karlakayjenniges's reviews
822 reviews

Burning Glass by Elle Kaelee

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

 "Gods were not symbols of bounty and harmony, they were symbols of retribution, of penance, of brutality. There was a special kind of sinister motivation, to create life and then torture it throughout its existence."

Discovering that she is Kinnari, Hadley continues her journey to discover more about who she is. She is confused, hurt, and angry. She has been claimed by her creator; Ayurveda, who is out to increase her power to become the ruler of earth and Myrilosis. She has Hadley assisting her to destroy many but after Hadley is separated from Ayurveda, she begins to question everything pertaining to her existence, her immortality, her new powers, and her feelings of betrayal and loneliness. 

The Kinnari and the Vrae have come together to stop Ayurveda from her destruction. There is still descension between them and they are very unbalanced in their beliefs. With much of Myrilosis and its inhabitants now destroyed, there are few survivors left. 

The earth's rotation is slowing, the moon is dying, and all is dependent upon the decisions that will be made.

Continuing from Book 1; Glass Wings, we learn so much more about the characters and we are introduced to new characters. The world building is expanded upon creating a vast, dark, magical realm. 

Gods and Goddesses. Kinnari and Vrae. New characters from the depth of the sea. Morally gray characters. A wyvern. A realm with portals that allow entry to earth. A fantastical world!

A very adventurous, enjoyable, uniquely created dark fantasy!

**A truly kind thank you to Nicole Kincaid PA and Elle Kaelee for a complimentary copy, it is very much appreciated! 

My UnderSlumberBumbleBeast by Zoje Stage

adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

 "One of my hobbies is collecting words--I really like finding words that roll around in my brain in a special way."

Pru is an endearing child with a healthy love of words and a big imagination. What many children fear, Pru rather takes an interest in all the wonders. 

The possibilities are endless as each UnderSlumberBumbleBeast comes to life and opens a whole new world for Pru to discover. Her new friends need to be looked after and provided with care, but it has become overly complicated for young Pru. She sets her mind on figuring out a solution to her problem. 

Written with vivid imagery, creativity, and wonderful illustrations, My UnderSlumberBumbleBeast will surely capture the hearts of many children. 

Kill Your Darling by Clay McLeod Chapman

dark emotional sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes

5.0

 "Everybody's got at least one good book in them, so my book is about Billy." 

Glenn and Carol have lost their child, their only son at 15 years old. He was brutally murdered, and the case was never solved. 40 years later, Glenn is still feeling the grief and the frustration of not knowing who murdered his son. He has let it consume his entire life, and he does not stop searching until he finds some sort of answer to what happened that senseless night. 

The grief in this story is so palpable and unrelenting. My heart still feels the depth of the pain of the character's. 

"She tried on a smile, and it didn't fit, so she took it away."

This is grief horror at its deepest level. It is not a beautiful story; it is not a happy story, but it is a story that reaches deep into the depths of ourselves, evoking empathy and compassion. The depths of a parents love and the lengths one will go to find some sort of closure and peace. 

An unforgettable experience! 

DARK TALES by J.D. Allen

dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

5.0

 "It's scary to think just how quickly a person can become all alone in the world."

 Grotesque body horror, love and loss, death and grief, the living, and the dead, all wrapped up in this compilation of four novellas of the dark and macabre. 

All four stories are so descriptive it scintillates the senses of the mind and heart. Taking us to the dark places of the imagination. 

A doctor that only wanted to complete his daughter once again, but nothing happened as he had planned it. But a sadistic nurse tries to fulfill his wishes to complete the family once again. Creepy vibes similar to The Modern Prometheus.

An analogy depicting the loss of family members and dear loved ones as they drift away. 

A witches curse exacting revenge upon the town of Luna Vista. 

When a man loses his greatest loves, his wife and daughter, his grief is impalpable, but a creepy doll takes him on a journey of an even darker discovery. 

Every one of these stories did not disappoint my horror loving heart. I found myself excited with the anticipation of being able to continue reading every chance I could! The stories brought to my mind the Outer Limits, one of my absolute favorite television series!

This is one I am going to be adding to my top reads of 2024! 

Glass Wings by Elle Kaelee

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

 "All the love that flows from this world is nothing in comparison to how I feel about you."

Set in Ancient Rome, 47 B.C. This is where we are introduced to the Kinnari. Seven ancient immortals with wings of flight. Magical and mystical, they are protectors of the realm of Earth and the realm of Myrilosis where they preside. 

The Vrae are the enemy of the Kinnari. Known as Vampires/Demons, they feed on the flesh of their enemies. 

 
Set in Sacramento, California, in the early 2000s we are introduced to Hadley. Young, naive, and all alone. Struggling to make ends meet and simply survive in a world filled with so much that is unknown. As she takes on a job to earn the money she needs, she has no idea that she has now put her life at significant risk. 

