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Monthly Archives: March 2020

How Being a Book Reviewer Will Help You As An Author

chit-chatting with Cat, Tips March 31, 2020 Leave a comment

Introduction

When I started as a book reviewer eight years ago, I never expected it to get this big nor the greatly positive surprises it would come with. But the most important thing I’ve learned is how the publishing world works while being one of its gears.

I will show you what I learned and how being a book reviewer will help you on your path to becoming a published author. Because what’s better than knowing how it works from the inside and helping others succeed at the same time?

Be prepared to work a lot AND have fun while making friends or partners. I’ve learned so much and I am still enjoying the path I’m on, discovering new things and concepts. I promise, being a book reviewer will help you as an author. But it doesn’t happen overnight, you need to put in the work and the enthusiasm and diligence.

I’m sure you’ll find the rewards are more than worth it, though.

You will forge good and lovely relationships with authors

This is a bonus I never expected, but I am so grateful for. It’s heart-warming just to think about all the good relationships I made with authors. I started out on OnlineBookClub where authors can actually interact with our reviews. Afterwards, whenever I published a high-rating review of mine, I went and searched for the author on Twitter. And then I sent tweets to them along with DMs (when allowed) so as to tell them I’d be willing to read more of them and sending them personally the links to my review.

After a while, I noticed a few authors kept interacting with me, even on Instagram! It seemed we liked each other as people in the same business. I love being Internet-close with them because there’s a kinship and respect you don’t get from just posting your reviews.

I was given a great gift by reviewing them: friendship.

Notably, with these charming ladies and fellow:

Catherine Kopf (author of one of the most unique stories I know, The Breaking Order series)
J. M. Sullivan (author of one of my favourite retellings, The Transmissions Series). Read my review of Second Star here.
Chris Babu (author of one of my few favourite dystopian stories, The Initiation Series, and whom I also had great fun interviewing ). Read my reviews of the first two books here and here.
Marissa Price (author of my favourite Shakespearian retellings, such as Romeo & Juliet). Read my review of The Vault of Verona here.

I am grateful for all of them and I greatly encourage you to forge such bonds with authors as a book reviewer. They’re happy for the reviews and the time you give them. So why not nudge them when you particularly love their work? Of course, don’t invade their privacy! But just a nudge or lovely comment with your review will help. 🙂

Moreover, these relationships mean that you have an author circle! So when you become one (being published), you will already have author friends who can back you up and stand by you. Help and kinship are always welcome! So, don’t miss out on this opportunity.

You will forge meaningful relationships and partnerships with publishers

This is very similar to point one, but they don’t become your friends. Instead, you become colleagues or partners, which is great! They trust you will provide them with reviews, and you get free books and insider news. But what’s interesting as an author here is you get to see how promotion and street teams work from the inside as a book reviewer.

Why is this important?

Whether you choose to go self-published or traditional, you will need book reviewers AND a street team to help you with promoting your work with love. So if you learn about it, like I said, from the inside, chances are you’ll be rolling with it from the moment you’re ready to publish or be published! Also, publishers love when authors get in the train and know how it works and promote or actively participate.

So, I’d say it’s win-win in this case: you get free books and insider news AND you learn for your future on how to promote your books.

You will experience surprises such as interviews and cover reveals, which will teach you on how to proceed when your own time comes

Another important point is that you will encounter surprises such as interview opportunities and cover reveals! I have to say this is a delight; interviews are fun, if a bit stressful, and cover reveals are exciting and help the authors you like.

But again, why is it noteworthy?

Same as the above point, you will learn how to conduct yourself during interviews in the future. As for cover reveals, you will now know how to manage them, how to contact the book reviewers and your street team, and how to actually do a cover reveal. Okay, as a book reviewer, you might not manage it, but you hear about it from the publishers and authors so you can prepare the cover reveals together.

And that is precious information. It also takes away future stress from it—or helps to, at least.

You will learn about the publishing world and how it works.

