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Soliloquy by Janet Fogg – Review by Julie Johnson

SoliloquySoliloquy by Janet Fogg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This beautiful novel reads like a well-mastered symphony. I was intrigued by the first page and could hardly put this one down!

Erin’s aunt recently passed and she and her sister have inherited her wealthy estate. One day, a young man comes to Erin to deliver a box. Erin thinking that she’s already received everything is very perplexed….even more so when she opens the box to find very beautiful dolls inside. What could her aunt have possibly meant by leaving these dolls behind? There is a note and Erin is still rather confounded by these dolls but soon, she’ll be on an adventure that could change her life.

When one of the dolls falls and smashes to smithereens, Erin finds herself in another place and time. A place of danger, toil, confusion, love, and forgiveness. Erin’s a prisoner but only so her friends can survive. She’s willing to try to meet the demands of the Oberst but not willing to give up her beloved Soliloquy…or is she? Can Erin find her way back home where she belongs? What about those she might leave behind?

Arick is a pilot who’s shot down that Erin and her friends come across. Do they take the chance to harbor him, knowing that if they’re found out, they’ll all be gone or do they send him on his way, injured and possibly without hope? What can Arick do to help this family, if anything? What about the fact that Erin feels like he should know her? So many beautiful angles here!

This is a new-to-me author and I’m hoping for a sequel to this book. I believe a door may have been left open for another story! The things that Erin experiences in this story are pretty realistic during that time frame of WWII. I enjoy reading these period pieces and this one has a time travel aspect to it as well.

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Glass Houses by Sinister Styx – Review by Kylean Sprosty

Glass HousesGlass Houses by Sinister Styx
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A short story about a pair of lovers who accuse each other of being unfaithful. The guilt each feels leads to their demise. One accidently kills the other and then takes their own life.

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More Than by Diane Barnes – Review by Rachel Moss

More ThanMore Than by Diane Barnes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a really good book! It was a little difficult to get into at the beginning, but I’m glad I persisted and stuck it out because it was a really good story. It is inspiring, and is pretty motivating as well. I wish there wouldn’t have been such a big focus on weight but I guess if there wasn’t then this wouldn’t be a book! This is my first book from this author and I’m excited to read more in the future!

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We Blend (Falling for the Rockstar’s Daughter Book 1) by Willa Drew – Review by Jo Frizzell

WE Blend (Falling for the Rockstar's Daughter Series #1)WE Blend by Willa Drew
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a beautiful story. Seeing into El and Wil both just kept me completely captivated. I just kept pretty much yelling at Wil to just tell her already, but they kept getting closer with so many perfect moments for him to have said something. The emphasis on music for both El and Wil just makes so much sense for me because I firmly believe music is the universal language and can speak for you when you don’t have the words. The lyrics they write together are so beautiful and I just wish that I could hear the instruments, the melodies and harmonies, blending together to create magic. I also feel like El’s relationships with her parents was so relatable, like something we all understand, knowing our family expects something specific from us, but that’s not our dream. I also truly adored her relationship with Zoe, having a true confidant is so important to not feel completely alone, but also to have someone who will just cheer you on as you take steps to follow your dream. The entire story just sucked me in from the very beginning, and I was cheering for both El and Wil through their whole journey.

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Pardon Me, Please by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Julie Johnson

Pardon Me, PleasePardon Me, Please by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Albert is a turkey on a turkey farm and it’s November. He’s becoming very concerned that all the people looking him over see him as food and not a pet. Albert would love to live a long healthy life making people happy but not on the dinner table! Then, Albert sees some hope. The President has just pardoned a turkey and wished him a long life. Maybe, just maybe, Albert can be pardoned too!!

This is a super cute book that is very timely! It discusses how turkeys are traditionally eaten at Thanksgiving, which gives the reader and opportunity to discuss with others or think for themselves about other options for a meal besides turkey. It also discusses voting, which also happens in November. The illustrations are very well done with lots of vivid colors. This is one of my all-time favorite children’s authors now that I’ve read several of her books. These are great to share with your kids/grandkids/daycare/preschool/etc and would make a great holiday gift!