 

As the plot thickens, a battle of revenge and survival has now begun. For the Kinnari, the Vrae, and for Hadley. She learns where she truly has come from and who she truly is. 

 

"Then, she realized that she wasn't the victim. She was the victor who would rise from the ashes after dragon flame burned down everything. Her glass wings would scorch her path with the sun magnifying heat through them."

 

With totally unique characters and a mythical world, this is a dark fantasy like no other. 

 

Two timelines, two realms. Winged immortals, demons, and humans together as their lives are now out of balance, they will do all they can to protect their own. 

 

With book two being released soon, it will be interesting to learn more about the characters and their mythical world. What will they decide and what will Hadley decide? Will they be strong together or will they meet their demise? Will their world fall apart? Will earth survive its plight? These are questions that need answering!

 

As a debut novel, the author did a fine job at writing. It is a bit raw, but there is beautiful prose and a unique world. Love, heartbreak, death, and betrayal. 

 

Try it if you are a fan of dark fantasy. I am looking forward to seeing the journey unfold in book two. 

**A very kind thank you to Nicole Kincaid PA and Elle Kaelee for a complimentary copy, it is very much appreciated!

The Forgotten (The Corner of Her Eye Book 3) by J.J. Carpenter

dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

 "It was dark, again, like it so often was in the dream."

Charlie's journey continues as she is pulled into the spirit world. She is learning more about herself and the various spirits in the realm beyond. There are much darker spirits than her previous encounters. Much more malevolent and harmful, not only to Charlie, but also to her dearest friends. 

The "Blacks". The lost, unrested souls. Forever seeking that which was promised and the only way that will provide peace. "The stormy blasts of hell with restless fury drives them on." The souls are unbalanced, and Charlie must figure out why to be able to lead them to be balanced once again. "Grief flowed in waves, but not just sadness. Loss, anger, betrayal---despair."

 

"The Forgotten"

 

Enter Raff, a guide of spirits that live in purgatory. The "Blacks." Together, Charlie and Raff must work together to stop the vicious attacks upon Charlie's treasured friend, Tess.

 

They must restore balance, they have no choice, but will they be able to?

 

As with the first two books in this series, this one is just as fabulous. Each has its own focus on the distinct characters, spirits, and settings. Settings throughout Australia along with its rich history. 

 

This one is deeper and darker because of the malevolence of the spirits and the dark realm they preside in. The backstory that causes the spirits to be filled with grief and anger is filled with betrayal and sadness. 

 

I very much enjoyed reading the diary entries set into the story,1909, forbidden love, lost love, death, and despair. 

 

I love this series so much! The characters, the friendships, the history, and the darkness of spirit realms. Finding out why the souls are lost and how Charlie, as a keeper, must restore the balance or there will be even more dire consequences. Keeps me on edge and crossing my fingers as the books open up a whole new world!

 

As a debut author, beginning with "The Keeper: The Corner of Her Eye (Book 1)", I highly recommend reading all of these. J.J. is an author to keep an eye on, her writing is exceptional! I look forward to reading the rest of the series!

"Je t'aimerai pour toujours." 

Mischief Night Massacre by Jason Parent

adventurous medium-paced

4.0

 "We all go a little mad sometimes."

Halloween, a night of mischief, shenanigans, and diabolical scares!

What better time to read a Halloween themed book of short stories than in Spooky October!

Step in and visit a house of horrors, take a late-night walk with a war veteran out for a drink on the Dia De Los Muertos, bullies beware, be careful who you choose to pick on, you may run into a blood sucking creature and receive deadly consequences for your deplorable actions, after all it is All Hallows Eve when the spirits and monsters are restless. 

A robbery gone wrong when the owners are so very welcoming. Scary stories shared while out for tricks and treats in Orlando where Halloween just does not feel quite right. 

What could be worse than severe weather on Halloween night? The night children are excited for, all dressed up in their special costumes, ready to go, finding out they cannot... so extremely disappointed. Dad steps in to try to save the night for his two boys, giving them candy and telling them a scary story. Is it real? or just a terrifying story to scare them?

Do you want to punish a cheating husband? Just take him to Frightmare to exact your revenge! Honestly, no one will ever know! A spooky carnival ride, Woo-hoo! Fantastic way to celebrate or not for everyone, join the fun and find out!

Everyone is ready for a great party, music, drinking, and lots of scares. No one expected it to turn into a bloody bash!

Please do not go deep into the woods on Halloween Night! You may not make it out alive!

Monsters galore, haunted houses and carnival rides, bloody nights, spooky tricks, and treats. Settle in and find the delights within Mischief Night Massacre: Ten Tales of Halloween! 

Leave the lights on!! 

Night of the Witch (Crooked Tales Book 2) by Chris Harrison

adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

"But as the great Sherlock Holmes often says: when you have eliminated all which is impossible, then whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth."

