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The Cannibal Caper (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Micalah Weatherholtz

The Cannibal CaperThe Cannibal Caper by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’m not sure if there is an exact order to read these books in but I read The Cold Kid Case first and this one after it. Described as a YA, cozy mystery, I would check out the subject matter before just handing it to your kiddo as you definitely want to be sure they are mature enough to handle that. A little hard to get into at first but still an immensely enjoyable story. Once the action starts it doesn’t stop and I couldn’t wait to find out what happened. The characters were lifelike and fit the time period well. Again, told from her point of view we get an idea of what it’s like to be a scrappy, orphan, in this day and age, and how tough it is to survive on the street. Appreciate Bardens wonderful storytelling and can’t wait to find out what Sparky gets into next.

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The Cold Kid Case (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Micalah Weatherholtz

The Cold Kid Case: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Cold Kid Case: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Although The Cold Kid Case is geared toward a YA audience I was still able to enjoy this fun, cozy mystery. After looking at the cover and reading the blurb about the book I thought it was going to be a little more geared toward young children but that wasn’t the case. We get a good idea of how the 1930’s was and how kids were treated and with Sparky being an 11 year old orphan it definitely wasn’t safe and she had to fight for everything. Told from her point of view it was a wild, entertaining ride to the end.

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The Cannibal Caper (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Santana Hicks

The Cannibal Caper: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Cannibal Caper: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sparky is back and this time she is looking for a cannibal on the loose. She has come a long way from the first book in the series. She has a home in the “creepy house” living with Tootsie and Gilbert and she is even going back to school. A cannibal has emerged in Bunker Hills and Tootsie is the main suspect. Sparky wants to clear her name but this time she has no help to solve the mystery. Tootsie likes the publicity she is getting being the prime suspect, Gilbert is busy doing his butler duties, and Bobby is out of town. Sparky is suspicious of everyone.

Sparky meets a 12 year old boy who works at a pet shop and is intrigued by him. She wants to be able to trust him but anyone could be the cannibal. On top of that, Sparky is also trying to find missing jewellery. Will she be able to do it all? Alone?

Even though I wasn’t really fond of the first book in the series, this one was a lot better. I was less irritated with Sparky as the main character. In the first book, I found her rude and annoying but she has come a long way from the feral girl you meet in the first book. I was able to get into the storyline a lot easier with this one.

I also really enjoyed the new characters introduced this time around. The author once again portrayed a comical murder mystery with more zany characters to add to the already colourful mix.

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The Cold Kid Case (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Santana Hicks

The Cold Kid Case: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Cold Kid Case: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sparky is an 11 year old child who was in the wrong place at the wrong time causing her already difficult life harder. She is an orphan living on the streets in the 1930s when she discovered a little girl dead on a park bench. The press and Mayor portrayed Sparky as the murderer. Already hard to come by food and shelter, Sparky now had to avoid the cops. She decides to crash in the “creepy house” thinking no one would look for her there and ends up meeting the homeowner, an actress by the name of Tootsie. Instantly they bonded and Tootsie invited Sparky to hide out in her home.

Sparky is determined to clear her name with the help of her new friends and help from some old ones, she sets off to find the real murderer.

Honestly I disliked Sparky as a character immensely. She was full of contradictions and rude. I know life on the street made her feral but I could not understand her actions a lot of the times. She says she can’t trust anyone and then goes to the same people she mentioned she couldn’t trust. She was constantly disobeying and doing everything alone when she had people who liked and cared for her. I also didn’t like her personality in general.

The author did a good job of making a murder mystery comical and I loved most of the characters, especially Gilbert. Gilbert was the sweetest. Not liking the main character made it hard for me to like the book in general but looking outside of my dislike, the book was well written with a lot of colourful personality.

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The Cannibal Caper (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

The Cannibal Caper: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Cannibal Caper: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Sparky Bunker is back!! The Cannibal Caper is Book # 2 in the Sparky of Bunker Hill series and just as fun and full of adventure as the first book. Although this story is more for an audience of 11-18 years of age; this series can be enjoyed at any age. I was looking forward to reading this story and it did not disappoint.

