All posts by Kelly S

Apocalyptic, Novella, Paranormal, Part of a Series, Review, Sci Fi, Suspense, Vampire, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR25 #Review – Resonant (The Vampires of Vegas Prequel) by Alexis Purdy

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Surviving is worse than death…

As the first days of the end of humanity tumble across the city of Las Vegas in the form of an overwhelming viral infection, turning almost everyone into vampire-like creatures, April Tate will find out what it really means to survive. What does it take to make it out alive in a place where everything is but a withered echo of its former self, and death does not come willingly?

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Review by Twinsie Kelly

I love Prequels! Especially after you get invested with the main character and just NEED to see what the heck they went through at the beginning. However, in this instance, I started with the prequel. Sometimes, this is a big no no because you are just not committed to the story yet. Well, Alexia Purdy is a new to me author and I am now invested in this story. I need to know what craziness April and her family are about to get into. APOCALYPTIC VAMPIRES! I read this in less than an hour and was so bummed that the story was over. But the best part is, I get to dive right into Reign of Blood like, RIGHT NOW! See ya on the flip side!

Alexia Purdy profile image

Alexia is a USA Today Bestselling author who currently lives in Las Vegas and loves spending every free moment writing or hanging out with her four rambunctious kids. Writing is the ultimate getaway for her since she’s always lost in her head. She is best known for her award-winning Reign of Blood series, and A Dark Faerie Tale Series.

Sign up for email updates and exclusive giveaways: http://smarturl.it/AlexiaPurdyNews

Follow links: https://linktr.ee/alexiapurdy

Fantasy, Part of a Series, Review, Sci Fi

#Review #GhostShip – Hull and Fire (The Wards of Minera Book 1) by James W. Cutter

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Levy Tren-Ulitese—Lor of the Land and gentleman of high society—is awoken in the early hours of the morning for an emergency: his father’s ship, missing for nine years now, has reappeared near the mouth of its home harbour entirely bereft of its crew. The expedition to the New World, a place they call ‘Minera’, apparently ended in tragedy. But how did the ship sail itself home? What happened to the crew? And what is the strange, dark artifact found aboard her?

Pushed by internal divisions and outside political forces, Levy and his sister are forced to refit the ship and flee the only city they’ve ever called home. Declared fugitives by their father’s old allies, they assemble a strange crew of the desperate and depraved; a turncoat imperial marine, a man that can manipulate the spirit-lines of the world, a war-hero famed for his supernatural accuracy with the musket, and a mute stow-away with mysterious powers. Together, they will follow in the wake of Levy’s father.

Together they will find a new home on the shores of Minera!

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Review by Twinsie Kelly

I enjoy finding stories that are truly different. When I read the blurb, I wasn’t exactly sure what I was getting myself into, but I am happy to say that I was completely engrossed by the story from start to finish. As a matter of fact, I finished the book and didn’t realize I finished the book, and that was the point I realized I needed to read more. (Boy that was a mouthful, lol)

There is a LOT going on in Hull and Fire with many complex characters and with pretty elaborate world building going on. One of my only real issues with the story itself is that there are many POVs that this story is told from. It was a little tough trying to keep everyone straight at first. But once I got into a groove, I couldn’t put the book down.

There are mysterious forces at work. A lot of lies and a lot of omissions happening at the same time. When everyone starts to turn on Levy and his kind, he takes things into his own hands. Instead of trying to change the people’s minds and face what can certainly be an awful outcome for his family, he defies the odds and moves on to a new world. It’s a compelling story that had me absolutely captivated. I look forward to finding out what happens next!

Pssst, the ghost ship is only going to be the beginning. It has to be. It was an incredible twist at the end to tie in one of the current characters with Levy’s father, the captain of the ghost ship! Kudos to the author!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

James W. Cutter profile image

James W. Cutter began writing at a young age, with a craft that was forged in the snows of Northern Ontario, quenched in the swells of the Pacific, and tempered by the misty rainforests of British Columbia.

