Tuesday, December 26, 2023

Suspenseful vampire paranormal romance

I’m not a horror fan. For this reason, I often avoid paranormal romance novels centered on vampires because they lean in that direction, but Knowledge Revealed doesn’t fall into the horror genre. Instead, Author D. S. Williams delivers a captivating paranormal romance that involves vampires who can’t be pigeonholed as stereotypical. It delivers action, but not a ton of gore. I found it a refreshing read with believable characters navigating a small-town world and a story that’s paced to keep the pages turning. Charlotte, the main female character is interesting, flawed, and resilient. At the start of the book, she’s been through more than any human should have to endure, and she is ready to give up. And then all that changes when she meets Lucas—the vampire protagonist of the story.

Knowledge Revealed by D. S. Williams

About the book: Knowledge Revealed

Knowledge Revealed (The Nehemiah Chronicles Book 1 of 5) introduces a host of characters, and the author does a good job of keeping them distinct enough that the reader doesn’t get lost or confused as to who is who as the action plays out. Some have compared this story to another well-known vampire series, but I’m not going there for this review. I found it a fresh approach to a vampire romance, and if I didn’t see others making the comparison it wouldn’t have come to mind at all. I didn’t care for the other series for several reasons. Number one is that the series felt contrived. Not so with Knowledge Revealed. I tip my hat to D. S. Williams as an author. 

Book review: Knowledge Revealed

The story unfolds naturally in a believable way. I’m invested in the characters, and not just Charlotte and Lucas but the townspeople and other vampires in Lucas’s Kiss. It delivers a slow build that’s not boring. It draws you in, sets the hook, and leads you to the cliffhanger but still satisfied. The one thing that did distract me was when Charlotte was dancing with her walking cast on as if it wasn’t there, but that was a minor distraction.

If I rated Knowledge Revealed as a movie I’d say it’s PG 13. It has some violence, but not a bunch of gore. While sex is talked about, it doesn’t happen. I won’t say why because that would be a spoiler. I’m happy to give it four out of five stars and recommend it to those who enjoy suspenseful paranormal romance, vampires, and an unpredictable plot.

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As BookHookup, I am a longtime book reviewer. I received this book for free through the publisher. I have not been compensated for reviewing or recommending it. Some links in this post are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliate sites.

 

D. S. Williams

About author D.S. Williams

Australian author, D. S. Williams, loves multiple genres and writes just about anything, so like her characters, she can’t be pigeonholed. She especially enjoys writing romances. If mythical creatures like vampires, werewolves, etc. can be added to the mix, she’s found her sweet spot. Add a dash of suspense, a little teasing, and her trademark cliffhanger, and she’s found her paranormal romance groove.

D.S. is currently at work on several new projects. She enjoys creating strong male characters paired with unpredictable gutsy and the evolution of complex relationships for all the characters who show up on the pages of her books.

When not writing or reading, she’s still involved with the written word as an editor – The Pedantic Punctuator – specializing in indie author works.

 

You can find D.S. here:

 

Website: https://theworldsofdswilliams.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/D.S.Williams.Author/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/chunkiepandas/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chunkiepandas/

 

Friday, December 15, 2023

Fresh coming-of-age fantasy

Pariah’s Lament by Richie Billing is a fresh coming-of-age fantasy drama rife with fast-paced battles, kings, kingdoms, and medieval style politics. The storytelling balances the plot with bits of humor and a touch of romance laced with intrigue of two potential matches for the fair heroine. This novel takes place in the the realm of the Of Metal and Magic CORE (3 books) where this fantasy unfolds with a natural sense of discovery. The reader knows where they are, has a sense of what to expect, what to dread, who to trust, and where they might turn for help. 

Pariah's Lament

The protagonist is a strong, complex female character by the name of Isy. In her home town and among her family she is identified by how she looks and bullied for it. She fits in nowhere, and has no friends albeit the librarian who treats her kindly when no one is looking. Her reprieve from the reality of life is found in the pages of books, until her hopeless world is turned on its head in a heartbeat as she steps into the role of reluctant hero when she finds her fate entangled with a persecuted race facing extermination and to her dismay, they believe she can help.

Of Metal and Magic Core

Book Hookup Review: Pariahs’ Lament

One of the best fantasy books I’ve read this year. The attention to detail is outstanding. You are there! Pacing is on point. No dragging, or rushing. Just caught up in a natural ebb and flow of events like a pulse delivering life into every page. The unique characters are interesting and engaging. Gripping battle scenes deliver one compelling climax after another with a plot that keeps the pages turning. This one makes it to my top 10 list for books read in 2023. Couldn’t put it down. I give it five out of five stars and look forward to more from this new author. Recommend to fantasy, action adventure fans.

Black Phoenix Book Tours

I received a copy of this book through Black Phoenix Book Tours and have not been compensated for reviewing or recommending it. Some links in this post are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliate sites.

 

Richie Billing

About the author

Richie Billing writes all kinds of stories, but mostly fantasy fiction. His tales often explore real-world issues, zooming in on the characters and their troubles. His short fiction has been widely published, with one story adapted for BBC radio. His debut novel, Pariah's Lament, was published by Of Metal and Magic Publishing in March 2021. Richie also hosts the podcast The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed, a venture inspired by the requests of readers of his acclaimed craft book, A Fantasy Writers’ Handbook.

When not writing, Richie works as an editor and digital marketer and teaches creative writing both online and in his home city of Liverpool. Most nights you can find him up into the early hours scribbling away or watching the NBA.

Find out more at www.richiebilling.com

https://mailchi.mp/c8382d667538/join-richie-billings-community

https://www.instagram.com/richiebilling/

https://twitter.com/Magpie_richie