Sparky and the cast of characters are on the hunt to solve another mystery; this one of missing jewels and who knew there would be mad cannibal in the mix! Sparky is now trying to put the puzzle pieces together in trying to figure out this mystery.

Will Sparky be able to solve the case? With her wit and banter and I love her feisty fiery side….definitely read and find out what Sparky and her friends have in store!! What a great read and highly recommended. I am already looking forward to the next installment.

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The Cannibal Caper (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Tatra Johnson Barnes

The Cannibal Caper: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Cannibal Caper: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden

The Cannibal Caper is Book Two in the Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series. It is a historical cozy mystery set in 1932 that centers around a precocious, street smart, eleven-year-old orphan named Sparky. She is smart, feisty, and a bit of an amateur sleuth with a knack for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. In her latest adventure Sparky finds herself trying to solve the mystery of missing jewels and a gourmet cannibal. The list of suspects is complex and even those closest to Sparky could be guilty. Sparky is witty, determined, and has a feisty attitude that matches her bright red hair. The author does a great job pulling the reader into the story with detailed writing, rich, historical details, and quirky characters. This book had mystery intrigue, humour, witty banter, crime, action, adventure, and a bit of mayhem. Loving this series!

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The Cannibal Caper (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Kerry Carr

The Cannibal Caper: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Cannibal Caper: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the 2nd book in the Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery series. These historical Cozy mysteries are fun to read. The authors attention to detail really brings the characters to life. As a reader I felt really transported back in time to the 1930s.
This is a book ideally written for a young adult and our main character Sparkly is only 11 years old. She is a great character, at times she seems quite mature and grown up because of her life on the street and at other times you get flashes of the child she is.
I do recommend reading these books in order so you get the full story of Sparky’s life up to this point and you also get introduced to the characters who are present in this story.

We are back with Sparky and her friends. After solving the case in the last book and proving her innocence in murder, the amateur sleuth is back trying to uncover the mystery of missing jewels but with danger and a mad cannabel on the loose you know it’s not going to be easy or safe.
This is a fun mystery read which is fast paced and engaging. You won’t be able to put the book down until you uncover the mystery and see if Sparky solves the case.

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The Cannibal Caper (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Betsy Melano

The Cannibal CaperThe Cannibal Caper by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This series is fun to read. The author paints a picture of the world of 1930’s era Los Angeles, where Sparky lives and finds ways to keep herself out of trouble. There are many things that could come up but Sparky doesn’t give up. It can’t be safe as an 11year old Orphan but Sparky makes due. She really has a personality that you can connect with. Sparks’s main goal in this book is to help her friends and benefactor keep away from the Cannibal who is attacking people. Like the first book, I felt like I transported to Los Angeles and learned a bit about the area and time. Thank you for keeping this story going, I really enjoy Sparks’s character.

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Master of the Abyss (Painted Souls Series Book 3) by Rob Samborn – Review by Netania Lim

Master of the Abyss (Painted Souls, #3)Master of the Abyss by Rob Samborn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This historical / thriller / fantasy series (seriously, it’s all those genres put together) is back for its third and final installment and I’m a little sad to see it end. I love the fast pace, the suspense, the adventure of it all. There’s so much detail in the world and the characters are compelling, which makes the reader kind of fall into the story themselves. This book had me hooked, as did the rest of the series. Highly recommend!

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The Cannibal Caper (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Alison Risher

The Cannibal CaperThe Cannibal Caper by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m loving this series! This mystery is set in Los Angeles in the 1930s. The main character is this scrappy little orphan who has been living on the streets. It is told in the first person, from her point of view. Although she now has a safe place to sleep and regular meals, she struggles to leave behind her life on the streets. She struggles with making good choices, which is something we can all relate to.

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The Cannibal Caper (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by La Toya Lewis

The Cannibal Caper: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Cannibal Caper: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Cannibal Caper is the second book in the Bunker Hill Mystery Series. We are once again hanging out with street kid turned sleuth Sparky. Sparky’s life has gotten better as she builds a life with Tootsie. She has her own room and much to her chagrin Tootsie wants to send her to school. Of course, Sparky lands smack dab in the middle of another mystery. This time Sparky finds herself on the trail of a cannibal. Once again I found myself on a wild ride with spunky Sparky. This book was even better than the first. The author draws you into the shady 1930s perfectly. I love how immersive everything feels. Of course, I also loved the relationship between Tootsie and Sparky. This was a fun and adventurous story with a very well-written plot.

