮𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞? 

I have throughly enjoyed working on all of my books. My first book is special to me since it brought me to a whole new World full of amazing new people who I can share my creativity with. My second book is special because it is my absolute favorite genre. I will forever cherish the sleepless nights that helped bring that story to life. My third book helped me explore some new ideas and narrative tool and I'm glad it is being loved by both thriller and romance readers.

6) 𝐃𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐟𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬? 

There's someone who has inspired many characters in many of my stories, both online and in my books. Who, you wonder? Let's keep it a secret, for now!

7) 𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝, 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐛𝐞? 

Advaya (one of my favourite words in Sanskrit which means Unique, With No Duplicate)

8) 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐨 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧’𝐭 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠? 

Travel, Swim, Watch Movies, Meet New People.

9) 𝐓𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐮𝐬 𝐚 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲, "𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐝𝐨𝐞 𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬" 

KISS ME WITH YOUR DOE EYES is a narration on the long term effects of bullying and how different people deal with trauma, wrapped in a sweet romcom with some giggles. It was my aim to present this story in a way that does not feel too heavy, unlike my other two books that deep dive into social issues without the safety net of humor. While my other two books are meant to be emotionally raw, I wanted my third book to feel like a hug. Hopefully, it keeps reaching many who need a comforting story like this!

10) 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐞𝐰? 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬? 

I'm always working on stories that are worth sharing with my World. And I'm extremely grateful for all the amazing readers who are so supportive and encouraging. I'll keep writing books and online stories that you and I can enjoy and benefit from. Cheers to unconventional tales of triumph.

September Road - Book Review

Book Title: 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝

𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒃𝒊𝒅𝒅𝒆𝒏 𝑺𝒊𝒍𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 #2

By Pax Sinclair

𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:

I’m a former Army Ranger, an Afghan vet that’s faced my share of battles, but nothing in my training has prepared me for the road trip I’m about to take alone with Riley, the daughter of my best buddy.

Josh and I grew up in a Vermont small town. We joined the Army after high school and we busted our asses to become Rangers. I’ll never forget the night he died on a mission in Afghanistan, leaving behind his young daughter Riley and his wife, Laci.

Years later, when Laci died, it became my duty to fulfill her final wish, to drive her daughter from New Mexico to Vermont to Josh’s mother, the only family Riley has left. While I take Riley to her grandmother, I’m to tell her about a father she doesn’t know and the harder memories of how Josh and Laci’s lives intertwined with mine.

Riley is a 20-year-old smoking hot beauty with sass, determination, and she won’t back down, especially from me. And yeah, she’s my type. Damn, she's more than just a temptation, she’s my best buddy's daughter. I know where my duty lies, so this brown-eyed girl is off limits.

I have to be honest with myself; there's no point in sugarcoating this situation. What could that princess see in a 40-year-old soldier still battling his own demons? Being in close quarters on a long road trip with her will be challenging enough, but staying true to my loyalty to Josh and protecting his daughter, even from my own feelings, will be the real test. I can do it. I can be a hard ass and complete the mission, but damn, she’s beautiful.

𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:

The story deals with loss, grief, forgiveness, friendship, and an age- gap forbidden all-consuming love. 

Riley is a great character, so strong after all she's been through a lot but determined to live. She was smart, funny, but a risk taker. When Riley meets Stephens, sparks fly. The romance is top notch in the beginning when they both don't know each other. 

Later when Bank came to know that Riley's Josh kid and he's supposed to take her to Josh's mother house in Vermont,everything changes. He denies the fact that he wants her. He totally turns her down. But how long can he hold out? The harder they protest the better it is when they fall. 

Those first few chapters were slow but the interaction between Riley and Banks left me with an open jaw and I was sold. I just had to find out what would happen next. Lots of things happen and it is a good lengthy book. There are nice steamy scenes, humour and a great group of secondary characters, especially Max Stephens and Riley's grandmother and Creed (Riley's Ex boyfriend). The brotherhood between Josh and Banks Stephens explained well. 

This story takes us far past the exciting beginning of Stephens relationship with Riley's parents. I loved their story. There is also an incident that happens toward 3/4 of the way in the book that had me sobbing and going through the emotions with the characters. 

From the extremely hot scenes, to the great portrayal of military men and the women who love them, it was perfect. The writing is phenomenal. I was completely captivated with each introduction of the individual characters.  

