Review – The Human Hybrid Odyssey by A McDonald, K Witt, K Jarta #aaronmcdonald #kimathiwitt #kawsajatta

Posted on September 16, 2025 by fundinmental

MY REVIEW

Did you see the cover for The Human Hybrid Odyssey: Forever Changed written by Aaron McDonald and Kimathi Witt, and illustrated by Kawsa Jatta? It sure did make me curious about what I would find inside. I was not disappointed. There are some wonderful illustrations, and I love them. They add a little something extra to the novel.

I love apocalyptic/dystopian novels and The Human Hybrid Odyssey is a fresh take on a familiar genre. Catastrophic storms wiped out humanity as we knew it. A new breed of genetically altered hybrids arise from the aftermath.

Forever Changed is the first volume in the series, an introduction to a world in which the survivors struggle to create a life for themselves and are forced to leave their home and set off on a journey to the safety of the kingdom. I love all the creatures.

Nosoo is an intriguing character. His one moment of cowardice sets him off on an adventure that will test him and could cost him his life. His bravery may be spurred on because of his cowardice, his need to redeem himself in the eyes of his village.

I bounced between a 3 and 4 star rating because I wanted more depth and detail. The book is 170 pages of goodness, but I wasn’t able to get lost, though I did read straight through. I had to know what was going to happen next and I can hardly wait to get my hands on the second book in the series.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos — 4 Stars

GUEST POST

The Human Hybrid Odyssey: From Inspiration to Imagination

Every great story begins with a spark—and for The Human Hybrid Odyssey, that spark came from a set of stunning illustrations. Coauthor Aaron McDonald first shared the extraordinary images of half-human, half-animal hybrids, created by illustrator Kawsu Jatta, with coauthor Kimathi Witt. Immediately, the two began imagining the origins of such beings. How did they come to exist? What kind of world would they inhabit? Those questions set the stage for what would become an ever-expanding creative journey.

From a Single Idea to a Growing Saga

What started as a vivid “what if” quickly grew into a fully developed series. Today, The Human Hybrid Odyssey is available as a paperback, eBook, and audiobook—with a graphic novel adaptation in production right now. Each format lets fans experience the hybrids’ world in a new dimension, ensuring that every type of reader can step into the odyssey.

Beyond the Page: Immersive Creations

The vision didn’t stop at books. Our team has brought these characters to life in posters, 3D-printed statues, and even a custom chess game, each piece connecting fans more deeply with the story’s universe. And the adventure is only beginning—we are preparing to bring the hybrids to the big screen and, eventually, to your favorite streaming platforms.

A Platform by Authors, for Authors

Alongside our creative projects, we’re passionate about empowering other storytellers. That’s why we launched MWJ Books, a cost-sharing platform that allows authors to advertise their work at an extremely affordable price. Built by authors who understand the challenges of publishing, the platform helps writers overcome one of the most difficult—and expensive—parts of the journey: consistent, effective promotion.

Powered by Readers Like You

Perhaps the most rewarding part of this odyssey has been you, our readers. Hearing fans recite scenes and favorite moments from memory—completely unprompted—reminds us why we write. Your enthusiasm, questions, and theories fuel our creativity. And we want you to be part of the process: you can even suggest new characters or plot twists for us to explore in future volumes.

Join the Journey

We invite you to visit us at MWJBooks.com to:

Sign up for exclusive notifications about new releases.
Get updates on book signings, merchandise drops, and special events.
Share your ideas to help us craft the next chapter in The Human Hybrid Odyssey.

After all, we’re not just writing these stories for you—we’re writing them with you.

Best,
Aaron McDonald, Kimathi Witt, and Kawsu Jatta
MWJBooks.com

AMAZON SYNOPSIS

When the world as we know it crumbles beneath catastrophic storms and ancient forces reawaken, humanity is forever changed.

In the aftermath of global ruin, a new breed rises-genetically altered hybrids forged by chaos and instinct. Part human, part beast, they struggle to survive in a land reshaped by destruction, mystery, and myth. Tribes form, power shifts, and trust are a rare commodity in this brutal new order.

