The Drift by C.J. Tudor #bookreview #thriller #apocalyptic

On February 24, 2023 By Teri PolenIn Book Reviews24 Comments

Three ordinary people risk everything for a chance at redemption in this audacious, utterly gripping novel of catastrophe and survival at the end of the world, from the acclaimed author of The Chalk Man

Hannah awakens to carnage, all mangled metal and shattered glass. During a hasty escape from a secluded boarding school, her coach careened over a hillside road during one of the year’s heaviest snowstorms, trapping her inside with a handful of survivors, a brewing virus, and no way to call for help. If she and the remaining few want to make it out alive, with their sanity–and secrets–intact, they’ll need to work together or they’ll be buried alive with the rest of the dead.

A former detective, Meg awakens to a gentle rocking. She is in a cable car suspended far above a snowstorm and surrounded by strangers in the same uniform as her, with no memory of how they got there. They are heading to a mysterious place known to them only as “The Retreat,” but when they discover a dead man among their ranks and Meg spies a familiar face, she realizes that there is something far more insidious going on.

Carter is gazing out the window of the abandoned ski chalet that he and his ragtag compatriots call home. Together, they manage a precarious survival, manufacturing vaccines against a deadly virus in exchange for life’s essentials. But as their generator begins to waver, the threat of something lurking in the chalet’s depths looms larger, and their fragile bonds will be tested when the power finally fails–for good.

The imminent dangers faced by Hannah, Meg, and Carter are each one part of the puzzle. Lurking in their shadows is an even greater threat–one that threatens to consume all of humanity.

I became acquainted with this author last year after reading her collection of short stories. When I was offered the NetGalley widget for her newest release, I snatched it up immediately.

This is a blend of so many of my favorite genres – psychological thriller, horror, dystopian, apocalyptic, and mystery. What makes it even better is that it’s set during winter storms, and the three stories playing out are all locked room scenarios. Woohoo! The story immediately drew me in, and I wanted to read it in one sitting. Unfortunately, that wasn’t possible. Each of the three main characters are in dangerous situations (especially Meg in a stranded cable car suspended hundreds of feet above the ground – it took my breath away), and their futures look bleak. With so many characters surrounding Hannah, Meg, and Carter, I didn’t know who to trust and constantly looked for clues. To say the cast of characters is whittled down over the course of the story isn’t giving anything away. Before long, I didn’t need to remember some of their names.

Gradual reveals let the reader know these characters are connected in some way, and I guessed how several pages before the explanation. But what a clever twist it is. Brilliant. Jaws will drop, trust me. Other reviewers mentioned this novel contains more blood and violence than they’d expected, so be prepared if that’s something you’d prefer to steer clear of.

Make sure to set aside some uninterrupted reading time if possible for this novel. You won’t want to put it down.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Bad Cree by Jessica Johns #bookreview #supernatural #horror

On February 23, 2023 By Teri PolenIn Book Reviews23 Comments

In this gripping debut tinged with supernatural horror, a young Cree woman’s dreams lead her on a perilous journey of self-discovery that ultimately forces her to confront the toll of a legacy of violence on her family, her community and the land they call home.

When Mackenzie wakes up with a severed crow’s head in her hands, she panics. Only moments earlier she had been fending off masses of birds in a snow-covered forest. In bed, when she blinks, the head disappears.

Night after night, Mackenzie’s dreams return her to a memory from before her sister Sabrina’s untimely death: a weekend at the family’s lakefront campsite, long obscured by a fog of guilt. But when the waking world starts closing in, too–a murder of crows stalks her every move around the city, she wakes up from a dream of drowning throwing up water, and gets threatening text messages from someone claiming to be Sabrina–Mackenzie knows this is more than she can handle alone.

Traveling north to her rural hometown in Alberta, she finds her family still steeped in the same grief that she ran away to Vancouver to escape. They welcome her back, but their shaky reunion only seems to intensify her dreams–and make them more dangerous.

What really happened that night at the lake, and what did it have to do with Sabrina’s death? Only a bad Cree would put their family at risk, but what if whatever has been calling Mackenzie home was already inside?

On page one, a young Cree woman awakens with a crow’s head in her hand. Tell me that doesn’t get a horror fan’s blood pumping. When Mackenzie blinks, the head disappears. Was it real? Just her imagination? Something she carried over from her nightmare?

Mackenzie is still grieving her sister’s death a year ago. She’s also carrying guilt from not traveling home for the funeral. Soon the dreams about a night before her sister died become overwhelming, and Mackenzie goes home for help in dealing with them. I immediately loved her family – loud, occasionally obnoxious, a little pushy, and unconditionally loving and supportive. The dreams don’t stop, but at least she’s surrounded by people who can help her work through them and offer insight. The mention of Cree beliefs, customs and traditions fascinated me, and I wouldn’t have minded more.