Now, you’ll be an insider. Maybe not on the writing side, but definitely an insider. Why? You’ll learn how ARCs and reviewing work, how blog tours and book tours are planned, the publishers’ different catalogs and preferences, Web sites used and how they work with their people (that can tell you a lot about how they might treat their authors as well!). Finally, you’ll get to participate in insider surveys, develop ideas to promote books and reviews, and you’ll get an inside look on their publishing calendar and how it works (that applies to self-published authors too, only they’re the ones to decide when and how they publish).

Conclusion

Through meaningful relationships with authors and publishers and learning about the publishing world, you’ll find yourself grasping the big gears of how publishing works for when you’re done writing your own book. And you know the bonus? You’ll have a hella great time going about it, too! Whether you’re new or already published, I believe you can learn from being an insider—there’s always something new to discover!

Tell me, have you thought about reviewing? And if you’re a book reviewer or an author, has reviewing helped you?

I’d love to hear your thoughts, so please leave a comment below!

See you next post, lovelies!

Hello: A Book Review

Book Reviews March 28, 2020 Leave a comment

Amazon.ca

Amazon.com

Jonathan Parker Bell's Web site

Genre: Poetry, Prose Poetry, Short Story
Pages: 123 (289 pages in the paperback edition)
ASIN: B07ZXM7JC6

ISBN: 9781687225122
Format: eBook (Kindle), paperback
Publication date: November 1st, 2019
Publisher: Self-Published
Type: Collection

*I received a free eCopy in exchange for an honest review. No compensation has been given and I write this book review willingly. A big thanks to Jonathan Bell!*

Introduction:

You know me, a poet myself and writer, and a great lover of the poetry in prose genre and short stories, I couldn’t resist Bell’s offer to review his prose poetry and short stories book. Plus, his publication age (he’s 15 years old!) really impressed me and his activism intrigued me, and so I wanted to help him out.

Let me tell you I don’t regret the choice I made!

The Blurb:

It's a risky business, saying hello. In "Hello," Jonathan Bell explores themes like hope, faith, adventure, loneliness, relationships, and life itself through insightfully crafted short stories and poems that transcend traditional genre boundaries. "Hello" is a cultural commentary, a longing for something more, and a voice speaking out and standing up.

The Positive Sides:

I noticed two things right away: the wit in his verses, which is admirable, and there’s such imagery! I feel like in another world yet I relate. His texts are so personal and profound, yet accessible, and all delivered with an enhanced vocabulary and beautiful, gripping, and surprising imagery. Seriously, these points are what made the book a success to me! It made me feel the stories, the emotions, and think about the different situations. Wonderful!

It’s very pleasant to read and touching, and I like how there are subtle activist messages about environment and the human nature. They were hard but satisfying to read because most of them ring true, at least to me.

There’s something intriguing he does in his writing. I sometimes do it myself in my poetry. The author intertwines nature with the texts, making it resound with importance, as well as putting important words such as “Hope” and “Someone Else” in capitals for a touching effect.

Finally, I couldn’t wait to resume reading every day. I would look forward to going to bed to read more of his prose and poetry, and most importantly, to feel intensely. Now, I feel stuff intensely on a daily basis, but his book really grabbed me to the point I connected with his words and they echoed in me. And it was all so beautiful, I just wanted to see what was in store next, and so on.

The Negative Sides:

Despite all these good sides, there is one thing that bothers me. The introduction, which is uninterested and careless is off-putting. It’s quite a shame because the rest of the book is wonderful and enriching!

There are people who read these introductions (like me!) and this one is more harmful than fun or informative. More professionalism is preferable in this particular aspect.

As you can see, my complaint isn’t about the work itself, the prose and poetry are great. But the introduction needs polishing.

In Conclusion:

While the introduction is upsetting, I’m telling you this book deserves to be read. Thanks to its relatability, its depth and sublime imagery, I give Hello by Jonathan Bell a rating of 5 out 5! I recommend it to all readers either for a discovery of the poetry in prose genre or for an emotional, poignant read that makes you think and feel.