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Master of the Abyss (Painted Souls Series Book 3) by Rob Samborn – Review by Elisha Johnson

Master of the Abyss (Painted Souls, #3)Master of the Abyss by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Master of the Abyss by Rob Samborn- 5 out of 5 stars

My first read by this author and the third and final book in this series. I highly recommend that you read the first two installments before picking this one up. This crazy unique historical thriller is a book you will have a hard time putting down. There were so many twists and turns, and souls getting trapped inside painting! Wow, this series will have you on your toes! I highly recommend these books.

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Master of the Abyss (Painted Souls Series Book 3) by Rob Samborn – Review by Betsy Melano

Master of the Abyss (Painted Souls, #3)Master of the Abyss by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The final book of the Painted Souls Series which happens to be an amazing story filled with action, adventure, danger and so much more. Julia and her friends must work together to save Nick from purgatory. As you read this book, you can’t help but feel like you’re on the edge of your seat ready to help. The connection between Julia and Nick and how much their friends love them and want to help them.
I highly recommend reading the series in order. The author does a wonderful job of world and character development throughout the story and you won’t want to stop reading!

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Master of the Abyss (Painted Souls Series Book 3) by Rob Samborn – Review by Shannen Kern

Master of the Abyss (Painted Souls, #3)Master of the Abyss by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This has been one of my absolute favorite series! I cannot say enough good things about it. This is not one you should read as a standalone because they only make sense in order with all background provided. They build off each other quite a bit. This book (and series) is captivating, thrilling, and you won’t be able to put it down so clear your day! The flow of the story feels natural, and the characters are very well-developed. The author makes it impossible to NOT be fully invested within minutes. Can Julia save her husband or is his fate sealed? Do yourself the biggest favor and pick up this series, you won’t regret it!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Master of the Abyss (Painted Souls Series Book 3) by Rob Samborn – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Master of the Abyss (Painted Souls, #3)Master of the Abyss by Rob Samborn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a series that I have enjoyed reading from the first book. It is a fast paced, hard to put down story and the last book of the series. This is a series that I highly suggest reading from first book to last. It will help you understand where the characters have been and where they are going. I look forward to seeing what is next for this author. This is a well written story that is engaging and hard to put down. Julia and her group have one last chance to free her husband. What happens is something you don’t want to miss. I enjoyed watching the growth of the plot throughout the story. The characters are relatable and add so much to the story. I really enjoyed them and what they brought to the story. I highly recommend this book.

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Review by @bjwagner

Master of the Abyss (Painted Souls Series Book 3) by Rob Samborn – Review by Sheri Schrader

Master of the Abyss (Painted Souls, #3)Master of the Abyss by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Master of the Abyss: The Epic Conclusion to the Painted Souls Series is the third and final book of this action-packed series. Julia is trying to save her husband and others from purgatory while stopping Salvatore della Porta from reigning over the globe with his cult of followers. There are the dual timelines that started in the first two books of the series. I enjoy how the author delves into the rich past of 16th-century Venice while balancing it with the contemporary timeline. This is definitely a series you need to start at the beginning but trust me; it is worth reading the entire series. The story, characters, and action keep you reading and not wanting to put down the book. Though this was the last book in this series, I will keep an eye out for more by this author.

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Master of the Abyss (Painted Souls Series Book 3) by Rob Samborn – Review by Samantha cleaver

Master of the Abyss (Painted Souls, #3)Master of the Abyss by Rob Samborn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’m not sure how, but Rob has done it again! He has such a wonderful imagination and storytelling skills. He easily makes me forget that I’m reading a fictional novel. The characters draw me in and I couldn’t put this book down!

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Painter of the Damned (Painted Souls Book 2) by Rob Samborn – Review by Samantha Cleaver

Painter of the Damned (Painted Souls, #2)Painter of the Damned by Rob Samborn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rob Samborn is at it again! This book takes us to Nick’s previous life in 16th century Venice. Rob takes us between two different time periods beautifully. This book, like the first in the series, was hard to put down! Can’t wait to read the next in the series!