The Crooked house is ever daunting. The souls within stirring and haunting. It continues to unleash its wickedness that lies within. This time a malevolent soul, an ancient witch even more sinister of all that came before. Hunting for the soul of the one that is desired. A force so evil it takes the strong might of all to overcome its wrath. The mystery of "The Crooked House" and its haunted rooms continues to reveal its dark and sinister secrets. The Night of the Witch has begun.

"In the shadows of the past a witch's curse is reborn..."

Meridia's visions are becoming stronger and frightening. She sees that which is occurring and what is to come if she and her friends do not stand strong and fight for their very souls. The events that pull them into the darkness of all that has happened in the past and of that which is yet to come is far more frightening than what they have already battled. Peter, Meridia, Izzy, Kane, JJ, and Zach and their new friend, Father Alexander must solve the mystery of why the witch has appeared and who she is. 

Continuing from the first book The Rising, we learn so much more about the characters. each of them has their own strengths and endearing qualities. Even through the most challenging times, they are a strong unit. They must trust each other to make the right decisions to protect each other. To overcome the evil that has entered their world. What they come upon as they search for answers is pure corruption and black as pitch. So much sadness and truly fear inducing.  

The imagery is so descriptive and unsettling as it gives glimpses into futuristic desolation and into the darkest evil places. Night of the Witch is disturbing and chilling as the horrors are much more sinister, and the witch is malefic and hostile.

Leaving us with an open ending, building up the anticipation of what is yet to come in the next installment of this series, I can only imagine what kind of horrors, thrills, and chills there will be. 

Chris Harrison is truly gifted and one to keep an eye on as he continues to give us exciting and horrifying stories!

Truly thankful to Chris and Wicked Ink Publishing for the complimentary e-ARC! 

The Aggregate by G. Owen Wears

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

 "You assume that the building blocks of life have a sense of morality, that your genes share your ideas of right and wrong. All life is selfish, Lucy Ashwood. There is no virtue in the face of extinction."

MontVida is a vast corporation that controls the majority of land. They have implemented their genetic hybrids to produce super crops, but in the process, they have banned farmers from using their patents. It has caused farmers to do everything in their power to protect their farms from having any crossovers. Filtering, green housing, and fencing. The work is hard, the earth is dry, and the food is sparse. 

MontVida have come to the farm of the Ashwoods, blaming them for violations of their genetic patents. The Ashwoods fight back, and the result ends in blood and death. It also ends life for the Ashwoods as events only continue to get worse and it becomes the downfall of their existence. 

The Ashwoods reach out for help from the Aggregate, notorious for their crimes against MontVida, they have no respect for life and once called upon, you owe them your life. They will stop at nothing to earn their comeuppance. Their goal is to destroy!

Amongst the chaos and death, there is something sinister occurring. There are whispers, voices on the wind, and in the trees the cicadas drone their music upon the ears that hear. It speaks though Wilbur, Lucy Ashwoods Eurasian Boar. She must listen and heed the warnings.  All of life is hanging in the balance of this malevolent being. 

There is a lot that occurs throughout this story. World building and character development, deceit of characters that stay a bit obscured behind the scenes, the cosmic anomaly that causes a mass destruction, their goal to preserve their own existence, and many horrific deaths.

A mix of crime noir, cosmic horror, fantasy, dystopian, and speculative fiction. This takes us on a journey of disturbing imagery and grotesque monstrosities.   

All in all, I enjoyed reading this book as it kept me quite intrigued!

**A very kind thank you goes out to Mar at TBM Horror for sending me complimentary copy, much appreciated! 

Backwaters: 12 Murky Tales by Lee Rozelle

adventurous funny mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

 "This whole world is catfishing."

Tallapoochee, where the backwaters run murky and sludgy. Filled with toxins that turns anyone who encounters the waters into monstrous atrocities. Abhorrent anomalies and deformities occur, producing bodies with things that dingle and dangle, putrescent, putrid, and pungent. 

The river cult are the worshipers of the murky waters, recruiting others to their cause. 

Scientists creating uncanny, humanoid creatures.

Many minds falling into madness. 

And bugs, lots of bugs! Interesting bugs, but bugs! 

These quirky tales take us into the deep south of Alabama. The characters are telling stories of their bizarre transformations and encounters with the strange and unusual. Each of the stories are interconnected which makes it cohesive but each of the scenes give us different viewpoints for each setting and character. 

Backwaters is unlike any book I have ever read. I have read many other bizarre books, but this one takes the cake. Truly creative and imaginative! I had to give it all the stars because of the originality. Creatures galore, body horror, disturbing descriptions of unnatural occurrences, offbeat twists, and even a little kink. 

If you are a fan of bizarro, sci-fi, horror, and uncanny tales, then you will most likely enjoy this one!