Among the survivors, unlikely alliances form as hybrid warriors embark on a harrowing journey through treacherous terrain, both physical and spiritual. Hunted by enemies, haunted by memories, and driven by a primal call they barely understand, they must uncover the truth about their transformation-and what it means for the future of their kind.

Forever Changed is the explosive first volume in The Human Hybrid Odyssey, a cinematic sci-fi saga blending action, ancient legends, and speculative evolution. This is not just a battle for survival. It’s the origin of a new species-and the beginning of an unforgettable odyssey.

Genre: Action and Adventure, Fantasy, Fiction, Paranormal, Supernatural
170 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2024
Series: The Human Hybrid Odeyssey #1

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Scrumdiddlyumptious – Wicked Believer by Kait Ballenger @kait_ballenger #wickedbeliever

Posted on September 12, 2025 by fundinmental

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I am super excited to be back in Charlotte and Lucifer’s world in the Wicked Believer by Kait Ballenger, the sequel to Original Sinner. Let’s do a recap. God brought Lucifer and the seven deadly sins to New York City…and vanished. A celestial war is on the horizon. Charlotte is no longer the good little Christian. Not since Lucifer got his hands on her. She is walking on the dark side, growing and learning to stand on her own. The sex is sizzling hot. He is the dominant and she is the submissive, but…

Queen of my own damned life. Queen of my own goddamn choices.

“Not a fallen angel. Not a demon. Not a human, but something else in between.”

There are a lot of triggers in Charlotte and Lucifer’s erotic world, so be sure you are ready to walk on the dark side. I was lost in it. The darker it got, the more intense it felt. I loved all the changes that Charlotte is going through. I loved being on the sidelines and watching sides being taken as the apocalypse approaches. Charlotte is not going to stand behind Lucifer and let him drive the boat,. She’s going to be front and center. The kink level rises, and Charlotte does not shy away from it. She embraces it. I was reading along, white knuckled, eager to read the next word, the next sentence, the next chapter, and then….it came to an end.

I love everything about Wicked Believer and I want to thank Kait Ballenger and Montlake for the opportunity to read and review it. I can hardly wait for the next book, seeing there is war on the horizon.

GOODREADS BLURB

Author Kait Ballenger whips up a spicy sequel to Original Sinner, a no-holds-barred dark romance where the devil and his queen-to-be explore the bounds of kink, even as they stand on the brink of war.

I wasn’t always immortal. And I’m not sure I’ll ever get the hang of it. Not like Lucifer, a.k.a. Pride. He and the other seven deadly sins, the high-profile billionaires who run this city, make the divine life look easy.

I came to New York a good, if damaged, Christian girl. Then Lucifer opened my eyes to the darkness. To the hunger burning inside me. To a world of pain and pleasure like nothing I’ve ever known. Now it’s all I crave. He’s all I crave.

But as I grapple with this new existence—and the events that led me to it—unseen forces push me and Lucifer apart. Paparazzi track my every move, Lucifer’s family plays their wicked games, and I hardly know who I am anymore. Or who I’m meant to be.

A celestial war is brewing, and Lucifer’s siblings are out for blood—and the dark power inside me calls me to join the fight.

Genre: Dark Romance, Erotica, Fantasy, Fiction, Paranormal, Romance, Supernatural
453 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 9, 2025 by Montlake
Series: Original Sinners #2

ABOUT KAIT BALLENGER

Kait Ballenger is an award-winning author of dark romantasy and paranormal romance. She is obsessed with tales of morally gray, sometimes villainous heroes and can’t resist a spicy redemption arc. When Kait’s not busy writing kinky paranormal fantasy, she can usually be found with her nose buried in someone else’s naughty books. She lives in Florida’s Bible Belt with her husband and two adorable sons—and will gladly use that belt to whip you.

