October ARC Reviews (Advanced Reader Copy)

Title: Enchanting October Reads 

A Review of Upcoming Halloween-themed Books

October has been a delightful month for me as a book blogger. I’ve been fortunate enough to receive a few Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs)—a pre-release version of a book given out to generate buzz and reviews. This month, I’m diving into some spine-chilling, Halloween-themed reads. I'll be sharing my thoughts on three books this week and three next week, all set to be released this month by incredibly talented authors.

Ready or Not by Alina May

In her quest to find her missing friend, the socially awkward Rachel finds herself with zero leads. To honor her friend’s memory, she decides to follow through on their original plan: walking through the local haunted corn maze. Unbeknownst to her, this seemingly innocent journey catches the attention of psychopathic step-siblings Riley and Manson. Caught in the middle of their twisted games, Rachel becomes their unwilling pawn as they each try to outdo the other in claiming her. Forced to play their hide-and-seek games—despite being a terrible hider—Rachel’s ordeal becomes a nightmarish struggle for survival.

My Thoughts : I was thoroughly captivated by this book—it kept me on my toes the whole time. I initially believed Riley was a fictional character (not sure why), but that twist caught me by surprise. Although this theme/trope isn't typically my go-to, I found myself enjoying it immensely. In fact, I loved it so much that I even bought a signed edition from Alina May. 

You can snag "Ready or Not" for free on Kindle Unlimited.

Ready or Not by Jenn Plummer

Set in the quaint town of Aspen Ridge, this Halloween novella introduces us to Wes Draven, a private investigator. While stopping by the local coffee shop, he unexpectedly encounters his son's ex-girlfriend, Lilith. Wes has always been drawn to her, sensing there's more to her than meets the eye. As Halloween approaches, a night when Lilith lets her true self emerge, Wes plans to seize the moment. Will he win her over? You'll have to read to find out.

My Thoughts: I'll admit, I was a bit hesitant to dive into this book due to the age-gap romance theme, which usually isn't my cup of tea. However, Jenn Plummer's masterful storytelling quickly won me over, and she's now firmly on my list of favorite authors. This novella skillfully weaves together multiple tropes, with Wes Draven epitomizing the dominant bad boy archetype. The narrative had me hooked from the first page, and I devoured it within a few hours. My only quibble is that it's a novella rather than a full-length novel—I simply wanted more time with these compelling characters and the atmospheric, small-town Halloween setting.

You can grab a copy of this Halloween novella for free on Kindle Unlimited or purchase the paperback edition!

Wicked Obsidian by Mortala's

In this spine-chilling Halloween novella, we follow Bella as she moves away from her overbearing parents, seeking freedom and solace. Haunted by thoughts of her ex-foster brother, Rico Hades, who vanished without a trace, Bella's determination to break free intensifies. On Halloween night, a mysterious invitation to an exclusive haunted house arrives, promising to exploit her deepest fears.

Unbeknownst to Bella, this haunted house is a living nightmare created solely for her torment. Rico has meticulously transformed the house into a personal hell, turning each room into a trap designed to ensnare her. No matter how desperately she tries to escape, Bella finds herself ensnared in Rico's twisted game, with no way out.

My Thoughts: This book was a whirlwind of danger, thrill, and sheer madness. Never before have I encountered a story quite like this—each page was an intense, exhilarating ride that left me questioning everything. Mortala’s extraordinary writing had my adrenaline pumping, making me feel as though I was right beside Bella, enduring every twisted moment with her. The over 50 trigger warnings are woven seamlessly into the narrative, enhancing the dark, depraved tale of love without a trace of romance. I wholeheartedly recommend this book, but let me stress: this is not a dark romance. It’s a deep dive into a version of love that is profoundly dark and utterly consuming.

EST. OCTOBER 31ST KINDLE AND PAPERBACK RELEASE

Stay tuned as I review three more hauntingly good ARCs next week. Each book brings a unique flavor to the Halloween season, and I’m excited to share my thoughts with you all.