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Stumble & Fall (A Legacy of Silence Book 2) by Amy Rivers – Review by Kylean Sprosty

Stumble & Fall (A Legacy of Silence, #2)Stumble & Fall by Amy Rivers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A bit of a slow start for me, and I wish I had known more of the back stories of Kate and Tilly. Kate is a psychologist who opens her own practice to try and help teens in her home town, she suspects a human trafficking ring involving city officials and businessmen. Tilly is a nurse who works with victims of sexual assault to collect evidence against their attackers. Kate and Tilly are sisters and each have a past that personally links them to their work and drives them to help those in similar situations. Each are uncovering evidence that can put someone behind bars for life, and each are putting themselves directly in harms way to protect those like them. A very touching story that shows that your past should not prevent you from becoming who you want to be and helping others.

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Lucas the Spy Cat (Jake the Growling Dog) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Trish Ann

Lucas the Spy Cat: A Children's Mystery Adventure with Creativity & Imagination Boosting Activities (Jake the Growling Dog)Lucas the Spy Cat: A Children’s Mystery Adventure with Creativity & Imagination Boosting Activities by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Quick, short read! Really enjoyable for kids. I was drawn to this story because of the cat. I have read others by this author as well. I would read this with my students and use it in the classroom.

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Chevalier (War Horses Book 1) by Scott Warren – Review by Rebecca Hill

War Horses Book 1: ChevalierWar Horses Book 1: Chevalier by Scott Warren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book one in a series and was definitely not what I was expecting. I don’t think I have ever read a sci-fi book with a military theme. It doesn’t take place on Earth. The main character is Rande “Vandal” VanDelle, and he is from a planet called Teutonia. As a contractor working on the tanks, Vandal never intends to see any real action. However, that all changes when he takes a tank out and comes under military fire and has to make life or death decisions. It was a fun book, and even if this isn’t a normal book for you, it might just surprise you.

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The Dwarves’ Dilemma (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jenni Bishop

Dwarves' Dilemma, TheDwarves’ Dilemma, The by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Dwarves’ Dilemma is Lois’s twist on the fairy-tale of Snow White. With dragons and dwarves, queens and yes, a mirror and Snow White there is something to delight all kids. It is colourful and well written that kids just fall in love with the tale whether or not they understand the science or meaning behind them. My grandbabies did. So, grab your little or littler people and dig in.

It is a science class in a book with colourful illustrations to aid in the teaching. Lois has a knack for Science Folktales.

What does Snow White find? How will the Queen handle the Dwarves’ dilemma?

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Dream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jenni Bishop

Dream-ShifterDream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dream-Shifter is a unique and original tale aimed at those aged 7 to 12. This different tale follows a young girl Gwendolyn who is a dream-shifter, becoming the character that she dreams about.

Waking as her dream character causes all sorts of problems especially when it is hunting season. It is a dangerous time and one that she can’t avoid if she can’t become herself once again.

A magician, magic and a magical book maybe her only saviours.

Follow along as Gwendolyn learns about survival and herself along the way.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Glass Houses by Sinister Styx – Review by Jenni Bishop

Glass HousesGlass Houses by Sinister Styx
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Trigger warning – This story portrays an unhealthy relationship spiral resulting in domestic violence and is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

This is a dark fantasy tale where jealousy starts a spiral that you cannot come back from. Sorrow, fear, pain, curses and manipulation are only some of what you get in this sordid tale. It is a very very short tale only 20 pages, but boy does it surprise you. Dark twists you will not see coming.

What was supposed to be love turned out to be anything but. How do you survive when you were the one that started it all because of revenge? How do you get away from the monster that cages you for eternity? Life will never be the same again. What do you do when you no longer recognise the person you have become?

Revenge has never tasted so sweet, or does it?

Reviewed by @jennadb

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The Fifth Daughter of Thorn Ranch by Julia Brewer Daily – Review by Jenni Bishop

The Fifth Daughter of Thorn RanchThe Fifth Daughter of Thorn Ranch by Julia Brewer Daily
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Fifth Daughter of Thorn Ranch is an unusual yet unique and captivating modern western with a blend of realism and fantasy. This romance story is told by going back and forth from the past and present and told by different POV’s.

Thorn Ranch a million-acre ranch holds unimaginable beauty with an almost reverence to it and a secret as old as time, as ancient as the land around them. The People, a hidden tribe in the caves on the ranch. There is power and an almost mystical feel to the land they inhabit.