James interrupts his writing habit with a day job. He writes from an undisclosed, cougar-free location on Vancouver Island, Canada.

Coming of Age, Fantasy, LGBTQ, Mythology, Novella, Review

#Review #GoddessofDeath – Morana by Piper Laksari-Minenco

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My name is Morana. The humans call me Death.

Forget all you thought you knew about myth and folklore. This is an unheard story; the story of death.

A new spin on mythology, told through the perspective of one of the most hated goddesses of them all.

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Review by Twinsie Kelly

I am a lover of all things mythology so when I seen Morana, I knew that I had to read it. Morana is definitely an interesting and unique spin on the gods and goddesses that we have all come to know. Some we love and some we love to hate. This is a coming-of-age story about Morana, who ultimately becomes the Goddess of Death. Morana is struggling with the gift that the sprits are going to bestow upon her as she fears that she will be hated by everyone.

There is a LOT going on with Morana and the additional characters. The family dynamic is very tense but she makes every effort not to clash with them. She has a schoolmate, Athena, who is the “cool kid” that everyone loves but she constantly locks horns with on the daily. And then there is her girlfriend, Devana. She is so sweet and understanding.

The overall story is really good but there is so much potential for this to be really great! This is a short story and as you got closer to the end, it felt like there were longer breaks in between events. With the jump in between events, I felt like I lost a bit of a connection with the other characters and even Morana while she may have processed what she went through. Overall, the story is very intriguing and is definitely a page turner. I do wish it was a bit longer so that we could discover a bit more about Morana…there is so much more, I just know it!

This is a new author for me, and I didn’t realize she was a young author, but I am extremely impressed! I look forward to reading other works by this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Piper Laksari-Minenco profile image

I’m a young writer who is super passionate about my craft, and who loves to weave a little exploration of mental health themes into my work. When I’m not penning my newest work, you can find me cuddling up under my fabulous periodic table blanket with a book in my hands, surrounded by my anatomy posters and whatnot. Passionate about the power of storytelling, I truly cherish the feeling of bringing hope or light to someone through a good book. I hope you’ll tag along and give my work a try!

Comedy, Review, Sci Fi, Time Travel

#Review – The Outlaw Gillis Kerg … Physics, Lust and Greed Series by Mike Murphey

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In the mid-21st Century, a top-secret consortium of corporations and governments have made time travel possible, only to realize that intruding on the past has been a terrible mistake. At the program’s outset, a thousand scientists, engineers and support staff were confined to a subterranean complex where a corporate contributor specializing in artificial intelligence equipped their apartments with Happy Home Companion software.

Time traveler Marta Hamilton has little tolerance for other people intruding into her life, much less a software “Dear Abby,” so Marta bullies her Happy Home Companion into silence. Finally convinced of the grave dangers of time travel, government overseers suspend operations, and only the Happy Home Companion remains.

Marta and fellow traveler Marshall Grissom hope they can finally leave the past behind, but when a federal judge is murdered, they understand their vulnerability to horrible manipulations by future counterparts. Marta and Marshall return to the Arizona desert where they confront a Happy Home Companion cult of vengeance, the outlaw Gillis Kerg, and an evangelical zealot waging a war on science.

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Review by Twinsie Kelly

Unique Multiverse Murder Inc Fringe Tale

This is book 4 in the series. I have not read the first 3 and feel that it can be read as a standalone. However, I am rather intrigued to see how everyone got to this point so I will be going back to the beginning.

Ok, so most of us have seen Back to the Future and know the ramifications of messing with the past and/or future. Well, in this story, the government is part of this secret mess. Eventually, a decision is made to shut this crazy thing down. However, something is happening in the parallel universes and everyone’s worst nightmare is coming true. OH! And the universes are named after old TV shows (i.e. Gunsmoke, Jeopardy, etc.) which is AMAZING!