If you want to learn more about the author, you can visit his Web site and you can also add Hello to your bookshelves on Goodreads

Build Your Best Writing Life: A Book Review

Book Reviews March 24, 2020 Leave a comment

Genre: Non-Fiction, Self-help

Pages: 200

ASIN: B08358CWF6

Format: eBook (Kindle/Kobo/Nook)

Publication date: February 7th, 2020

Publisher: Self-Published

Type: Nonfiction book

*I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. No compensation has been given and I write this book review willingly. A big thanks to dear Kristen Kieffer (whom I secretly admire)!*

Introduction:

I own every workbook by Kieffer as well as her Scrivener course (which is SO useful!) and I’ve been one of her newsletter subscribers for a few years now. So, when she sent out the invitation to review her Build Your Best Writing Life ARC to help her out, how could I not? I mean, I always find what she does to be helpful and excellent, so the book probably wouldn’t differ from her usual work. Plus, the invitation came at a dire time in my life where I needed writing more than ever to stay afloat.

And trust me, it impressed me, taught me essential stuff about the writing life, and helped me like I thought it would.

How about we explore it together?

The Blurb:

Is there a gap between where you are and where you want to be in your writing life?

Maybe you have a drawer full of unfinished manuscripts or a story idea you’re struggling to develop. Perhaps you’re frustrated with your writing progress or overwhelmed by creative doubt, burnout, or writer’s block. Or you just can’t seem to sit down and write.

No matter the roadblock standing between you and writing success, here’s the good news: You’re capable of becoming the writer you want to be—and that work can begin today. In this actionable and empowering guide to personal writing success, Kristen Kieffer shares 25 insightful chapters designed to help you:

Cultivate confidence in your skills and stories
Develop a personal writing habit you can actually sustain
Improve your writing ability with tools for intentional growth
Discover what you (really) want from your writing life—and how to get it!

By the end of Build Your Best Writing Life, you’ll know how to harness the simple techniques that can help you win your inner creative battles, finish projects you can be proud to share with the world, and work with focus to turn your writing dreams into reality.

The Positive Sides:

For starters, I learned several things, especially about the Resistance, such as the indifference I feel sometimes when I come to put pen to paper. I didn’t know what was wrong with me, and reading about this reassured me. Seriously, her book reaches out to us writers and our specific troubles, our hopes, and our vision. She gives interesting tips on how to recognize and battle resistance, which I think is invaluable if you want to create your best writing life. Her book is informative and tackles topics like what is inspiration and what are the two types of creative energy.

Moreover, I liked that Kieffer links to professionals in theirs fields like Laura Vanderkam for time management. This makes the author more credible and professional. I also love that she gives tidbits of how she came to be a writer and overcome these issues and so on. It’s nice to have a personal experience thrown in at some points. It makes the reading richer and more entertaining.

As for the quality of the writing itself, it is beautiful and approached in a friendly and caring manner. It’s also no nonsense about things such as doubt (among other issues) and how it can impact us and so on. Kieffer is matter-of-fact, such as in the topic of finding time to write. She won’t tell you what you want to hear, but instead present you with facts and how reality is different for each of us, etc. As a last point, I personally enjoyed that she uses battle metaphors against Resistance; this reminds me a lot of The War of Art by Steven Pressfield.

In addition to these great points, she explores several important notions, concepts and issues experienced by writers. She tackles the external need for validation and the best way to cultivate confidence. Also, she talks about what habit is and why it is good and essential for writers. It’s very interesting to see its various benefits. Want tips and principles on how to find and make time to write? She’s got you covered! I liked the creative mindset chapter and loved the habit triggers part. Her explanation made me understand those better and now I want to try a few out! I loved her genuine thoughts against the productivity hot topic for writers that they have to write more etc when it’s a creative activity! Kieffer also explores writer’s block and its causes in detail and what we can do to help ourselves overcome it or deal with it. She is quite positive even in the face of doubts and taking action. It is inspiring and reassuring. She even goes into details on how to choose between traditional and indie, and she goes into details for the author career paths like the four business models we can use. Superb! And several chapters offer well-chosen and helpful questions meant to make you think about what you want and who you are as a writer. All the while, she goes deep into the subjects in a concise manner.