For news on future releases, exclusive bonus scenes, and NSFW character art, sign up for Kait’s newsletter: https://bit.ly/3t7zXLA

You can also find Kait on TikTok @kaitballenger or Instagram @kait.ballenger

MY KAIT BALLENGER REVIEWS

Twilight Hunter

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Review – Discern by Andrea Pearson @andreapearson2 #discern

Posted on August 22, 2025 by fundinmental

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Nicole Williams is an Arete, a fourth child with magical abilities. She hasn’t come into her own, yet, but when she is put to the test, I have a feeling she will rise to the occasion. Some of it was predictable, but that’s okay. It’s pretty hard to write something totally new in this day and age. I was riveted to the pages and the characters came to life through Andrea Pearson’s words. The world she created was fascinating and richly developed, and I was lost in it.

I picked up Discern by Andrea Pearson a long time ago, on a free day, 6.3.16 to be exact.

GOODREADS BLURB

Disappearances at a popular national park… Monsters from another dimension… And Nicole can’t use her magic. What could possibly go wrong?

Mysterious disappearances at a popular national park force authorities to organize a university-led expedition, and they’ve invited undergrads to compete to be included. As a talented Arete, Austin is a natural shoo-in. And he’s not the only experienced student competing. Nicole struggles a great deal with her powers, but she knows she has what it takes, and she’s determined to prove that she can produce Wind magic.

With the help of her friends and advice from professors, Nicole pushes the limits of her magical abilities. As the competition heats up, however, she finds out that the trip she’s fighting for may be a one-way ticket…

Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, Magic, Paranormal, Romance, Supernatural, Urban Fantasy, Young Adult
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2014
Series: Mosaic Chronicles #1

ABOUT ANDREA PEARSON

Andrea Pearson is an avid reader and outdoor enthusiast who plays several instruments, not including the banjo, and loves putting together musical arrangements. Her favorite sports are basketball and football, though several knee surgeries and incurably awful coordination prevent her from playing them. Andrea Pearson graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor of science degree in Communications Disorders. She acted as the executive director for Indie Author Hub for a year and a half and frequently gets invited to teach marketing and promoting at writers conferences. Andrea is the author of many full-length novels (the Kilenya Chronicles, Mosaic Chronicles, and Koven Chronicles), and several novellas. Writing is the chocolate of her life – it is, in fact, the only thing she ever craves. Being with her husband and kids, family, and close friends is where she’s happiest, and she loves thunderstorms, the ocean, hiking, public speaking, painting, and traveling.

Receive several free books when you join Andrea’s Readers Group. For more information, click here.

Andrea also writes nonfiction books for authors. To learn more about those, and her marketing courses, please visit selfpublishstrong.com

Website / Twitter

MY ANDREA PEARSON REVIEWS

Shadow Hunter (Midnight Chronicles)
The Shade Amulet (Kovin Chronicles #1)
The Black Masquerade (Kovin Chronicles #2)

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Review – The Discovery Of The Inner Magic by Stephan Lethaus #stepahnlethaus

Posted on July 31, 2025 by fundinmental

Amazon / Goodreads

You can preorder it for $2.99 with one click.

MY REVIEW

The Discovery Of The Inner Magic by Stephan lethaus starts out with a recap of the The Magical Legacy Of The Ryujin and begins where it left off.

Rob and Fuku flee to the Druid Mountaoins, where they come across Mi Lou. They rescue her from the magic that imprisoned her. Can you imagine, coming from a world of science and, voila, you are now in a medieval world of magic? She places her trust in Rob and Fuku. They will have to work together to overcome the evil that is headed their way. They will accumulate allies and develop their magic, sometimes learning by trial and error.

There is a large cast of characters, but I have become very familiar with them. I do have my favorites, and with the battles that rage, I’m not so sure they will all survive.

Stephan Lethaus has created an amazing world of magic, trolls and dragons, humans and science. The battles are vividly described as the resistance rises. Unlikely alliances are created and many will fight to the death. Betrayals make it hard to know who to trust. We have some light hearted moments that help to round out the characters. After all, not everything is gloom and doom.

My thanks go out to Stephan Lethaus for the opportunity to read and review The Discovery Of The Inner Magic.

GOODREADS BLURB

Pursued by the merciless minions of pure magic, Rob and Fuku flee to the Druid Mountains in search of allies. What began as an accidental bond between a quiet stable boy and a rebellious young dragon is growing into something far more powerful—and far more dangerous.