We encounter quite a crazy cast of characters throughout the book. This includes people with political positions (one with a slogan of “Make American Stupid Again”), time travelers, assassins, scientists, and regular ole people. There is even a horde of quickly learning, while extremely gullible and naïve, AI’s.

The baddies are determined to take over the program and destroy anyone who stands in their way to ultimately own the future by manipulating the past. As if power wasn’t cruel enough, it becomes villainous and ultimately the future travelers come back to manipulate the past for power. It’s insanity with internal mutiny from other universes! Bringing the team back together is only half the fun. And when they finally do collide, things get really exciting! The characters are witty and fun but when the AI’s get involved, things get even better!

The author did an incredible job of bringing a very surreal science fiction story to life but also adding in a lot of laughs and sarcastic eyerolls. It seriously had me turning pages like a mad woman. I highly recommend that you pick this up and meet the Lady Godiva, the Prophet Shehoo, Leviticus Deuteronomy Humphollar, and the many other characters within these pages.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Visit Mike Murphey Store on Amazon

A native of eastern New Mexico, Mike Murphey spent nearly thirty years as an award-winning newspaper journalist in the Southwest and Pacific Northwest. Following his retirement from news journalism, he and his wife Nancy entered in a seventeen-year partnership with the late Dave Henderson, all-star centerfielder for the Oakland Athletics, Boston Red Sox and Seattle Mariners.

Our company, Dave Henderson Baseball, produced the Oakland A’s and Seattle Mariners Fantasy Camps for twenty years. The Murpheys have also partnered with the Roy Hobbs adult baseball organization in Fort Myers, Florida. Mike’s love of fiction, cats, baseball and sailing affords him to split his time between Spokane, Washington, and Phoenix, Arizona, where he enjoys life as a writer and old-man baseball player.

To receive a free Short Story – OLD MAN BASEBALL here …. https://www.mikemurpheybooks.com/freebies

or visit my website ….https://www.mikemurpheybooks.com/

Dragons, Fantasy, Paranormal, Review

#Review – A Christmas Tail (The Northwoods Guardians) By Claudia Blood

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A mysterious thief is stealing all things gold in Notely, MN, and Laura and her team are on the case! But as they dig deeper, she discovers a playful dragon, a mischievous pixie, and a hidden sanctuary. With her trusty sidekick Span missing, Laura must race against time to solve the mystery, rescue her dog, and save Christmas. Join the adventure in this heartwarming, humorous, and enchanting holiday tale.

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Review by Twinsie Kelly

I was looking for a quick, cute and funny Christmas story and ran across this golden gem! Laura and her team are presented with a case to find the thief of all things gold. Everything that is gold is missing…oh, and PIES! And some memories, too! It was rather humorous following her team to figure out who the culprit was. There is a bit of everything in such a quick read; it was funny, witty, heartwarming and super cute! However, there is a LOT going on in this story. I found myself getting a bit confused at times because the story is told from several points of view, and I have not read any part of this series. I am not sure if the author meant for this to be a standalone or not. However, I am intrigued by these characters that I plan to check out The Northwoods Guardians and give it another go.

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Award-winning author Claudia Blood writes in a range of genres, including cozy fantasy, dystopian fantasy, and science fantasy. She loves to write twisty tales of underdogs defying authority, defeating demons, and discovering their destined family amidst the chaos. Her background as a research scientist serves her well in creating mystical realms and futuristic worlds. Claudia lives in Wisconsin with her husband, kids, and pets.

Apocalyptic, Dystopian, Review

#Review – Ballistic: Icarus Series, Book 2 by Aria Michaels

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It’s been three days since Solar Storm Icarus silenced the world…three days since the GRS virus wiped out most of humanity and started changing the few who remained. Liv and the others made it through the initial wave, but they’ve lost a lot along the way and the journey to Salvation is far from over. A rogue military organization has taken hold of the area and they possess a weapon that could change everything.