Their relationship is not without its ups and downs, being far from perfect, but I loved it. They both seemed so right in their stubborn steadfastness to what they wanted and needed, and even when they were at odds you wanted them to win, to make it work. I found the last half of the book excruciating, it broke my heart more than once, leaving me with ugly cries and in despair. 

The characters pull you in and eventually drag you along with them whether you want to go or not. I could not put this book down and had to finish it in one reading. Who needs to sleep when you have characters keeping you awake? 

I loved the chemistry between Banks and Riley. Their bantering throughout the road trip was really funny and they were so good together. When they finally got together in all ways it was off the charts. But I also love the other relationships in this book. 

I loved the humor & the emotions within, I loved the characters and most of all, I loved the letters. Great secondary characters and I would read their stories if Pax chooses to write about them. Definitely one of the best books I've read so far this year.

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 : 10/10

 

𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫:

Pax Sinclair is a contemporary romance novelist who explores the wild world of love and passion. Her novels feature biracial women in interracial relationships, guaranteed to keep you turning pages until the very end.

Prepare to meet a tantalizing cast of characters, from sizzling tech billionaires to swoon-worthy firefighters, hunky men in kilts, and even a hot Army Ranger.

Lose yourself in a steamy rollercoaster ride of emotions and crazy twists, leading to an oh-so-satisfying conclusion.

The Serpent Series #2

The Serpent Woman

Author : SZ Estavillo

Page count — 346

Summary:

The exciting sequel to The Serpent's Bridge...

A serial killer is on the loose. With her insidious tattoo and venomous killer strike, they’re calling her the serpent woman.

Two of the best in their field, LAPD Detective Anaya Nazario and FBI Supervising Special Agent Blake Huxley are forced to work together yet again, despite their strained romantic history and a baby on the way. Together on a nationwide hunt, they must find this serpent woman before she strikes again. 

But, as the cat-and-mouse chase evolves, Nazario and Huxley begin to realize that their killer is on a mission of vigilante justice and they must struggle with the question of who really deserves their justice: The killer, or her victims?

Review:

This book picks up where the first one left off, and it sets a fast pace. Again centered around crime, the book unravels piece by piece the mystery that is, the circumstances that caused the crime in the first place. It kept me thoroughly hooked, and I actually did have a hard time putting it down.

The character development is so good especially Ananya Nazario and Huxley's and delivers perfect emotions.

While there were a few situations which made me suspend my disbelief, I found the premise interesting and I had a hard time putting the book down.

This book is definitely a page turner that is not only an intriguing mystery, but has wonderfully developed characters and makes the reader stop and think about morality and what it really entails.

Von Schlange' s strange yet strongest character that made this book turn everything upside down. I could go on for ages highlighting all the great things in this book - I have absolutely nothing negative to say or complain about, and it was wonderful to read a book with proper plot and twist. 

The twists and turns of the story were exactly what was needed for this amazing book.

Thanks to the author for creating this wonderful mystery thriller.

Rating : 5/5

About the Author:

SZ Estavillo has been passionate about writing since childhood, with a defining moment in second grade when her teacher predicted, "You’re going to be a writer someday." Her biracial heritage, being half-Korean and half-Puerto Rican, deeply influences her book themes.

As a staunch advocate for diversity and inclusion, SZ works tirelessly to amplify the voices of underrepresented and marginalized communities within the publishing industry. 

Balancing her roles as a devoted mother and an enthusiastic digital marketer, SZ brings her professional expertise into her personal passion, amassing over 85,000 followers on social media.

She uses her platform to inspire and uplift the writing community with motivational and positive content. Along with her two children and two senior dogs, she enjoys the simple pleasures of family sushi outings in their Los Angeles home.

The Last Doorbell - Pride Book Tours

The Last Doorbell

Author : William Parker

Page Count : 358 

Deixis Press 2024

Summary:

"What the bloody hell am I doing here?"

Ben's past was supposed to be behind him: debts paid, savings secured, and a collection of outrageous anecdotes that would amuse his friends for a lifetime. But under pressure from his escort agency for "one final favor," he now stands at a precipice, finger poised over a doorbell.

There's a moment's pause before his finger makes reluctant contact. He can't possibly know it, of course, but this doorbell, the last, changes his life forever...