As the magical world of Skaiyles teeters on the edge of collapse, help arrives from the unlikeliest Mi Lou, a pragmatic systems analyst from 2055, suddenly cast into a realm of dragons, mages, and ancient prophecy. Still recovering from the trauma of her arrival, Mi Lou must learn to survive in a world where trust is fragile and the rules of reality as she knows it no longer apply.

Hunted, tested, and pushed to their limits, the trio must cross wild lands, confront deadly enemies, and forge fragile alliances in their quest to stand against the rising tide of the Pure Doctrine. Along the way, they find unexpected allies—some strange, some whimsical, and some with secrets of their own. But Skaiyles does not give up its mysteries easily—and the magic buried within them all is beginning to awaken.

The Discovery of the Inner Magic continues the Ryūjin Saga with deeper bonds, darker truths, and the first sparks of a resistance that could change everything.

German readers will find both Volumes 1 and 2 combined in the original German edition.

Genre: Dragons, Fantasy, Fiction, Paranormal, Supernatural
333 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 2, 2025
Series: The Ryujin #2

ABOUT STEPHAN LETHAUS (from Amazon)

Stephan Lethaus has been telling fantastical stories since childhood—long before he could write, he spun wild tales about ghosts, dragons, and untamed creatures. His creative journey has since taken him from directing and producing award-winning children’s content to writing epic fantasy. Today, he brings that same sense of wonder and adventure to his fantasy series, The Magical Legacy of the Ryūjin.

Based in Berlin, Stephan is an author and creative producer with over two decades of experience in the animation and media industry. His background in storytelling for the screen has shaped his vivid, cinematic writing style. His earlier productions for children’s television have received multiple awards, including the Goldener Spatz, the Silver Dragon of Beijing, and a nomination for the prestigious Grimme Prize.

In 2016, Stephan published the first book in Skaiyles, a sweeping fantasy series filled with magic, dragons, and untamed legacy [This makes no sense. It’s untamed creature, but to avoid repetition we should look for another word]. He is currently expanding the saga, crafting stories that invite readers into a richly imagined world full of mystery, myth, and heart.

MY STEPHAN LETHAUS REVIEWS

The Magical Legacy Of The Ryujin

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Review – The Magical Legacy Of The Ryujin by Stephan Lethaus #stephanlethaus

Posted on July 28, 2025 by fundinmental

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

The Magical Legacy Of The Ryujin by Stephan Lethaus has been translated from German with the help of artificial intelligence. This is one instance where I have no problem with artificial intelligence. A pretty good job was done, and seeing I am reading an ARC it may even get better.

We have a wide cast of characters, which you can find at the end of the book. I haven’t really chosen a favorite, but Robin is one of the main characters, so it is easy to choose him. He a nice guy and some not so nice things happen to him. I also liked Mi Lou. She is in danger and on the run, and before the book is done, so is Robin. I’m eager to see how the storylines will come together, seeing Mi Lou is from the year 2055 and Robin is from the time of dragons.

The Magical Legacy Of The Ryujin starts out a little slow, but the further I read, the more the pace picks up and a subtle urgency spans the pages. The point of view switches from Robin to Mi Lou. I was able to predict some of what comes. Treachery, treason, and betrayal puts many lives in danger and many bodies will fall.

This is one of those stories where I am afraid to say too much. I don’t want to spoil anything for you. We have artifical intelligence and robots. We have magic and dragons. The world is rich in detail and if you love fantasies, I think you may love The Magical Legacy Of The Ryujin.

I want to thank Stepahn Lethaus for the opportunity to read and review The Magical Legacy Of The Ryujin. I can hardly wait to begin the second book, The Discovery Of The Inner Magic.

GOODREADS BLURB

The Magical Legacy of the Ryūjin is the captivating beginning of a saga where ancient forces awaken, unlikely bonds form, and the fate of a magical world begins to shift.

Have you ever debated the ethics of killing… with a dragon?

Rob, a stable boy from Castle Skargness, never asked for any of this. But when a twist of fate throws him together with Fuku Riu—a reckless young forest dragon with far too much attitude and far too little patience—everything changes.