The story explores a captivating world of family, alternative ways, way of life, soul searching and self-reflection for two of the ranches most resilient female heiresses in this harsh yet picturesque setting.

It has everything from tension, revenge, danger, mystery, lots of suspense, romance and adventure. The book does start out slowly but soon picks up and before you know it you are lost.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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The Rom Com Movie Club (The Rom Com Movie Club Book 1) by Bernadette Marie – Review by Jenni Bishop

The Rom Com Movie Club - Book OneThe Rom Com Movie Club – Book One by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Rom Com Movie Club. Just the name inspires fun and good feelings. I wonder when I should start my own club. Bernadette has of course hit the nail on the head with this new delightful Rom Com series. It is so easy to get lost in this tale and before you know it you have come to the end.

It is also told in dual POV which is my favourite way to tell a story. There is insta love but it’s done so well that it doesn’t matter in this story when you know you know not that it bothers me anyway but just saying. Opposites definitely attract in this tale.

When he sees her in the delightful facial mask and pretty polish on her toes, he realises she is the one for him and the fun begins.

I was worried about her best friend I mean who thinks she is out to ruin her wedding just because she has found a man. Ok so he is her brother-in-law to be but seriously! Really, I did want to smack her for a minute or two.

I am excited to see where this series goes. I anticipate more fun, a lot steamy and some clever wit.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Lucas the Spy Cat (Jake the Growling Dog) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Micalah Weatherholtz

Lucas the Spy CatLucas the Spy Cat by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lucas the Spy Cat is an absolutely adorable children’s book! It has lovely, full-color illustrations depicting Lucas, his family, and his animal friends shenanigans. Let’s face it, we all wonder what our critters get up to in instances such as this. My kiddo’s loved Jake and now they love Lucas! This author has always taken the extra step to make her books extra special and pertinent. She includes lessons, and fun, exciting ways to utilize those lessons with kids to really make them understand. She went above and beyond at the end of Lucas the Spy Cat by including a word find, pages where readers can come up with their own mystery, a page to create their own super spy, and a page where all the animals are hiding, and the reader can find them. The author even went as far as giving examples of fun ideas to get kids thinking, and using their creative thinking skills, even introducing us to the ‘real’ Lucas, and his sister Nemo. This was such a wonderful reading experience, and I can definitely recommend picking this book up.

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Rage (Marcy Series Book 1) Audiobook by Linda Burson – Review by Shelly Kittell

5/5

What a story! I had read this and enjoyed it. The audio takes it to a new level. The narrator adds the tension and suspense in just the right spots. You can feel the anticipation rise and fall like you are there with her. This is a fantastic suspense that keeps you on the edge-of-your-seat needing to know what’s coming next. Listening to this kind of made me think of the old radio shows where you gather around listening. I loved it and recommend it for romantic suspense lovers.


The Sacrifice (Dragonpets Book 1) by R. L. S. Hoff – Review by Jenni Bishop

The Sacrifice (Dragonpets #1)The Sacrifice by R.L.S. Hoff
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3 stars

The Sacrifice is the first book in this YA fantasy series, Dragonpets. R.L.S. has written for a targeted audience of young adults though sometimes, it felt that the story was for an even younger audience, older teenagers.

The plot is an interesting idea and has a potential to be so much more. The characters could be fleshed out/developed a little more giving us more of an understanding of who they are and where they come from. With more depth to them as people/creatures making them easier to relate to. The world building also needs to be explored/developed more. All in all, there were a lot of unanswered questions for me as a reader.

The expectation for some intensity, suspense or even some intrigue never came made it hard to remain fully focused and present with what was going on. As this is the first book in the series, I am hopeful this will happen. It may just be my age that I could not fully relate to or immerse myself in the story.

If you are a YA and love Dragons and magical creatures give this one a go.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Elemental Fire (The Hidden Realms Book 1) by EG Manetti – Review by Amy Brennan

Elemental Fire (The Hidden Realms #1)Elemental Fire by E.G. Manetti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This authors writing is worthy of a chef’s kiss. Honestly, I loved the descriptive nature of the writing, the way that I automatically stepped into the role of Sin and really hone her skills as my own so that I could become one with the story and the characters in which she interacts with. From what she does and who she becomes as needed, it’s hard not to fall in love with her character and the feelings and emotions that whirl around. Let’s go, Rad! These two just sizzle and honestly, one of the most chemistry filled connections I’ve read in the last while. I absolutely adored how they both really wanted to go for the gold and protect themselves and their world(s)

Overall, certainly not a novel I would want to miss out on, and likely will reread as more novels in the series are released to get the best overall of their worlds and characters and everything fantastic that this author brought to life. Please don’t dismiss this as another romantic paranormal run of the mill book. Take the time to read it and you’ll be pleased! Highly recommend.