Gold stars to the author for the creepy imagery – it really grabbed me. The crow’s head in chapter one started with a bang, but pacing ebbed and flowed for me in places. Occasionally the plot lingered too long in a certain scene, and it pulled me from the story. But not the ending. It was very vivid and atmospheric – and also bittersweet.

Bad Cree is undoubtedly a horror story, but it’s also about a loving family dealing with overwhelming grief. I’ll definitely be looking for future titles by this author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Between the Vines (Keystone Couples #3) by Staci Troilo #bookreview #romance

On February 22, 2023 By Teri PolenIn Book Reviews49 Comments

When you grow up on a vineyard, you learn the grapevine can’t always be trusted.

Elena Santucci is one of the best wedding planners in the Keystone state—ironic, as she doesn’t believe in love. Why should she? Rumors cost her all meaningful relationships, sending her into the arms of one loser after another until she swore off men entirely. Now she spends her days helping brides put together dream days… even though she suspects they’ll all lead to nightmares.

Aaron Kennedy looks like a tough-as-nails cop, but he’s got a marshmallow for a heart. One that’s recently been roasted over the coals by Heather, his former fiancée. After discovering her affair with his best friend, he broke off his engagement and swore off women—at least for a while. When his sister asks for help with her wedding plans, he can’t say no. Then he learns the wedding is at Blooming Valley Vineyards, and his former crush is the event planner. Maybe this is fate telling him not to give up so quickly.

Just when Aaron starts to break through Elena’s icy shell, Heather comes back into his life with an unbelievable story—one Elena seems to support. Rumors travel the grapevine faster than he can make sense of them. He needs to discover the truth before his one chance at happiness withers on the vine.

I thought I’d posted this review months ago, but was shocked to find it in my drafts. Apologies to Staci!

Romance isn’t one of my most read genres, but I venture into that area every now and then, and I’m sorry to see this series of novellas end. Part of the reason I’ve enjoyed it so much is because of the humorous situations and misunderstandings that lean into the romantic comedy direction at times. Combine that with very likeable, realistic, flawed characters, and you’ve got an addictive read. And these can be read in about an hour or so.

Elena is a successful wedding planner – ironically, she doesn’t believe in love due to a history of disasters. Enter Aaron, who’s recovering from a recent engagement gone wrong. Having attended school together in a relatively small town, the two aren’t strangers. Aaron even had a crush on Elena in high school. A tentative relationship begins to develop, and just when Elena thinks maybe love isn’t such a ridiculous notion after all, Aaron’s jealous ex shows up. Trust me – she’s a character who inspires strong dislike and lots of eye rolling.

I loved that the author included Easter eggs consisting of the couples from the other two novellas in the series. Seeing a little of what the future held for them was an unexpected treat.

Each of these three novellas can be read as standalones, but I’d recommend starting from the beginning to fully appreciate the stories. If you’re looking for light-hearted reads that leave you with warm fuzzies, you can’t go wrong with Keystone Couples.

The Ever Storms (Wilderlore #3) by Amanda Foody #bookreview #MG #fantasy #adventure #TuesdayBookBlog

On February 21, 2023 By Teri PolenIn Book Reviews21 Comments

One year after saving the Sea, Barclay Thorne begins a new kind of adventure—the Symposium, a set of courses that all apprentices of the Lore Keeper Guild need to pass before they can take their licensing exam. And although Barclay is excited to explore the wonders of the Desert and reunite with old friends, he’s less excited about the Tourney, the Symposium’s traditional, good-natured prank war among the four apprentice tracks. As an Elsie, he’s pretty sure he’ll have a hard enough time keeping up with his classes without worrying about stink bombs and slime warfare too.

But as mysterious, unnatural sandstorms start to appear around the Desert, there are more than exams and bragging rights at stake. And the appearance of a labyrinthine magical library might just hold the key to everything . . .

Amanda Foody is on my list of auto-buy authors. I don’t read a ton of middle grade books, but when she made the leap to that genre a few years ago, I followed her.

This series is an absolute delight. I’ve read all three books, and they only continue to get better. Thirteen-year-old Barclay Thorne is part of a wonderfully diverse cast of characters who include his fellow Lore Keeper Guild apprentices and friends Viola and Tadg. The Beasts they’re bonded to are just as diverse – Root, Barclay’s loyal lufthund, Mitzi, Viola’s sparkly-loving dragon, and Mar-Mar, Tadg’s nathermara.

Barclay and his friends are attending the Symposium, a set of courses all apprentices need to pass before their licensing exam. He’s excited to see friends he made in the previous book, but also nervous about keeping up with his classes. The pranks war among the four apprentice tracks are just a distraction for him – he’s got more serious things to focus on. During the Symposium, dangerous, unnatural sandstorms appear around the Desert. What’s causing them? Who’s behind them? And what’s up with the magical library only certain people can see?