After a tragic turn during the legendary dragon tournament, Rob and Fuku are forced to flee north, hunted by the merciless servants of pure magic. Their uneasy alliance is tested at every step, and trust is hard‑won in a land full of ancient threats and unseen watchers.

Meanwhile, in a very different world, Mi Lou—a pragmatic systems analyst from 2055—finds herself pulled into Skaiyles by forces she doesn’t yet understand. Her arrival marks a turning point, though none of them realize it yet.

As pure magic rises and buried legacies begin to stir, even the smallest bond may carry the weight of destiny.

German readers will find both Volumes 01 and 02 combined in the original German edition.

Genre: Dragons, Fiction, Fantasy, Paranormal, Supernatural
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 15, 2025
Series: The Ryujin #1

ABOUT STEPHAN LETHAUS (from Amazon)

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$10 GC – Curse Of Ashmedei by Michael Snaerravn @goddessfish #curseofashmedei #michalsnaerravn

Posted on July 23, 2025 by fundinmental

CURSE OF ASHMEDEI by Michal Snaerravn

GENRE: Epic fantasy

MY REVIEW

I am always up for a good fantasy story to get lost in and Curse Of Ashmedei by Michal Snaerravn provided me one. There are also some cool illustrations.

Curse Of Ashmedei is one of those stories I find it hard to review without spoilers.

Curse Of Asmedei is filled with battles, betrayals and death. I felt the loss as Michal killed off some characters I had grown to care about. We have Druids, Demonsblood, Lycans, Trollbloods and Ogrebloods, plus creatures that fly and hide in the sand, so be careful crossing over those dunes.

I was quickly drawn in by Amnon, a young Demonblood that vows revenge on those who killed his parents. The action is nonstop. I couldn’t figure out who he should trust and who he should kill outright. There is a price to be paid for letting the bad guy live. Strange alliances are made, because he is not the only one that has a price on his head. A Blood War is coming.

My thanks go out to Michael Snaerravn for the opportunity to read and review Curse Of Ashmedei. The real downside I came across is I need the next book, Golems Of Beithir to find out what happens next.

BLURB

The Black Star approaches, heralding the cataclysm of Hell’s Gate. The pawns on the chessboard have played the opening gambits as the Races vie for its power. Amnon, a young Demonblood consumed by revenge, finds himself drawn into a maelstrom of treacherous alliances and primeval magic. With a price on his head and outmanoeuvred by Druids and Trollbloods at every turn, he can’t survive alone. An ancient Lycan who has lost his humanity is the only one he can trust.

EXCERPT

The sun began to slip behind the ragged slope, staining the wisps of clouds surrounding the peak in blood red.

It was late summer, and the bitter katabatic wind was making its way down the slope, rustling a few dying leaves, and chilling my bones. A lone peregrine falcon drew lazy spirals high above the erratic maze of rocks and boulders, looking for the unwary marmot that enjoyed the evening sun just a bit too long. Crouched, I carefully studied nearly invisible tracks. It was the same company I had been trailing for weeks now, consisting of an armored party of more than a dozen men and women. The tracks wound along the steep slope and entered the open scree. Soon their trail would be lost in the jumble of jagged rocks and Troll-sized boulders. I hesitated, my tail twitching as it usually did when I was annoyed. The path they were on faced directly against the sun as it dipped into the glacial valley. I knew the valley well, and it was perfect for an all-too-easy ambush. I suspected the company had already detected my presence, and it would be foolish to tempt fate, especially when facing a dozen armed men … headed by a Druid, no less.

AUTHOR Bio and Links

Michal Snaerravn is an outdoor enthusiast, an aficionado of the martial arts, and, above all, a sci-fi/fantasy nerd. A fan of all the timeless fantasy classics, he is eager to share his imagination: “Living in seven distinct cultures and reading hundreds of novels in four languages inspired a fantasy world that had to be revealed.” He considers novel writing not for the timid, or for selling a million copies; it is for those who have a vision to share. “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!”