Glint: Raven Kennedy: Plated Prisoner: Book 2

 

GILD BY RAVEN KENNEDY

Prepare to be swept away into a world where magic and reality intertwine, as Raven Kennedy’s ‘Glint’ takes you on an unforgettable journey of discovery and resilience.

Blurb: 

For ten years, I've lived in a gilded cage inside inside King Midas's golden castle. But one night changed everything. Now I'm here, a prisoner in Fourth Kingdom's army, and I'm not sure if I am going to make it out of this in one piece. They're marching to battle, and I'm the bargaining chip that will either douse the fire or spark a war. At the heart of my fear, my worry, there's him-- Commander Rip. Known for this brutality on the battlefield, his viciousness is matched only by his unexpected compassion. As the lines between friend and foe blur, I must navigate a treacherous path to find my freedom and discover who I truly am.

Book Review
“Glint” by Raven Kennedy is a captivating continuation of Auren’s journey, a character who truly comes into her own in this installment. As Auren navigates a world that constantly tries to define her, she finds her strength and identity amidst the chaos, making her journey deeply inspiring.

One of the standout aspects of “Glint” is the unexpected plot twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Just when you think you have the story figured out, Raven Kennedy throws in a twist that changes everything, making for a thrilling and heart-pounding read.

The relationships between characters add significant depth and tension to the narrative. The dynamic between Auren and other key players, especially Commander Rip, is particularly compelling, showcasing a range of emotions and complexities that enrich the story and tug at your heartstrings.

Raven Kennedy masterfully crafts a world in “Glint” that is as enchanting as it is tangible, blending the fantastical with the real. Her characters, with their flaws and relatable struggles, draw you in and keep you hooked. “Glint” transcends the boundaries of a typical fantasy tale, delving deep into themes of freedom, identity, and resilience. As secrets unravel and hidden truths come to light, the story takes on an air of mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end, making it a profound and emotionally compelling read.

With its unforgettable characters and masterful storytelling, “Glint” is a shining gem in the realm of fantasy literature that will leave you eagerly awaiting the next installment, especially since Raven Kennedy is renowned for her cliffhangers that leave you open-mouthed and begging for more.




“Sometimes,” he murmurs, “things need first to be ruined in order to then be remade.”


― Raven Kennedy, Glint

The Doorway to Hell by Stephen Bonniol

The Doorway to Hell 

Book Description: 

Imagine stepping through a shimmering, mist-like doorway into a different world—a world with three suns, the same ones we see in Orion’s Belt during winter. In this strange place, a magical voice, like a celestial Google, answers your every question, whether spoken or thought. This is the dilemma Jim Dunford faces as he finds himself in a mysterious realm inhabited by bizarre creatures and unspeakable horrors. Jim embarks on an extraordinary journey of enlightenment, discovering his unique role in this new world. 

Will he uncover his purpose? Can he find a way back to Earth? Read to find out more!

Book Review:

I recently read this novella "Doorway to Hell" and wanted to share my thoughts. This is not a typical genre that I would read, but I absolutely loved it. Initially, I was hesitant thinking it might be a political book, but was pleasantly surprised to find it had nothing to do with politics. 

The Author did an incredible job of world building combining various elements, beliefs and histories into a captivating story. The title had me on the edge of my seat, anticipating the bad to come, but the main characters blissful state at first was a fascinating contrast. It made me think of what an LSD or mushroom trip might be like, first the good trip, the the bad. 

At the beginning, I wondered how Jim felt about being in an alternate dimension, as it wasn't described in detail. He seemed very chill about the experience, whereas I would have been terrified and desperate to get home. However, as the story progressed, I could feel Jim's panic and frustration, which added depth to his character. 

I continued to think about this book long after I had finished it and I even reread it. I would highly recommend this novella to anyone. 

It is an amazing read, and I definitely give it 5 stars! I hope to purchase a copy in the future.

For full disclosure, I was chosen as an Arc Reader and willingly chose to write this review.