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More Than by Diane Barnes – Review by Tausha Treadway

More ThanMore Than by Diane Barnes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

More Than by Diane Barnes. This was such an emotional book. It was full of love, self discovery and laughter. Its the story of Peggy who is a single mom to twin’s that are on their way to college. Leaving Peggy feeling out of sorts she doesn’t really know what to do. Peggy’s husband and the twins dad was killed in a plan crash and ever since then she has focused solely on raising the twins. Peggy has no job, no friends and really no life outside of the twins. She is lightly friends with Carmen her daughter’s boyfriend mom but mostly Peggy is jealous of her. Peggy used to be skinny and have it together but now all she has is her tv with the one show she watches and food. The show she watches is about a medium connecting with those passed. When the twins leave for college they leave Peggy a gift of a boot camp workout gift certificate. Torn between being hurt and mad she decides she will just join that boot camp and find her old self. Maybe she can even go on that tv show to reconnect with her husband on the other side. This is a emotional roller coaster of a read but so very good!

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Lucas the Spy Cat (Jake the Growling Dog) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Shannen Kern

Lucas the Spy CatLucas the Spy Cat by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lucas the Spy Cat was such a wonderfully creative and fun read! I loved the activities in the back of the book as well. My kiddos and I loved every bit of this story, and the activities had us on our own magical games. Lucas goes out every night and his family is a bit curious as to what he’s up to. After attaching a camera to his collar and reviewing the footage, they can’t believe their eyes! My kids are 7 and 10, we all had a great time speculating what our own furry family members could be getting into after we go to sleep. This is such a cute book, I highly recommend picking it up to see what curious things this kitty gets into!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Devlin by Angela K. Parker – Review by Michelle Collier

DevlinDevlin by Angela K. Parker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This forbidden office romance was so good. Devlin is cocky and the last person Eve would consider dating. Eve is someone Devlin can’t get involved with even if he wanted a relationship, which he doesn’t. They can’t deny the desire they feel. There are definitely twists and turns I didn’t see coming in this book. I just could seem to put it down.

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The Dwarves’ Dilemma (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Lorrene Huisman

Dwarves' Dilemma, TheDwarves’ Dilemma, The by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The book was sweet, educational, and a valuable read. I enjoyed this story, and I think many adults as well as kids will enjoy the story as well as the concept behind it! The educational talk about what the mirrors were, fascinated me. I enjoyed the quality of values and treating others with the same dignity you would want to be treated really stood out to me. Greatly admired that. Loved the colors and the pictures as well, really brought the story to life! Defiantly a wonderful read, I very much enjoyed it with all my heart!

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Ice Dance by Vik Azeem – Review by Jamie Truex

Ice DanceIce Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. It started out slow for me but picked up pace and kept me turning the page. Just when he feels he’s about to lose everything, he is swept away by Yasmine. It’s not the typical fantasy I’m use to reading. But I did enjoy this book.

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The Rom Com Movie Club (The Rom Com Movie Club Book 1) by Bernadette Marie – Review by Lorrene Huisman

The Rom Com Movie Club - Book OneThe Rom Com Movie Club – Book One by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ok, please excuse the fan girl in me-but you need to read this book right now! It was flipping amazing from start to finish I could not put this one down, it engaged me and captivated me! Perfect read!

This book was realistic in many ways. I know I love my romance books, and how girls meet guys, and live happily ever after, No one ever talks about them in between! In this book, Ryan and Lisa and have the perfect match. But to stay together there are many obstacles, characters, and drama they have to fight against! Sure it would be easier to quit, but when you have something sooo good is it not worth fighting for? The book really spoke to me, and the characters sucked me in! This quickly became a new favorite for me!

I truly loved this book. And again very much a high recommendation from myself and you need to read this book sooner than later! Definitely a well worth reading of a book and author!