Curse of Ashmedei: Book 1: https://amzn.to/3IxIO41

Golems of Beithir: Book 2: https://a.co/d/hW1YFT 7

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Michal-Snaerravn/author/B0DHDBSC55

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amnonofhadur/

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Review – Sanctuary by Michael J Stiehl #michaeljstiehl #sanctuary #blackharepress

Posted on July 22, 2025 by fundinmental

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Sanctuary by Michael J Stiehl is a fantasy, horror, novella. I hesitated with the rating, bouncing between a 3 and a 4. When that happens, I round up. I know it’s hard to grab someone’s attention and hold them til the end when the story is so short, but I feel Sanctuary warrants that extra star.

Theobard is training to be a monk and has lived a quiet life among the Silent Brotherhood. Everything changes when Dellia arrives. She opens Theobard’s eyes to what is really going on at the Sanctuary. Michael J Stiehl did a great job of increasing the anticipation of what was coming, making me feel that life can be very dangerous at the Sanctuary if you don’t toe the line. The ending caught me offguard and, Michael, you kinda pissed me off…but that’s a good thing.

My thanks go out to Michael J Stiehl and Black Hare Press for the opportunity to read and review Sanctuary.

GOODREADS BLURB

Deep in an impenetrable swamp, lies the Sanctuary. Abandoned there as a child, Theobard has lived a quiet life among the Silent Brotherhood, a monastic sect that never speaks.

The arrival of Dellia, a beautiful golden-eyed girl with a secret, will change everything.

Her secret will expose Theobard’s true nature, and that of the Sanctuary, pulling apart the only world he has ever known, leaving nothing the same.

Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Novella and Short Stories
93 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 18, 2022 by Black Hare Press

ABOUT MICHAEL J STIEHL

Michael J. Stiehl has had a lifelong passion for fiction, in particular horror, comics, adventure and science fiction, and is thrilled to finally be writing some of his own. Michael lives in the Chicago suburbs with his wife, two kids and his very silly poodle Jack. When not writing fiction, Michael spends his time riding bikes, camping, reading books, obsessively listening to music and playing D&D with his friends. In short, he hasn’t changed a bit since junior high.

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Review – Deceive by Raine Thomas @Raine_Thomas #deceive

Posted on July 1, 2025 by fundinmental

GOODREADS

MY REVIEW

Well, I’m sad to say that it is bitter sweet that I am coming to the end of Raine Thomas’ fabulous series, The Estilorians. The characters have grown on me and it was great to see their children and grand children flourish.

Each book expands on Raine Thomas’s fantasy world. Even though the characters live in a fantasy world, they have real world problems they also have to deal with. At times I wanted to shout, “Talk to him/her.”

The action is non stop. They had kept Metis imprisoned for thirteen years. Now she’s out and with her powers she will wreak havoc on the Estilorians world. At times the suspense was off the charts.

This series is complete and I believe it needs to be read in order. It is sure to entertain and Raine Thomas’ ability to create a world in vivid detail with characters that can become your friends, this fantasy series is a must read.

Thanks, Raine, for the opportunity to read and review your fabulous stories.

GOODREADS BLURB

When the elders imprisoned Metis, they took every precaution to protect the Estilorian plane against her evil.

It wasn’t enough.

Now she’s escaped, and no one is safe. Fueled by hatred, she wastes no time imposing vengeance on those who captured her. She knows the surest way to destroy their lives is by taking what they love most, and she begins with a child named Eden.

Years later, Eden remembers none of her former life. She serves her “Master,” unaware of the family still searching for her. But as her eighteenth birthday approaches, memories begin to surface, and she questions her circumstances for the first time.

Eden’s confusion mounts when she’s joined by Connor, a handsome Elphresti male who reveals things that shatter her reality. They’ll end up on the run, knowing they can trust only each other. After all, Metis will stop at nothing to get them back, and she thrives on her ability to deceive.

Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Romance, Supernatural
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published: July 24, 2015 by Iambe Books, LLC

ABOUT RAINE THOMAS

Raine Thomas is the award-winning author of more than 20 bestselling romances spanning contemporary romance, Sci-Fi romance, and YA fantasy romance. She’s a hopeless romantic with a background in the fields of mental health and wedding planning…two areas that intersect far more than one would think. She’s also a book fiend, grammar nerd, and editing Red Queen, depending on who you ask.