Lastly, kudos for mentioning fan fiction naturally while other writers shy away from or deride this creative outlet. I started out as a fan fiction writer too, so it always pleases me to see others respect this type of writing.

The Negative Sides:

Honestly, I would have preferred more tips and information about how to organize and build a writing routine. As one who struggles with this, I feel there wasn’t enough depth and guidance. It’s unfortunate, as the book is otherwise perfect!

In Conclusion:

Despite the lack of information about organizing and building a writing routine, all the rest of the book was immensely captivating and insightful. Thus, for the sheer helpfulness of this book and the joy and enthusiasm I felt reading it, I give Build Your Best Writing Life by Kristen Kieffer a rating of 5 out 5! I recommend it to all types of writers, both beginners and seasoned, and mostly to those considering a serious career in writing (or a more serious hobby)!

If you want to learn more about the author, you can visit her very informative Web site, you can also follow her on Twitter, Facebook, Amazon author page and Goodreads. You can also add Build Your Best Writing Life to your bookshelves on Goodreads.

Satisfaction & Enjoyment in a Social Distancing Time

chit-chatting with Cat, poetry March 22, 2020 Leave a comment

Hello folks!

I hope you're taking care of yourselves and keeping healthy. Today's post is special and about taking care of ourselves during this social distancing and crisis time. It's not easy, but there are benefits to being stuck at home… Let's explore them together!

For those of you who are used to commuting and working in-house, this is a big change BUT one you should look at with joy of discovery. Why? As a freelancer, I can tell you these delightful perks of working at home:

You get to eat snacks whenever you want (and wherever in your home)
You can go to the bathroom as many times as you need! No asking anyone. MAGIC!

I'm not joking here, these are quite important perks. Mostly if you love snacking (whatever floats your boat) and I'm someone who always needs to go to the bathroom. Silly small bladder! So if you're like me, enjoy them while they're within your reach!

Also, and this applies both to freelancers and those stuck at home: you have more calm or leisure time. You know how we go about our days, running to do this task, getting the kids ready, going to work, then cooking dinner, getting the kids to sleep (gosh… not an easy one), and finally when you think you have time for yourself, well oops, you have to go to bed? Yeah, me too (not with the kids, though, not yet).

But what's so great about this social distancing opportunity, you may ask? Well, we're all forced to slow down. And in a rushed day-to-day routine, this is a gem! We get to breathe, relax, and enjoy our time. Instead of rushing to do all the things you'd normally do, you have the kids at home (or elders you're taking care of, kudos to you!), your remote work, then… what? Exactly! You have little else to do now.

Thus, why not take advantage of this situation? Instead of mourning all the things you can't do anymore (R.I.P. my takeout iced coffee), find pleasure in what you usually have not time for, and pick up passions or hobbies you left behind. Perhaps it's knitting, blogging, writing, painting, building models, whatever you fancy! Pick it up and have fun. Focus on what you have the time for right now.

You can now breathe, relax, have fun. Be satisfied with your life, with slowing down, with taking your time. Okay, it's a forced period, but why not make the best of it?

Go on, pick up that passion or hobby of yours! It misses you.

Speaking of passion, I decided to publish this poem of mine to help you find and/or nurture your passion during these hard times. I hope you enjoy! Leave me a comment if you do, or if you want to tell me what your passion/hobby is that you want to devote time to in this situation!

A Passion

Desired hard work

A chosen ritual

Or are you the chosen?

It is impossible to tell

But you enthusiastically

Let this discovery lead you

A siren's relentless call

So profound

You shiver and yearn

Every second to answer

Like a sailor leaning over

The side of the ship

You give in and follow

Your instincts and pure love

Ready to enhance your skills

And enjoying the journey

You dive deep, enthralled,

Into this passion of yours

Author Guest Post: I. L. Cruz on Fairytale Retellings and Diversity

Blog Tours March 14, 2020 Comments: 2

Hello, folks!