I like how the author includes a more personal theme in each book, and this one is family. Orphaned Barclay feels lonely and left out when the parents of several of his friends make appearances in this story. He has Root, but still misses his parents. Over the course of the story he learns that family isn’t just made of blood, but also the people you choose to include in your life and those who love you. He’s part of a family he didn’t realize he had.

Exciting action sequences, magical powers, magnificent world-building, and loveable characters make this a must read MG series. I enjoy seeing these characters grow and mature with each new book, and I’m thrilled more are coming.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Things We Do to Our Friends by Heather Darwent #bookreview #psychologicalthriller #suspense

On February 16, 2023 By Teri PolenIn Book Reviews25 Comments

She’s an outsider desperate to belong, but the cost of entry might be her darkest secret in this intoxicating debut of literary suspense following a clique of dangerously ambitious students at the University of Edinburgh.

Edinburgh, Scotland: a moody city of labyrinthine alleyways, oppressive fog, and buried history; the ultimate destination for someone with something to hide. Perfect for Clare, then, who arrives utterly alone and yearning to reinvent herself. And what better place to conceal the dark secrets in her past than at the university in the heart of the fabled, cobblestoned Old Town?

When Clare meets Tabitha, a charismatic, beautiful, and intimidatingly rich girl from her art history class, she knows she’s destined to be friends with her and her exclusive circle: raffish Samuel; shrewd Ava; and pragmatic Imogen. Clare is immediately drawn into their libertine world of sophisticated dinner parties and summers in France. The new life she always envisioned for herself has seemingly begun.

And then Tabitha reveals a little project she’s been working on, one that she needs Clare’s help with. Even though it goes against everything Clare has tried to repent for. Even though their intimacy begins to darken into codependence. But as Clare starts to realize just what her friends are capable of, it’s already too late. Because they’ve taken the plunge. They’re so close to attaining the things they want. And there’s no going back.

What is the cost of an extraordinary life if others have to pay? Reimagining the classic themes of obsession and striving with an original and sinister edge, The Things We Do to Our Friends is a seductive thriller about the toxic battle between those who have, and those who covet–between the desire to truly belong, and the danger of being truly known.

Literary suspense/psychological thriller with an Edinburgh, Scotland setting and toxic relationships? I was immediately intrigued.

I don’t think I’ve come across so many unlikeable characters in one book before – and I read a lot. Clare is an outsider and is desperate to find a way into wealthy Tabitha’s exclusive circle of friends. Why? I have no earthly idea. Not even Tabitha’s friends seem to like her much. With the exception of Finn, the bar manager where Clare works, none of these characters has any redeeming qualities. Finn is the voice of reason and tries to steer her away from them, but Clare is still drawn to Tabitha’s circle. An invitation is extended, and she’s soon hanging with this crowd.

Clare’s past is something she desperately wants to keep hidden. She had severe anger management issues and was responsible for a death, but she now seems like a completely different person (there’s been no therapy and seemingly no remorse). She’s easily manipulated by Tabitha and is persuaded to join Tabitha’s bizarre project – which leads to heaps of problems for everyone.

This novel is described as literary suspense but, other than the setting, school doesn’t play into the plot. It’s very dark and atmospheric, something I really enjoy, and the short chapters make it easy to keep reading. But because of pacing and my inabililty to connect with the characters, the book didn’t work for me. Reviews are split on Goodreads, so if you’re a psychological thriller fan this novel may be your cup of tea.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

WWW Wednesday: What Am I Reading? #amreading

On February 15, 2023 By Teri PolenIn WWW Wednesdays30 Comments

WWW Wednesday is a meme from Sam at Taking On A World Of Words

The Three Ws are:

What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?

It’s not all fantasy again this week, friends! A suspense/thriller, YA fantasy (you knew there had to be at least one), and a horror/thriller.

The Drift is keeping me all kinds of captivated. Three different scenarios are playing out against a background of global catastrophe. I’d love to sit and finish it, but real life keeps getting in the way.

The imminent dangers faced by Hannah, Meg, and Carter are each one part of the puzzle. Lurking in their shadows is an even greater threat–one that threatens to consume all of humanity.

I finished Spice Road a couple days ago. What a stunning cover! I didn’t care much for MC Imani, but I admit she had a nice character growth arc over the course of the story. I’ll definitely be continuing with the series.

The first book in an epic fantasy series set in an Arabian-inspired land with secret spice magic. Raised to protect her nation from the monsters lurking in the sands, sixteen-year-old Imani must fight to find her brother, whose betrayal is now the country’s greatest threat.

