False Impressions: a fast-paced, dramatic romance novel

Ace Bryann’s False Impressions is a gripping blend of political intrigue, family drama, and romance set in the microstate of Calina. The story follows Derek Landino, a young monarch navigating the complexities of rebuilding his country while managing political opposition and personal conflicts. His progressive push for Calina’s EU entry divides the nation, with some seeing it as a path to freedom and others as a threat to the monarchy.

 

Derek's personal life is equally complicated. His engagement to Christine, an American who saved his life, is met with mixed reactions—some admire her bravery, while others view her as a foreign influence. Their relationship, forged through trauma, is emotional and poignant. Meanwhile, the developing bond between Derek’s younger brother, Nic, and Tanya, a member of parliament, adds further layers of tension. Their secret connection, complicated by political danger and the weight of royal expectations, threatens both the monarchy and the stability of the country.

The novel’s antagonist, Enzo DiGrassi, works behind the scenes to destabilize Derek’s reign, fueling political unrest and creating a constant sense of danger. Bryann masterfully balances political drama with deeply emotional and personal storylines. The emotional depth of Derek and Christine’s relationship, along with the evolving connection between Nic and Tanya, adds richness to the narrative, complementing the political drama without overshadowing it.

False Impressions is a fast-paced, dramatic romance novel, with a well-crafted plot that keeps readers invested in the complex relationships and political machinations. The personal stakes—love, loyalty, betrayal—intertwine with the broader political conflict, making this a compelling and unmissable read.

Rating: 5/5 stars

Adult Content Warning: This novel contains one scene involving explicit sexual content

Il Lupo: A gripping, intelligent thriller

Il Lupo by Gregory Alexander Sharp is a masterful blend of psychological depth and supernatural horror, skillfully combining ancient folklore with the complexities of modern life. This character-driven thriller, reminiscent of classics like Frankenstein and Dracula, centers on two old friends, Nick Frobisher and Charlie Mortimer. After Nick’s father’s death, the friends journey to the Amalfi Coast seeking solace but instead find themselves ensnared in an ancient curse and a confrontation with Telemaco Russo, a man believed to be a werewolf.

Book review: Il Lupo

Sharp's use of an omniscient narrator is brilliant, shifting perspectives seamlessly to build an ever-deepening sense of suspense. This narrative technique enhances the pacing and ensures tension remains high, even as the story shifts direction. The real strength of Il Lupo lies in its exploration of grief, the fragility of the human psyche, and the complex dynamics of friendship. Nick, spiraling into self-destruction, and Charlie, battling anxiety, are portrayed with such depth and empathy that they never feel like mere caricatures.

The suspense builds gradually, like a fuse burning toward an inevitable explosion. By the time the midpoint climax arrives, it’s almost cinematic in its intensity, gripping the reader tightly. Sharp’s approach to horror, relying more on psychological tension than blood and gore, makes the supernatural elements feel even more chilling and personal. The clues to the mystery are woven subtly throughout the text, rewarding attentive readers with a richer experience.

The novel's settings, from the breathtaking Amalfi Coast to the eerie ruins of Pompeii, add layers of atmosphere and mythology, making the world feel alive and steeped in history. The blend of gothic horror and modern sensibilities makes Il Lupo feel timeless yet fresh, a rare book that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

With its compelling characters, slow-building suspense, and thought-provoking exploration of fate, Il Lupo is a must-read for fans of intelligent thrillers with supernatural twists, classic horror, and psychological horror. I highly recommend reading Il Lupo before its sequel, Kill and Cure: Il Lupo 2.0, to fully appreciate the depth of the characters and their journey. A gripping, intelligent thriller that earns 5/5 stars.

Unexpected Depths: The Immersive World of Poetic Wanderings

Poetic Wanderings is a deeply introspective collection that guides readers on a reflective journey through memory, nature, and time. With themes of childhood nostalgia, love, loss, and identity, Brummet’s poetry captures life’s fleeting beauty and encourages personal reflection. Curated by Dave and Lillian Brummet, the collection explores how we navigate the past, hold onto memories, and find meaning in the present.

From the outset, Brummet's vivid imagery evokes life's simple pleasures—often overlooked in the hustle of daily life. In the opening lines, "To roam meadows of memory, so far away. So long ago.", he sets the tone for a journey into the past, inviting readers to pause and reflect. Poems like A True Yukon Tale transport us to a simpler time, while others, such as A War Time Love and I Recall, poignantly address the complexities of love, loss, and the passage of time.

One of the most powerful elements of the collection is Brummet’s ability to intertwine nature and human emotion. The rural British Columbia setting enhances the emotional depth of the poems, grounding his reflections in the quiet beauty of the natural world. Through this connection, Brummet invites readers to consider their own inner landscapes—thoughts on identity, mortality, and legacy.

            "To roam meadows of memory, so far away. So long ago."

 

A standout quote from the collection, "If one other person feels what I feel, my work is worthy. I am fulfilled.", encapsulates Brummet’s poetic philosophy: that poetry is not just personal expression but a means of shared connection. This sentiment resonates throughout Poetic Wanderings, giving the collection a deep intimacy that readers will cherish.

Ultimately, Poetic Wanderings is a gift for anyone who enjoys reflective, lyrical poetry that invites readers to slow down, remember, and reconnect. It is a timeless exploration of memory, identity, and the impermanence of life, offering solace and meaning in a world that often moves too fast.