I stumbled upon Hemlock by Kiersten Modglin in an offering to review. The story narrated by Brittany Pressley quickly pulled me in. Atmospheric, dark and twisted, this romantic thriller is perfect for fans of romantic suspense, psychological thrillers and audios like Verity.

Hemlock
by Kiersten Modglin
Narrator: Brittany Pressley
Length: 10 hours and 8 minutes
Genres: Suspense Thriller
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:
Narration: 4 cups Speed: 1.5x

She thought she’d escaped her poisonous past…

Thirteen years ago, Maggie Ellis left her small town and vowed to never return. In her rearview mirror were two men she loved and an ominous secret that would forever haunt her.

Now, tragedy has brought her back, and she’s determined to forget that fateful night. But in a town like Myers, with familiar faces and chilling memories lurking around every corner, moving on is easier said than done.

Before the ink can dry on the closing documents for her new residence, Maggie begins to feel unsettled. In every room, there’s the unmistakable sensation she’s being watched. The strange sounds, odd smells, and bizarre occurrences only add to her paranoia.

There’s something sinister about her new home…

When she discovers the devastating truth about the house and its grim history, Maggie’s worst fears are realized. In order to survive, she must unearth the secrets she’d always planned to keep buried.

After all, they say that home is where the heart is, but as Maggie knows, home is also where the skeletons lie.

Seamlessly blurring the edges between psychological thriller and romantic suspense, million-copy bestselling author Kiersten Modglin brings us a dark and twisted romantic thriller, perfect for fans of Verity , Tell Me Lies , The Ghost Writer , and YOU .

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Maggie Ellis returns to the small-town she grew up in, after her mother passes. Thirteen years have passed since she left. She buys a house site unseen, that she remembers liking from the curb growing up. Maggie left Meyers, in part because of two men she loved there and the tale that unfolds pulls the listener in and never lets them go.

To be honest, I did not realize the romantic elements of this story and thought it was more about the house and the secrets. It is a clever story, with a realistic vibe and a healthy dose of creep factor.

The house has its own dark story, and a haunted vibe that kept me engaged as we learned more about Maggie, her neighbor, the house and the men/boys who broke her heart. The story is told both in present and the past with a bit of a love triangle, but do not let that deter you. Maggie is flawed and sometimes she absolutely annoyed me both in the way she allowed others to treat her and how she treated others, particularly Tucker. This dark romantic suspense thriller unravels with plot twists, perfect pacing, and an intriguing story.

I loved You and Verity and think this has a similar vibe. Brittany Pressley did a wonderful job of capturing the voice of Maggie and handled both Clayton and Tucker’s characters well. She enhanced the overall tale, and I recommend listening.

Amazon | Audible

Source

Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/01/hemlock-by-kiersten-modglin.html

In The Relic Revolver, author Jeffrey Touchstone delves into a gripping narrative where the protagonist, Jack, finds his hometown devastated by demonic forces. This catastrophic event catapults him into an otherworldly realm, poised precariously between Heaven and Hell. Driven by a desire to rescue his beloved Sarah and seek retribution for his town, Jack discovers a prophecy that positions him as the potential savior of mankind, destined to ascend Heaven’s throne.

Touchstone’s novel is an exhilarating journey through a landscape rich in mystical elements. His writing style is captivating, adeptly crafting scenes filled with horror, despair, and a compelling sense of the supernatural. The blend of horror and fantasy elements creates a tense and thrilling ambiance, ensuring that readers remain thoroughly engaged. The book opens with an immediate plunge into chaos, setting the tone for a wild and unpredictable adventure. Touchstone’s consistent narrative pace keeps the story engaging, firmly establishing The Relic Revolver as a compelling read.

Character development is a strong suit of Touchstone’s writing, particularly with Jack, the central character. Jack’s internal struggles, coupled with his vulnerabilities and uncertainties, add significant depth to the narrative, fostering a connection between him and the reader. The combat scenes in the novel are vivid and intense, successfully conveying a sense of urgency and emotional complexity as Jack confronts unearthly adversaries. Touchstone exhibits exceptional skill in world-building, creating an expansive and layered universe that is both imaginative and immersive. The crisp dialogue enhances the authenticity of the characters, further drawing readers into the story.

Exploring themes such as courage, fear, and love, the narrative invites readers to delve into its mysteries, promising a journey filled with intrigue and discovery. Touchstone’s The Relic Revolver is a world to get lost in, offering a rich tapestry of themes and experiences that resonate long after the final page is turned.

Pages: 358 | ASIN : B0CBQ79WSY

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/01/22/the-relic-revolver/

Make the Dark Night Shine, by Alan Lessik, is an evocative and intricately woven narrative that transports readers to the shores of Constantinople through the eyes of Kenzo Uchida, a Japanese foreign ambassador. Set against the backdrop of the interwar period, the novel captures Kenzo’s incredible transformation, as he navigates a complex web of love, loss, friendship, and an unexpected career shift. Lessik’s prose is rich and rhythmic, creating an almost lyrical quality that enhances the storytelling.

The novel unfolds as a recollection to Kenzo’s daughter, unknown to him, providing a deeply personal perspective on a turbulent historical era. Characters vividly recount their experiences of the First World War, setting the stage for the impending Second World War. Kenzo, along with his advisor and partner Mitsu, discovers a life starkly different from their homeland upon their arrival in Constantinople. The narrative details their adjustment to foreign customs, aided by their new acquaintances Gul and Elisa, a refugee with aspirations of high society. As the story progresses to Paris and edges closer to another war, the lives of these characters gradually unravel, depicting the subtle yet unstoppable forces of change. The novel explores themes of destiny and decision-making, emphasizing the belief that while we cannot control life’s trajectory, we can have faith in our choices. Family dynamics, both by choice and by bloodline, are central to the narrative, underscoring the interconnectedness of life. Lessik’s novel is a masterful blend of personal journey and historical context while maintaining an uplifting spirit even in its darker moments.