Remember the blog tour in which I'm taking part? Well, the day has come!

I hope you enjoy I. L. Cruz's touching and insightful guest post about fairytale retellings.

Have fun reading Reimagining the Imaged and don't forget to read to the end for there is an excerpt from her latest book in her Enchanted Isles fantasy series, A Noble's Path.

Reimagining the Imagined: Fairy Tale Retellings

At the time, the moment seemed unimportant. My best friend and I were playing Snow White, but it was understood I wouldn’t be Snow White. I didn’t question it at the time. I was far from being snowy white—I am a dark-skinned Latina—and my best friend was, so I played the huntsman. It didn’t bother me because I never gave it a second thought.

Years later, I was reading fairy tales to my daughter and as an adult I read them with a keener eye than when I was a child. The women were passive and all suffered from some martyr complex. At least the main characters did. It's what started my writer’s journey—wanting to read something other than what was available.

Those two elements are the basis for my love of fairy tale retellings and why I think they exist. Both the need to see oneself reflected in stories and the feeling that somehow what does exist can be improved upon. Do you like Cinderella but wish she was less subservient and maybe make her Native American or Mongolian? Have you always liked the story of Red Riding Hood, but wished she could save herself? Do you feel the giant was the wronged party considering Jack snuck into his home and stole his harp? All these scenarios are the start of fairy tale retellings.

Fairy tales are like building blocks. They form a rough structure for a more complete story, like writing prompts just begging to be used for a fuller story. And what better way to make the tales from a time so long ago more relevant to modern readers than by making sure a modern audience sees itself in the story. It’s what gave me the idea for my current series, The Enchanted Isles. It’s set in a fictional world full of characters from Mother Goose rhymes. The main character, Inez Garza, is an independent and resourceful Latina, who embraces adventures despite not because of her love interest.

And that’s the fun of fairy tale retellings—they allow the reader and the writer to imagine new and exciting ideas set in a story that everyone knows. That way anyone can play Snow White and no one will question it.

A Noble’s Path: An Enchanted Isles Novel (Enchanted Path Series, Book 2)

By I.L. Cruz

Book Blurb:

Divided loyalties test Inez Garza.

The infamous incident at the Academy of Natural Studies has forced her to work for the King’s Men while continuing to serve the hidden market.

Supporting Birthright furthers the cause of Magical Return, but the cost may be the fall of the royal house and losing Zavier forever.

And the strongest pull of all is her growing and erratic magic, which demands everything and offers only destruction in return.

Inez must decide where her loyalties lie—saving Canto or saving herself.

The Excerpt

The morning dew had given way to a chill humidity. The songbirds that hadn’t left for warmer climes started tuning up their whistles and calls. Snow would come early this year. After the usual stifling heat of the hidden market, it felt frigid in the open air. I pulled my coat closer, causing a rustle of Áliz’s list of KM. I had little time to memorize it, but keeping it on me was a great danger. The KM were no kinder to traitors than the hidden market was to theirs.

I reached for the list, but stopped myself when I heard a distinctive footfall behind me.

“Hey! What did the Empress want?” asked Jacque, calling the Jabberwocky by his personal nickname for her. He bounced on the balls of his feet, his lithe frame blocking my path.

“How did you know we talked?” I asked.

His near-perfect teeth shone in a mischievous grin. Jacque was one of the best fences I knew, able to reach out to wealthy clients because of his celebrity status as a stunt performer. It helped that he didn’t look like a criminal, with his handsome features. To them his smuggling activities were a sideline, but I knew smuggling was his priority. That acrobatics brought fame, not fortune—not that money was a problem for him anymore. Delaware Humphrey’s fortune looked good on him. Jacque had traded his patched clothes for custom made. Even for his night gig.