In the hidden desert city of Qalia, there is secret spice magic that awakens the affinities of those who drink the misra tea. Sixteen-year-old Imani has the affinity for iron and is able to wield a dagger like no other warrior. She has garnered the reputation as being the next great Shield for battling djinn, ghouls, and other monsters spreading across the sands.

Her reputation has been overshadowed, however, by her brother, who tarnished the family name after it was revealed that he was stealing his nation’s coveted spice–a telltale sign of magical obsession. Soon after that, he disappeared, believed to have died beyond the Forbidden Wastes. Despite her brother’s betrayal, there isn’t a day that goes by when Imani doesn’t grieve him.

But when Imani discovers signs that her brother may be alive and spreading the nation’s magic to outsiders, she makes a deal with the Council that she will find him and bring him back to Qalia, where he will face punishment. Accompanied by other Shields, including Taha, a powerful beastseer who can control the minds of falcons, she sets out on her mission.

Imani will soon find that many secrets lie beyond the Forbidden Wastes–and in her own heart–but will she find her brother?

I’ve said it before – I’m a sucker for a haunted house story. They’re kind of like my kryptonite. Reviews have been mostly positive for The Spite House, so I’m excited.

Eric Ross is on the run from a mysterious past with his two daughters in tow. Having left his wife, his house, his whole life behind in Maryland, he’s desperate for money–it’s not easy to find safe work when you can’t provide references, you can’t stay in one place for long, and you’re paranoid that your past is creeping back up on you.

When he comes across the strange ad for the Masson House in Degener, Texas, Eric thinks they may have finally caught a lucky break. The Masson property, notorious for being one of the most haunted places in Texas, needs a caretaker of sorts. The owner is looking for proof of paranormal activity. All they need to do is stay in the house and keep a detailed record of everything that happens there. Provided the house’s horrors don’t drive them all mad, like the caretakers before them.

The job calls to Eric, not just because there’s a huge payout if they can make it through, but because he wants to explore the secrets of the spite house. If it is indeed haunted, maybe it’ll help him understand the uncanny power that clings to his family, driving them from town to town, making them afraid to stop running. A terrifying Gothic thriller about grief and death and the depths of a father’s love, Johnny Compton’s The Spite House is a stunning debut by a horror master in the making.

All Hallows by Christopher Golden #bookreview #horror #thriller #TuesdayBookBlog

On February 14, 2023 By Teri PolenIn Book Reviews30 Comments

With the 80’s nostalgia of Stranger Things, this horror drama from NYT bestselling author Christopher Golden follows neighborhood families and a mysterious, lurking evil on one Halloween day.

It’s Halloween night, 1984, in Coventry, Massachusetts, and two families are unraveling. Up and down the street, horrifying secrets are being revealed, and all the while, mixed in with the trick-or-treaters of all ages, four children who do not belong are walking door to door, merging with the kids of Parmenter Road. Children in vintage costumes with faded, eerie makeup. They seem terrified, and beg the neighborhood kids to hide them away, to keep them safe from The Cunning Man. There’s a small clearing in the woods now that was never there before, and a blackthorn tree that doesn’t belong at all. These odd children claim that The Cunning Man is coming for them…and they want the local kids to protect them. But with families falling apart and the neighborhood splintered by bitterness, who will save the children of Parmenter Road?

New York Times bestselling, Bram Stoker Award-winning author Christopher Golden is best known for his supernatural thrillers set in deadly, distant locales…but in this suburban Halloween drama, Golden brings the horror home.

All Hallows. The one night when everything is a mask..

It’s been a while since I’ve read a Christopher Golden novel, and now I’m asking myself why.

One neighbor having a big Halloween Party, another hosting the last year of the Haunted Woods display, kids trick-or-treating – Parmenter Road is the place to be on Halloween. But those who survive the night will change their minds the next morning and count themselves lucky to be alive.

This is the type of neighborhood where everyone knows your business – or at least they think they do – and rumors abound. Most have some truth behind them. Many of these characters display some of the worst human traits – infidelity, alcoholism, pedophilia, bigotry, and homophobia to name a few And that’s in addition to The Cunning Man and the strange children combing the neighborhood that night. There’s certainly no shortage of horrors in this novel.

With multiple POVs (more than eight adults and teens), it was a little difficult to keep up at first. With each character dealing with their own perilous circumstances, it didn’t take long to distinguish between them. I love the setting – Halloween night in the mid 80s, a fairly small neighborhood surrounded by a forest, creepy children running around begging other kids to shelter them until midnight – it’s perfect. Honestly, I’m surprised this didn’t release in the fall instead of January. Several reviewers struggled with pacing, but I didn’t mind the slower pace in this case, and most of the story takes place in one night.

As a warning there are gory, disturbing, and heartbreaking scenes alike, so be prepared. Some aren’t for the faint of heart. This may be more of a slow-burn horror story, but I plowed through it in two sittings. So much time between Golden novels won’t happen again.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.