When Liv finds out her brother and the other refugees are being held captive at Camp Seco, she will risk everything to get him back. As the group embarks upon a dangerous rescue mission, a rival band of survivors threatens their safety and a new storm gathers overhead. The virus has spread and the infected are being drawn together. What’s worse, the beast that lurks inside of Liv is growing stronger and more difficult to control. But Liv has a promise to keep–and her little brother is running out of time.

Will Liv be able to harness her strength to save her brother and the hundreds of other innocents beyond the walls of Camp Seco, or will she let the monster out and put them all at risk?

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Review by Twinsie Kelly

I can’t say enough good things about this series and especially this book. There are so many horrible things going on but this ragtag band of misfits has made it so far and they are going to beat the system. At this point, there is on such thing as good and evil, no right and wrong. There is only death and survival. You do what you have to do to stay alive. Liv feels like everyone thinks she is something special because she has these “special powers” but she feels she is not part of the solution. She is part of the problem. Her group ends up working with a rival band of survivors and uncover a HOT MESS of stuff going on at the camp that her little brother, Beans, is at. Also, a surprise character pops back up from book 1. I couldn’t believe it, and their entrance was absolutely perfect! I am completely bummed that I waited so long to read this series because once I started turning the pages, I just couldn’t stop. Now, I don’t believe there is another past this book.

Reader beware: This is an amazing book and totally worth the read but there should be at the very least another book after this to complete it. At the time that I am writing this, there is not. I hope this changes because it truly is something special!

Aria Michaels profile image

Aria Michaels is the author of The Icarus Series, a bestselling young adult dystopian saga as well as a contributor to ATZ’s Chronology of the Apocalypse. Aria is an avid reader, die-hard zombie fan, and enthusiastic lover of bonfires and red wine. When she is not glued to her computer pouring out the voices in her head, this busy single mom can be found playing in the dirt with her boys, painting, or binge-watching The Walking Dead. Aria is currently hard at work on the next installment of the Icarus Series and reveling in her role as instigator of literary mayhem and stealth assassin of fictional characters.

“You are never more than one chapter away from a different future.” –Aria Michaels

2nd Chance, Contemp. Romance, Military, Review, Small Town Romance

#Review – Mountain Storm (Mountain Mayhem Book 2) by Dawn Love

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They say you must weather the storms to find a rainbow.

Michael “Blaze” Blaisure and Lexi Lane have endured some of life’s hardest trials and are finally beginning to see clear skies. Now, they’re ready for the next phase of their lives to begin. A new career path and a new venture may be just what they need to move forward.

As they take those steps together, they are unaware of the danger lurking around the next corner. When the past rears its ugly head, they must face some of the most turbulent storms of their lives.

Will they survive the landslide headed their way? Or will fate rip them apart?

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Review by Twinsie Kelly

I must start by saying that the first book, Mountain Haven, is one of my favorite books EVER! I stumbled across it and when I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. When I realized I could continue Lexi and Blaze’s story, I was ecstatic! Now, for Mountain Storm, Lexi and Blaze have started to settle into a sort of routine. Music is coming back to Lexi and Blaze has found a purpose with the police department. Ok everyone, the hotness level is turned up, waaay up! And waaaay fast! What I didn’t see coming was the twistedness that is twisted up within the guy that is all twisted. Gah, I just can’t with some people and the reasoning behind the things they do! The first book was a raging rollercoaster, and this book is more of a twisted pathway through a haunted forest. We are left with quite a cliffhanger at the end so I am desperately waiting for book 3 so I can figure out how I will attempt to describe that book, LOL! Dawn Love, you have a new stalker, er, um…I mean fan!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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Dawn Love was born in Mayfield, Kentucky, and spent the first twenty-six years of her life there. Always a creative person and an avid reader, she began writing stories for her own entertainment as a teen, and her love of writing continued to grow into adulthood. She now resides on her 50-acre farm on the Delmarva peninsula. A mother of two, she spends her free time creating the characters and stories of her fantasies. She also writes an internationally read Blog where she shares stories, thoughts, and craziness.