Be sure to follow Raine on BookBub (https://www.bookbub.com/profile/raine…) to be among the first to learn of any sales, and hop over to her website for your first free read!

Website / Twitter / Instagram / Facebook / Pinterest / LinkedIn / YouTube

MY RAINE THOMAS REVIEWS

The Prophecy (Daughters Of Saraquel, Estilorian #1)
Becoming (Daughters Of Saraquel, Estilorian #2)
Central (Daughters Of Saraquel, Estilorian #3)
Foretold (Daughters Of Saraquel, Estilorian #4)
Defy (Firstborn Trilogy #1, Estilorian #5)
Shift (Firstborn Trilogy #2, Estilorian #6)
Elder (Firstborn Trilogy #3, Estilorian #7)

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$25 GC – The Lightslayer: The Vampire by Jack Townson @xpressotours

Posted on June 4, 2025 by fundinmental

The Lightslayer: The Vampire Jack Townson
Jack Townson
(Everdusk, #1)
Publication date: June 3rd 2025
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance

Prepare to be captivated by a dark fantasy epic that will consume your imagination.

Welcome to Draconia, a realm cloaked in shadows and intrigue, where ancient power struggles simmer beneath the surface. When the enigmatic Vampire Lord, Jack Townson, master of the Manor of Mystery, uncovers a sinister conspiracy threatening to ignite a supernatural war, he and his eclectic band of misfits-the Degenerates-must rise to the challenge. Together, they will navigate treacherous alliances, dangerous secrets, and a world filled with breathtaking magic and monsters.

Immerse yourself in a tale of supernatural action, dark romance, and fantasy adventure, where every page brims with danger, desire, and destiny. From spine-chilling battles to forbidden love, this novel takes you on a journey through a richly imagined universe where power comes at a price, and loyalty is tested at every turn.

Fans of spicy dark romance, vampire lore, and epic fantasy will be spellbound by Draconia’s intricate world-building, unforgettable characters, and pulse-pounding twists. If you’re a fan of Sarah J. Maas, Jay Kristoff, or Deborah Harkness, this is your next must-read.

Step into the shadows. Welcome to Draconia. Your adventure awaits. Mind your throat.

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“A darkly Gothic romp through a dense and sinister world with the compelling and mysterious Jack Townson.” — Laurell K. Hamilton, New York Times Bestselling Author of Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

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EXCERPT:

“They want a fight,” Townson growls, his voice steady but burning with conviction, “so we’ll give them one— but not

because we crave revenge!” His face contorts with emotion, locking eyes with his people. “Not because we thirst for blood!”

He raises a talon high into the air, his black claws curling into a fist with a loud, menacing crack. “But because we are family, and we stand together against any foe!”

Tears well in the eyes of many in the crowd, stirred by a fierce mix of fear and inspiration.

“BECAUSE WE ARE ALL DEGENERATES!” His voice erupts, a flash of fury in his eyes, as a supernatural wind howls from his aura. “WANTED BY NONE—” he roars, his words shaking the room, “AT HOME WITH EACH OTHER!”

Author Bio:

A 2023 Witchy Award nominee, Jack Townson, a multi-talented artist, is the heart and soul of the thriving FangFam community across various social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, and Twitch. With an ever-expanding following that now exceeds four hundred thousand devoted fans, he’s left an indelible mark on the digital landscape, garnering an impressive 4.2 million likes under the #Fangfam hashtag.

Beyond his online presence, Jack is a versatile artist, encompassing the roles of actor, singer, and writer. His most celebrated work to date is “The Vampire Jack Townson,” an original story that first captivated audiences on TikTok and has been endorsed by New York Times bestselling author and 5-time Bram Stoker Award winner, Jonathan Maberry. This immersive narrative plunges into the hidden world of a supernatural being and the profound journey towards rediscovering one’s humanity.