“How often does the Jabberwocky close the market? About as often as one of her smugglers get pinched to work for the enemy,” was his reply. “I knew the market going dark had to be about you.” He withdrew a miniature blaze burner from his coat pocket and it flared almost instantly. He didn’t flinch as his callused fingers caressed the flames.

“Are you waiting for applause? Yes, it was about me. Anyway, shouldn’t you be retrieving my egg stash?” I asked.

“Already done. You’ll see a nice little profit from that—not that you need it,” he said. Jacque was one of the few smugglers who knew I was the daughter of the second most powerful noble in Canto, right after the royal family. My mother’s title meant I never had to worry about money like most smugglers, but that didn’t mean I turned my nose up at extra cash. Funding rebels was expensive.

“I could say the same about you. Have you moved yet?” I asked. Jacque had come into a tidy sum after his half-brother, Delaware Humphrey, was killed.

“Not quite and don’t think I haven’t noticed you changed the subject. What did the Empress say?” He continued to fiddle with the mini blaze burner.

“I’m suspended until further notice,” I said, not wanting to tell him about my assignment of spying to redeem myself. The other smugglers at the hidden market had been making themselves scarce when I was around. Working with the KM wasn’t a way to endear myself with a bunch of mercenaries and thieves. Then it occurred to me that Jacque was still hanging around… Why?

I would never have suspected Jacque of spying on me but in that instant it occurred to me. Had he struck some deal with the Jabberwocky? I’d barely begun my covert operations and was already feeling paranoid.

Book details:

Publisher: Bosky Flame Press
Author: I.L. Cruz
Cover Artist: Jack Baker
Page Count: 236
Word Count: 69,000

ISBN (Digital): 9781732547131
ISBN (Print): 9781732547148
Release Date: January 31, 2020

You can purchase A Noble's Path using this link leading to your favourite bookstore: Buy A Noble's Path

The Author:

I.L. Cruz decided to make writing her full-time career during the economic downturn in 2008. Since then she’s used her BA in International Relations to sow political intrigue in her fantasy worlds and her MA in history to strive for the perfect prologue. When she’s not engaged in this mad profession she indulges her wanderlust as often as possible, watches too much sci-fi and reads until her eyes cross. She lives in Maryland with her husband, daughter and a sun-seeking supermutt named Dipper.

Find her on Twitter @ILCruzWrites

or her blog, Fairytale Feminista at https://fairytalefeminista.wordpress.com

And her website www.booksbyilcruz.com

A Blog Tour For A Noble’s Path

Blog Tours March 8, 2020 Leave a comment

Hello, cherished folks!

So, I've got thrilling news: I'm taking part in a blog tour for the book A Noble's Path by I. L. Cruz!

It's my first ever blog tour, so I am ecstatic!

You'll be able to read an excellent and intriguing author guest post along with an excerpt from her novel on the 14th of March on this very blog.

Also, the blog tour started yesterday. Have fun visiting other blogs and Web sites for the event as they have great content as well!

Here are the blog tour dates:

I can't wait to share what we have in store for you, folks!

Enjoy.

See you next post, lovelies!

Twisted Reunion: A Book Review

Book Reviews March 6, 2020 Leave a comment

Genre: Horror, Dark Fiction, Thriller

Pages: 280

ASIN: B016PVWZBY

ISBN: 9781938475177)

Format: eBook (Kindle), Hardcover, Audiobook

Publication date: December 22nd, 2015

Publisher: Vincere Press

Type: Short story collection

*I received a free eCopy in exchange for an honest review. No compensation has been given and I write this book review willingly. A big thanks to dear Mark Tullius and BookTasters!*

Introduction:

Last year, I started reading horror. It's a new literary genre for me, although I watch a lot of horror movies. But to this day, I yet hadn't reviewed a book in this genre. So when I saw Twisted Reunion, which offers 28 dark and creepy short stories, I figured it would be the best entrypoint into reviewing horror. Short stories read well and fast, and to be honest, the descriptions of a few of his stories really drew me in. His characters seemed all so different, raw, and his stories indeed twisted and intriguing. I am so glad I received a free eCopy of Twisted Reunion!