Writing romance is her passion and it feeds her soul. She loves to tell a good, heartfelt story. Her motto is, “Steamy Romance and Heart Smiles.” You will always find a happy ever after or happy for now in her books

Audio Book, Contemp. Romance, Mystery, Part of a Series, Review, Witches

#Review – One Tequila (The Althea Rose Series Book 1) by Tricia O’Malley

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From a NY Times & USA Today Bestselling author comes a laugh-out-loud magical mystery set in small-town Tequila Key.

Tequila Key is just like any other small town and I’m just like any other small town psychic. Scratch that. Tequila Key is a world onto itself and some people might think that I am one crayon short of the box.

And, if we’re being totally honest, Tequila Key is just like any other small town – if that town boasts a voodoo priestess and a few white witches for flavor. Turquoise blue water and the best margaritas this side of Mexico make it hard to leave.

I’m Althea Rose, co-owner of Luna Rose Potions & Tarot Shop, and I’ve just stumbled into a love triangle while trying to save my best friend from being accused of murder.

See? Just like any other small town.

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Review by Twinsie Kelly

Fun mix of humor and magic with just the right amount of mystery and suspense and the perfect pinch of a love twist.

I listened to One Tequila via Audible while I was sick. Needless to say, I needed a pick me up. When I read the synopsis, I knew it was right up my alley.

At first, it seemed to move a tad too slow for me. But in full disclosure, I don’t do well with audiobooks as I generally prefer to read over listen. However, I was always left with just enough that I kept wondering what was going to happen next. I had to keep listening. Althea had me hooked. She had herself in the middle of quite a mess. If something could happen to her, it was going to happen to her. And her friends, witchy and the norms, made the story all the better. The ending had a twist that I did not see coming and had me literally saying OMG. I laughed at places I probably shouldn’t have and found myself fully enjoying One Tequila!

I am looking forward to seeing what other shenanigans Althea Rose and her friends can get into!

 

Tricia O'Malley profile image

A NY Times, USA Today, and WSJ bestselling author, Tricia O’Malley’s infectious joy in writing romance with an added dash of magic has touched hearts around the world. With over three million books read, O’Malley’s stories have been translated into several languages and enjoy a devoted following. Tricia lives in the Caribbean with her handsome Scotsman. An avid scuba diver, Tricia spends much of her time underwater dreaming up new stories while photographing the beautiful sea life. She discovers her inspiration on the go – and you’ll find her books set in beautiful settings with characters who deserve a happily-ever-after. To see some of her underwater or island life photos visit her on Facebook, Instagram, or at www.triciaomalley.com

 



Apocalyptic, Cliffhanger, Coming of Age, Review, Sci Fi, Suspense, Thriller

#Review #Apocalyptic – Killshot: Icarus Series Book 1 by Aria Michaels

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After the death of their parents, seventeen year old Liv Larson and her younger brother are separated by the foster care system. Her grades slip, her friends drift away, and she gives up on her plans for college. The only thing that matters is keeping the promise to get back to her brother. After months of solitude and anti-social behavior, Liv’s best friend Riley drags her to their high school’s rooftop solar flare party. Despite the beautiful lights dancing in the sky, Liv finds herself captivated by Zander, a mysterious boy with a crooked smile. For a few hours, she allows herself to feel normal again.

That is until what should have been a small flare erupts into a massive solar storm. Cut off from the rest of the world with no sign of rescue, fear and paranoia begin to take their toll on the group. Battle lines are drawn and their ranks are divided. Soon, those left behind must embark on a perilous journey to save one of their own…but, something sinister awaits them in the shadows and it’s undeniably connected to Liv.

Can she keep her promise to reunite with her brother? What are Liv and her friends willing to do to survive? Will their bravery and determination be enough to save them all from a rogue military unit, a terrifying virus, and the things that go bump in the night?

Or was Icarus really the KILLSHOT?