Jack extends an invitation to his followers, beckoning them to peer into the psyche of an undead bohemian—an artist and a creature of the night, eternally ensnared in a world of nightmares. It’s a life devoid of sunlight’s warmth and the enduring embrace of true love, offering a unique glimpse into the enigmatic existence he portrays through his creative endeavors.

Website / Goodreads / Instagram / TikTok

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Review – Atonement by V E Huntley #VEHuntley #atonement

Posted on May 6, 2025 by fundinmental

Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I was eager to get my hands on the second book in The Bloodstone Legacy, Atonement, by V E Huntley. I love vampires and walking on the dark side. There is plenty of violence and brutality, but also some hot and steamy romance.

Atonement takes place in a dystopian future where the vampires rule and humans are slaves. There are lots of triggers, so if you are squeamish, Atonement may not be for you.

I love characters that are put to the test. Characters that have to fight for what they want, and Aden and Ellie fit the bill. They not only have to fight others, but they also have to face their own personal demons. There will be a price to pay, but there are some light hearted moments where we can enjoy a laugh that will help us make it through the dark times.

I am loving The Bloodstone Legacy series by V E Huntley. It has everything I desire in a vampire novel, blood and guts along with some love and steamy romance. Atonement moved at a fast pace, keeping me lost in the story, eager to know how it would end, but not wanting to get there too soon. No worries there. We have a cliffhanger.

I hope you are writing fast V.

GOODREADS BLURB

MY PENANCE WILL NEVER BE ENOUGH

The second installment of the The BloodStone Legacy—a dark, seductive paranormal romance about destiny and the prices we pay for love powerful enough to transcend both death and time.

Three centuries of guilt.
Two souls reunited.
One chance to defy fate.

After spending three hundred years drowning in guilt for murdering his wife on their wedding night, Aden has found the impossible—her soul, reborn in Ellie—a woman who awakens both his deepest love and darkest fears. Their reunion is everything he’s dreamed of, a chance to atone for their tragic past. But some happy endings come with a price.

As Aden and Ellie lose themselves in their newfound passion, they awaken more than just forgotten memories. Ellie’s own demons push her to confront the tragedy that tore them apart, while sinister forces gather in the shadows, determined to destroy their hard-won happiness.

Aden will burn the vampire world to the ground to keep Ellie safe. But with every ancient law he breaks and every powerful enemy he makes, the price of protecting her rises.

Aden thought nothing could be worse than killing the woman he loved. He’s about to learn how wrong he was.

Set in a dystopian future where vampires rule and humans are slaves, against a backdrop of danger and political intrigue, Aden and Ellie’s love will either transform their blood-soaked world—or burn it to ash.

Perfect for fans of J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood, Sarah J. Maas’s Crescent City, Scarlett St. Clair’s Adrian X Isolde, Karina Halle’s The Dracula Duet, and readers who crave their romance dark, passionate, and unforgettable with brooding anti-heroes paired with resilient heroines.

Atonement is Book 2 of a trilogy. It ends on a cliffhanger but Book 3 will have the HEA you’re waiting for.

This book is a dark paranormal romance. Be mindful of the trigger warnings:

Graphic violence

Sexual situations

Non-consent (not between MMC and FMC)

Blood Play

Knife Play

Rape

Adult language – the word “fuck” is used a lot

Scenes and references of physical and/or sexual abuse/assault that some readers may find triggering.

Genre: fantasy, fiction
431 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 5, 2025
Series: The Bloodstone Legacy: Atonement, #2

ABOUT V E HUNTLEY

V.E. Huntley is a retired producer who has spent her life telling stories in one way or another. Just ask her cats. They had to endure a lifetime of her endlessly reciting entire dialogue scenes to them, even though all they desperately wanted to do was nap.

Her childhood fear of Dracula was so intense that she couldn’t sleep without the lights on and her mother guarding her bedroom door. Over time, this fear evolved into a lifelong obsession with the dark and twisted world of vampires and the concept of immortality. So, after more than two decades in the film and television industry, she ultimately chose to pursue her true passion—writing dark and sexy paranormal romance.

Besides writing, her hobbies include reading, watching movies, traveling, and keeping her husband busy with an endless honey-do list.

Website