The Blurb:

Plunge deep into disturbing darkness with these 28 short stories. Explore heartache, fleeting happiness, and horror in this fascinating collection.

Experience chills as you read these creepy stories and more:

• A pornographer's horrific early morning ritual

• A beautiful baby boy who knows what he wants

• An engineer sees life on the other side of the tracks

• A drug run goes awry

• A family's unique Christmas tradition

• An artist whose paintings become reality

• A man who longs to rid himself of an annoying companion

• A child terrified by things that slither and ooze in the night

• Come join a soldier on the run in the jungle

• An old man's quest for the perfect photo

• A woman who sniffs out killers

• A life coach whose own brand of “therapy” goes way beyond cruel and unusual

• A young man who can't let go of the past

(Seriously, this blurb is everything. These are just a few of his weird, unique ideas which make up his fantastic short story collection.)

The Positive Sides:

First of all, his ideas are really original and creepy and well-advertised as twisted. Each of them either gave me goosebumps or made me feel a weight in my stomach. I love them! Plus, all the situations and characters are so varied! I will definitely read more by this author. Speaking of characters, most of the main characters are likeable and relatable in some way. But gosh, do I freaking hate his villains and antagonists! They are despicable, believable, true to their awful character, and so well done. I also noticed and loved the diversity present in this book! There are people of colours and LGBTQs, among others. It's a really nice touch for minorities to be in stories, and it stays true to us (at least I can say so from the LGBTQ's POV). His characters are of all ages too, which makes the reading even more interesting with a lot of flavour. (It reminds me of BBQ, flavour… Hmmm, BBQ.)

As for the writing itself, I have high praise for him. All of his short stories are expertly structured with the clues cleverly disseminated throughout. They were a pleasure to read, the rhythm was great as well. I loved it! Plus, his dialogues feel natural. They're a lot of fun to read and flow smoothly, back and forth between the characters with ease. It's as though we're eavesdropping. But don't tell them, shhhhh!

Finally, there are a lot of surprises sprinkled in the stories! I had such a blast reading this book. Mostly, when I finished a story, I kept reading another and another and another… just because I wondered "What would he pull out next?!" That's how great this collection is.

The Negative Sides:

Despite all these great points, I've noticed two things that bother me. The first is how in the story "Out There", the name Mike keeps changing to Matt then back to Mike. It's rather annoying and confusing. Also, while his stories are twisted and creepy, they're not scary per se (except for the second one in the collection, this one gave me the creeps, haha!). I think it should be marketed as twisted and dark only, with a dose of horror without it being classified as horror, maybe? But don't get me wrong: they're EXCELLENT! I've enjoyed Tullius's stories a lot, I just think the book isn't labeled correctly. Or maybe it takes a lot to scare me. I'm not sure about which one is the right way to go. Either way, I'm not taking any stars away for this, I just figured it was worth mentioning, that's all.

In Conclusion:

With all these positive sides, such as the originality and creepiness of the stories, as well as the diversity of the characters and the sheer FUN I had reading his book, I give Twisted Reunion by Mark Tullius a rating of 5 out of 5. You can't go wrong with this book, I assure you. It was better than I expected and I was expecting a fun time already. I was surprised, enthralled, shocked, amused, creeped out, and so many other glorious emotions. If you love anything dark, twisted, horror… Give this collection a try, really. Like I said earlier in the review, I will definitely read more by this author, and I think you'd do yourself a favour by doing the same.

If you want to learn more about the author, you can visit his Web site, you can also follow him on Instagram (mark_tullius), Twitter, Amazon author page, Facebook, and Goodreads. Love podcasts? Listen to his. You can also add Twisted Reunion to your bookshelves on Goodreads.

**Please note that there are affiliate links in this post. This means that I make a percentage off your purchase, but it doesn't cost you anything more than the price you pay for your purchase. Thank you very much! 🙂