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The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls Book 1) by Rob Samborn – Review by Samantha Cleaver

The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls, #1)The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was my first book by Rob Samborn. It took me a few chapters to get into this book, but then I couldn’t put it down. So much happened with the main characters: Nick and Julia. It ended up being a page turner! If you enjoy historical fiction, while also being action packed, then this book is for you!

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Master of the Abyss (Painted Souls Series Book 3) by Rob Samborn – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Master of the Abyss (Painted Souls, #3)Master of the Abyss by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Master of the Abyss is the third and final book to the Painted Souls Series. It is a spine-tingling, high stakes, twisted, historical thriller. If you have not yet read the first two books in the series, I highly recommend that you do, or you may feel lost. The first two novels give backstory and important details that are imperative to getting the full experience of this amazing series. In the gripping finale to the series, Julia must try to save her husband from eternal purgatory. In her quest to save him she finds herself trying to save the world from a religious fanatic. The author weaves an intricate, multi layered story full of rich historical details. This book was riveting from the first few pages and full of action, suspense, drama, mystery, intrigue, and twists and turns. I highly recommend this book, and this series!

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Master of the Abyss (Painted Souls Series Book 3) by Rob Samborn – Review by Finn Cunningham

Master of the Abyss (Painted Souls, #3)Master of the Abyss by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Master of the Abyss is Rob Samborn’s incredible conclusion to the Painted Souls Series. Where do I start, considering this series has it all? From book one I have been thoroughly hooked on this sags, filling all of my spare time with this mind-boggling thriller. Rob never misses a single beat, with beautiful imagery, drama, and mystery. I had a terrible time pulling myself away from this series, continuously coming back for more. I just had to know! I loved this from book one, page one, and i recommend it to anyone who enjoy action thrillers full to the brim with raw talent.

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Painter of the Damned (Painted Souls Book 2) by Rob Samborn – Review by Finn Cunningham

Painter of the Damned (Painted Souls, #2)Painter of the Damned by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Painter of the Damned is the second book in Rob Samborn’s breathtaking Painted Souls series. Much like the first installment, you will be on the edge of your seat from page one. The world is amazing, and the mysteries, conspiracies, and suspense will keep you reading deep into night. Action at every turn, and just enticing from the start to finish, Rob will continue to awe you with each new page. I have absolutely adored this series so far and cannot wait for the conclusion!

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The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls Book 1) by Rob Samborn – Review by Finn Cunningham

The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls, #1)The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Prisoner of Paradise is the first book in the Painted Souls Trilogy. An enrapturing start to what i can already tell is gonna be an epic series. It’s full to the brim with twists and turns, action, and beautiful world building. Rob makes his books hard to put down, and I can’t wait to see what waits for me in the next book. I definitely recommend this work of art to anyone looking for a beautiful, action packed, page turner, Angelo will not disappoint.

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Master of the Abyss (Painted Souls Series Book 3) by Rob Samborn – Review by Kerry Carr

Master of the Abyss (Painted Souls, #3)Master of the Abyss by Rob Samborn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the 3rd and finally book in the Painted Souls Series. I do recommend reading them from the start so you get the complete story and you won’t be disappointed. Reading them from the beginning also helps you to understand the switch between times from the past to present day. I can imagine without knowing the reason for it, it would make the books confusing.
These books are historical thrillers. They are books you can’t help but get lost in. Their is romance, danger, evil, past and present and countless souls needing to be saved from purgatory.

With Julia’s husband Nick’s soul trapped in purgatory it is a race against time for her and her friends. They need to stop Salvatore della Porta from taking over the world by Veritism—the one religion and they need to save Nick’s soul as well as the souls of other people who have been trapped and condemned to purgatory. Will Julia and her friends be able to find the ancient relic needed to save everyone and stop Salvatore or will they run out of time?

This author has weaved a fantasy tale in this series. One that has you gripped and on the edge of your seat. I am sad that this is the last book but I thoroughly enjoyed it and will definately read it again.