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A Christmas to Remember by 5 Prince Publishing – Review by Lorrene Huisman

A Christmas to Remember: An Anthology from 5 Prince PublishingA Christmas to Remember: An Anthology from 5 Prince Publishing by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love Christmas with a passion within my soul! So of course when I saw this anthology I knew I had to partake in it and read it! My heart felt so warm with the stories and the characters!

Each story has its own thing and has that warmth to your heart like a warm and soothing hot chocolate! Each one was different in their own special way, but yet, gave off a happy feeling at each conclusion! For me, Falling For Christmas was my favorite. I found it ideal based on my love for Christmas movies! Absolutely perfect collection of Christmas stories to get you into the holiday spirit!

I cannot say enough good things about this anthology! Each other wrote a story that knew how to capture your heart, soul and mind! I really enjoyed the stories! I definitely highly recommend this must read collection!

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Glass Houses by Sinister Styx – Review by Shannen Kern

Glass HousesGlass Houses by Sinister Styx
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This fast-paced read will have your emotions all over the place! I haven’t read anything by this author before, but I’m glad I found Glass Houses because I’ll be reading much more by Sinister Styx. When a sneaking suspicion creeps into your relationship, do you let it take over and obliterate everything? Is there a way to repair that small chip at all? I had no idea where this story was going, and it totally blew me away. I highly recommend picking this up. You’ll be able to read through it quickly and be completely absorbed into the world!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Shadow Patterns of Melt by J. R. P. Fogg – Review by Kerry Baker

Shadow Patterns of Melt - Book OneShadow Patterns of Melt – Book One by J. R. P. Fogg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a fascinating sci-fi story that really makes you think about what is going on. The book has a strong focus on the characters and so much seems to happen. I liked the fact that this book had an overall slower pace than most I have read recently. It was a nice change of pace and I think made me become invested in the story in a way I didn’t expect.
This is a new author to me and I think this book was a great way to get to learn their style and way of going about things. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will certainly be reading more by this author in the future.

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The Final Bite by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Jennifer Gordon

The Final BiteThe Final Bite by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging MM paranormal romance, which had me hooked from start to finish.
The main character, vampire Quinnlan Trinity, has been chosen by the gods to have a second chance at life. This only happens every ten years and those from the paranormal world are only chosen if they had been unjustly killed. The only problem is they have to find and take a mate within three days, or they go back to paranormal purgatory, oh and the person they choose has to accept them! When Quinnlan finds himself at an abandoned motel in the middle of nowhere with only three days worth of clothes and a wad of cash, he wonders if the gods are playing a trick on him.
With two days left he comes across a guy bleeding out after a group of wolf shifters attacked him, Quinnlan wants to save his life but by doing so the guy would have to be his mate, and he then risks rejection. He could be dooming himself to a trip back to the afterlife, but can he walk away knowing that he could have saved him, and after all, he could actually be the one. The descriptive narrative really brought the characters and setting vividly to life, making me feel immersed in the story. The storyline flowed well and the plot twists kept me happily turning the pages. This was an original and intriguing story and I definitely recommend reading it.

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Glass Houses by Sinister Styx – Review by Ashley Sugar

Glass HousesGlass Houses by Sinister Styx
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Super quick read but it had my attention from the start! The twist I didn’t see coming! Love the writing style and the whole plot of it. This book has betrayal and revenge and I loved it. I do wish it was longer because I would have loved more story!! Ended too quick for me but I still enjoyed it!

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Glass Houses by Sinister Styx – Review by Kerry Baker

Glass HousesGlass Houses by Sinister Styx
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a brilliant, fast paced short story that really hits the ground running. I found myself being swept away by what was happening and I really became caught up in the characters. I thought the dynamic between them all worked really well and it fit with the excitement of the story.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and, although it were a short book, I was impressed by how the author created a great flow. This book is exciting and well written and I really enjoyed it. I am looking forward to reading more from the author in the future.

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Glass Houses by Sinister Styx – Review by Ashley Mertz

Glass HousesGlass Houses by Sinister Styx
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This fast-paced short story was a true page turner. Filled with suspicion and revenge, the characters find themselves in a cycle of anger and jealousy that they just can’t escape from. I had to read this twice to fully understand what I had just read. But all I can say is WOW!!! This short story really packed a great punch in just a few short chapters.

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