Review:

I was intrigued by the cover at first. Thought it'd be a thriller/horror kind of story. Even after reading the summary I thought it was a thriller genre. The summary is rather inadequate to describe the story and what i got in return after reading the insides of the book is completely unbelievable. 

There is a rather large cast but they all revolve around the main characters. It definitely sounds like a total melodrama – which I like from time to time. However, I couldn’t get into the story for a long time. I was reading more from curiosity about what the author wants to do with all these people and I really wanna know more about ben and I'm glad that i kept going further. 

The author is highly skilful in the way the story unfolds, which is told in flashback. The book is a character driven story, and the characterisations were among the best I have ever read, they were full and satisfying, I felt I knew these people and the details of it were very believable.

Rating : 4/5 

Thanks for having me on this booktour @pridebooktours

About Author:

William Parker set out to be an actor but decided in his mid-30s that the stage was too frightening and precarious a profession for someone of a generally nervous disposition - just because one might be good at something doesn't necessarily mean one has to do it!

He's still addicted to make-believe, though, so settling down with fingers poised above a keyboard to bring characters to life has turned out to be just the thing, even if he's left it rather late.

His first book, The House Martin, was published in 2010. His second book, The Last Doorbell, continues the story of a shy young man who might or might not bear some resemblance to his literary creator.

The Serpent's Bridge

The Serpent's Bridge

Volume One of the Serpent Series

Author : S Z Estavillo

Page count : 398 

Summary:

Compelling dialogue, rich, gritty prose, and characters you won't forget - if you loved The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest by Stieg Larsson, or Ink and Bone by Lisa Unger, you'll love The Serpent's Bridge.

Recovering alcoholic Detective Anaya Nazario remains haunted by her father's murder. Lucas Nazario was the highest-ranking Puerto Rican LAPD detective, and his case has gone unsolved for twenty-four years since his murder. 

When Mexican immigrants are targeted by a serial killer, Nazario senses a connection and fights to keep the leadless case open. The homicide investigation centers on Sanctuary Baptist, a church composed of immigrants led by Pastor Stan and his wife. 

Nazario's personal and professional worlds collide when she is compelled to collaborate with her former lover, Special Agent Blake Huxley. As their lives merge once more, the FBI and Detective Nazario stop at nothing to find a killer.

Is this the same monster who killed her father and left him for dead under a bridge?

Can she put a stop to the murders before more families lose loved ones?

Review:

This book cost me a good night's sleep. I started reading it in the evening and just couldn't stop. The ending is absolutely shocking and unexpected, making up for the more stationary passages. 

Ananya Nazario is a brilliantly written character, enigmatic, fascinating and sympathetic. This is on-the-edge-of-your-seet fiction. Page-turning at its best. The book is full of baddies, twists, turns and revelations and I can't recommend this series highly enough. 

"But, at fifty, her life was only beginning, and freedom had never tasted sweeter. Every day, she aimed to try something new"

One of the best thriller books I've ever read. Engaging the whole way through, with excellent characters and plotting. Nazario is a fascinating character and one of the most unusual you will ever meet in crime fiction. Intelligent, prickly, intensely private and with a strong moral core, even if that morality is not one that always makes sense to others, she may not seem to be an obviously sympathetic character, but I know I'm not alone in liking her a lot.

The characters are all so real and individual that this never happens especially Millie Ann. The author moves smoothly between characters and points of view to create a story that is complex, dense and detailed, and the result is spellbinding. Unfortunately, the ending leaves you hanging and wanting to dive right into the second book in the series. 

Rating : 4.5/5

About the Author:

S Z Estavillo has been passionate about writing since childhood, with a defining moment in second grade when her teacher predicted, "You're going to be a writer someday." Her biracial heritage, being half-Korean and half-Puerto Rican, deeply influences her book themes. As a staunch advocate for diversity and inclusion, SZ works tirelessly to amplify the voices of underrepresented and marginalized communities within the publishing industry.

Balancing her roles as a devoted mother and an enthusiastic digital marketer, SZ brings her professional expertise into her personal passion, amassing over 85,000 followers on social media. She uses her platform to inspire and uplift the writing community with motivational and positive content. Along with her two children and two senior dogs, she enjoys the simple pleasures of family sushi outings in their Los Angeles home