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Master of the Abyss (Painted Souls Series Book 3) by Rob Samborn – Review by Nina Maes

This book was very intriguing. Fast paced, keep me at the edge of seat from start to finish. Very strong characters and strong story line. I love when an author can paint you a picture of exactly what you are reading. I would recommend to all readers, can be read as stand alone. Looking forward to the next read.Master of the Abyss (Painted Souls, #3)Master of the Abyss by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was very intriguing. Fast paced, keep me at the edge of seat from start to finish. Very strong characters and strong story line. I love when an author can paint you a picture of exactly what you are reading. I would recommend to all readers, can be read as stand alone. Looking forward to the next read.

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Master of the Abyss (Painted Souls Series Book 3) by Rob Samborn – Review by Crystal Brehant

Master of the Abyss (Painted Souls, #3)Master of the Abyss by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story is loaded with mystery and exhilaration. It is one of those books that you keep saying “okay one more page. Okay maybe one more chapter”, again and again until you finish the book at 4am. You really get sucked into the story and at times you forget about reality. Exceptional story telling.

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Master of the Abyss (Painted Souls Series Book 3) by Rob Samborn – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

Master of the Abyss (Painted Souls, #3)Master of the Abyss by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
Master of the Abyss (Painted Souls Series Book 3) by Rob Samborn

Master of the Abyss is the third book and final book in the Painted Souls Series. This is wonderfully written Historical Thriller that will have you turning the pages till the end. I would highly suggest reading this series in order as each book plays off the last and you get a better understanding of what has been going on and you get to know the characters better and the back story. I literally read the second book and realized I missed the first one so it was read afterwards and I’m glad I did. This is a on the edge of your seat thriller that is packed with drama, suspense, action, mystery, a ancient journal, adventure and so much more. Get ready for quite the epic adventure as Julia O’Connor and friends set have there work cut out for them as they race save not only her husband but all the others that are trapped in enteral torment. I literally read this in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down. I had to know how everything was going to pan out. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. Buckle up cause you are in for quite the ride. I can’t wait to see what this author brings us next.

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The Cannibal Caper (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Tausha Treadway

The Cannibal Caper: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Cannibal Caper: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Cannibal Caper (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden. I love this little series about a 11 year old “detective Sparky who lives in the Bunker Hill area in the 1930’s. In this edition of the series Sparky tries to find a cannibal and a jewel thief who is running loose in LA. Sparky has a guardian who is more worried about getting Sparky in school than catching any cannibals or jewel thief. Sparky also makes a new friend who is kind of weird that works at the pet store. Bobby decides to help Sparky find these criminals. Will they be able to find them before someone else gets hurt or their jewels stolen? Read this fun mystery to find out!

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Master of the Abyss (Painted Souls Series Book 3) by Rob Samborn – Review by Julie Johnson

Master of the Abyss (Painted Souls, #3)Master of the Abyss by Rob Samborn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’m a little sad to see this amazing series come to an end!! I am so glad that I gave this series a chance. As previously mentioned in other reviews, I struggle with dual time line stories. This author made it so easy for me to follow the story and I almost felt like I was in the story myself at times!

It’s up to Julia and a few of her close friends to save Nick from this eternal purgatory that he’s found himself in. The Order is just not going to let him walk away from the deeds that he’s done, or that they think he’s done.

This book is just as full of action and adventure as the previous books. It’s vital that these be read in order to preserve the storyline and to have it make sense. If you love historical based reads, grab this one. If you like that this is also a bit of a thriller, it will only enhance your reading experience more. I will be adding this author on my list of those to watch out for because his writing is extremely enjoyable to me!!

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Painter of the Damned (Painted Souls Series Book 2) by Rob Samborn – Review by Julie Johnson

Painter of the Damned (Painted Souls, #2)Painter of the Damned by Rob Samborn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It’s very important to read these books in order to understand the context of what’s happening.

This book picks up right where Book 1 (The Prisoner of Paradise) left off. Nick and Julia are still trying to get back home when they are sent back to Venice. The Order is not about to let them get away with what they think is important information.

There is a lot of action and adventure in this story as well! There are a few twists and turns that I did not see coming. I really enjoy this author’s writing and look forward to reading more great stories of his!

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