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Review by Twinsie Kelly

It is not often that I have a difficult time writing a review because it left me speechless. I have had this book living in my TBR pile on my kindle for longer than I like to admit. I decided to go waaaay back and find something that caught my attention and wow, am I glad that I did. This book, just wow. I cannot find the words. If you like post apoc, conspiracy theories, military, teenagers overcoming obstacles, Sci-Fi, just some overall unexplainable craziness, (I am sure I am missing things) then I recommend Killshot.

Icarus is supposed to be a solar flare event but turns into so much more. We experience life just before and for the three days after Icarus. That’s right folks, this book gives us just before the solar flare and for three days after. So much happens and we get to experience is through Liv’s eyes. It is tough, emotional, frightening, mysterious, and overall…just WOW!

“Change is the only thing in this life that is ever guaranteed.”

There are things that people should never be exposed to but after a wicked event like Icarus, it has brought out the worst, but sometimes the best in people. Even if the best, hurts some of those people. It’s a strange combination but one that you won’t understand until you are put in those situations. Liv and her friends, well, experience it throughout this book.

I am now on my way to the next book. Not waiting around for this one!

 

Aria Michaels profile image

Aria Michaels is the author of The Icarus Series, a bestselling young adult dystopian saga as well as a contributor to ATZ’s Chronology of the Apocalypse. Aria is an avid reader, die-hard zombie fan, and enthusiastic lover of bonfires and red wine. When she is not glued to her computer pouring out the voices in her head, this busy single mom can be found playing in the dirt with her boys, painting, or binge-watching The Walking Dead. Aria is currently hard at work on the next installment of the Icarus Series and reveling in her role as instigator of literary mayhem and stealth assassin of fictional characters.

“You are never more than one chapter away from a different future.” –Aria Michaels

 



Ghosts, Paranormal, Review, Teen & Young Adult Contemporary, Urban Fantasy/Urban Fiction, YA

#Review #Haunting – The House on the Hill by William Joseph

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Welcome to The House on the Hill. It is a house unlike any other. Lonely, dilapidated, and with a tragic story.

Now meet Kacy Marie Aspen. A young and curious girl with schizophrenia who just turned seventeen. Upon discovering the house and witnessing several odd figures standing out front, she soon finds herself being stalked by them almost everywhere that she goes.

As she struggles to determine if what she is seeing is real or in her head, will she confront these strange characters and find out their story? Or will she descend into madness and learn that it might be all in her head?

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Review by Twinsie Kelly

It wasn’t every day that the spirits from the local abandoned building wanted to befriend you.

There is a great story buried within these words. I have read other books by this author, and they can get a bit on the scary side. I was really expecting this to be more of a scary, haunting type of story. Or there to be more of a ghostly struggle. I don’t even know if I am describing my struggle accurately. **Note: I am going to attempt to give this review with no spoilers. Proceed with caution.**

Kacy, the main character, has struggled with hallucinations, is medicated and sees a doctor. Nothing else is really explained regarding same. She is drawn to this haunted house and many ghosts. This is where it gets sort of weird for me. The ghosts go silent and we go into a ton of just words about shopping and hanging out with her friend, but it seems to be on repeat just in different areas. I am not sure if it was filler and there was a certain amount of words that had to be met for the book or if there was a point to this, but it caused me to put the book down a couple of times because it just didn’t seem to “fit.” BUT, I am not a quitter! I had to know what happened so I trudged on when all of a sudden…BAM! The story is right here, right now, and is going nuts! It’s crazy, it’s sad, there’s a touch of insanity, there’s gunshots, there’s fire, there’s friendship, there’s crying, and then happiness! Then it was over…

There is truly a great story buried within these words, but you do have to get through some extra stuff to get to it. When you do, it’ll be worth it!

William Joseph profile image

William Joseph is an exciting Horror, Paranormal, and Psychological Thriller writer from New Jersey, USA. He loves to draw the reader into believable worlds, creating everyday characters the readers can relate and connect with, and then forcing them to face their deepest and darkest fears. William Joseph’s writing has been detailed as twisted, dark, terrifying, raw, and emotional.