Make the Dark Night Shine is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, offering a poignant and thoughtful reflection on life’s complexities. Its narrative never feels hurried or overwrought, but rather presents an honest account of one man’s journey through a life marked by both privilege and challenges. This book is a compelling read, offering insights that resonate well beyond its final page.

Pages: 334 | ASIN : B0CGYZF33J

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/01/22/make-the-dark-night-shine/

Infinity 7: War of Gods, by Braxton Cosby and Keshawn Dodds, offers an expansive narrative that intertwines the fates of a group of friends, each bestowed with unique ethereal abilities. These abilities elevate them to a status known as “Super-Normal,” a term used for those who have evolved beyond typical human capabilities. The storyline unfolds as the protagonists navigate the challenges of reuniting their team while contending with a prejudiced faction intent on eliminating Super-Normals. Adding to the complexity is the antagonist, Stratus, whose ruthless pursuit of power leaves a trail of devastation. His ambition to dominate Earth poses an imminent threat, especially as Super-Normals face increasing scrutiny.

A notable aspect of the book is the engaging and contemporary dialogue among the characters. The banter, often infused with humor, brings a sense of levity to the otherwise intense narrative. Lydia, in particular, stands out with her sharp wit, providing moments of amusement. The use of current social media references and modern slang integrates seamlessly into the dialogue, enhancing the book’s relatability and adding depth to the diverse cast of characters. While the book presents a rich tapestry of characters, I feel that navigating their real names and aliases offers an intricate layer to the narrative. This aspect, though occasionally challenging, adds to the depth of the story. I believe that a character guide at the beginning could enhance the reader’s experience, aiding in appreciating the full spectrum of personalities within the story. The book cleverly uses the concept of alter egos where characters exhibit shifts in personality when assuming their Super-Normal identities, a creative nod to classic superhero narratives.

Infinity 7: War of Gods is a compelling read for those who enjoy fast-paced action and the dynamics of a found family. The book’s action sequences are vibrant and engaging, complemented by an inventive superpower system that is likely to captivate its audience.

Pages: 350 | ASIN : B0CNS6JWT1

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/01/22/infinity-7-war-of-gods/

Deborah Carter Martin’s Hunnie Bunny’s Christmas Wish is a charming tale that introduces young readers to the values of sharing and the spirit of Christmas. The story unfolds with Hunnie Bunny, the protagonist, who is thrilled to see the first snow of the season. Her ensuing adventure through the forest is depicted with a sense of wonder and excitement. As she encounters a pair of cardinals, a simple conversation about a tree leads to a heartwarming endeavor of decorating it for the community to enjoy. This act of collective decoration, with items like berries and pinecones, becomes a focal point for the animals to gather and celebrate.

Hunnie Bunny, with her endearing and friendly nature, becomes a catalyst for bringing the forest animals together. Her character exemplifies kindness and the joy of sharing, serving as an inspiring figure for young readers. Martin’s narrative style is both cheerful and engaging, effectively conveying the message that the essence of Christmas transcends receiving gifts and lies more in the joy of giving and harmony. The book’s illustrations complement the story beautifully, with vivid colors and expressive characters that add to the playful and enthusiastic atmosphere of the story. The story skillfully interweaves themes of friendship, tradition, and kindness.

Martin’s writing displays a deep understanding of positive concepts for children, showcasing that acts of helping can be as fulfilling as play. The plot, imbued with tenderness much like its protagonist, offers a captivating and enjoyable reading experience for children. Hunnie Bunny’s Christmas Wish is a celebration of camaraderie, good manners, and the joy found in assisting others.

Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0CQ256DG3

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/01/22/hunnie-bunnys-christmas-wish/

In Codex, Lisa Towles crafts a compelling narrative that intricately weaves the themes of espionage and personal struggle. The protagonist, Angus Mariner, embarks on a quest fueled by revenge and a search for truth following the death of his wife. Believing Wendell Peters to be implicated in this tragedy, Angus’s journey leads him into a labyrinth of conspiracy that extends beyond a mere wealthy adversary.

Towles’s narrative prowess shines as the plot unfolds with unexpected twists, masterfully subverting the reader’s expectations. Initially framed as a quest for retribution against a suspected murderer, the story evolves into a complex tapestry involving characters wielding significant influence and wealth. The emotional depth of Angus grappling with his wife’s loss resonates throughout the novel, adding a layer of poignancy to his quest. Elaine, Angus’s sister, emerges as a memorable character, enhancing the story with her dynamic interactions with Angus.

Towles’s use of vivid descriptions effectively immerses readers, bringing to life the characters’ emotions and actions in a way that is both visual and visceral. Incorporating a keen attention to detail, Codex is a novel that rewards attentive readers. Throughout the narrative, Towles deftly plants subtle clues that could easily be overlooked, yet they are integral to fully appreciating the intricacies of the plot. This aspect of the novel enhances the reading experience, inviting readers to engage deeply with the story and its unfolding mysteries. While the novel concludes on a note that leaves readers anticipating more, it does so in a satisfying and intriguing manner. This anticipation sets the stage for the sequel, making Codex a memorable addition to psychological thrillers.

Codex is a finely crafted story that skillfully blends espionage elements with deep emotional undercurrents. The journey of Angus Mariner is not just a pursuit of vengeance but also an exploration of personal loss and resilience. Towles’s ability to surprise the reader with plot twists and her skill in creating vivid, emotionally resonant characters make this a standout book.

Pages: 373

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/01/22/codex/