Available Darkness (Season 1, Episode 5) by Sean Platt and David Wright

Title: Available Darkness  (Episode 5)
Author: Sean Platt and David Wright
Series: Available Darkness (Season 1)
Publisher: Collective Inkwell
Read Type: Author request
Stars:

This book can be purchased from Amazon (International) as a full series of 6.
To find out more about the authors please visit Facebook and their Website.
Individually, you can find Sean on Facebook, Twitter and Amazon
Individually, you can find David on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Amazon

Season Blurb
From the writers of the post-apocalyptic smash hit serial, Yesterday's Gone, and Z 2134, comes Available Darkness, a new breed of vampire serial thriller.

The Darkness Has Awoken

FBI Special Agent Caleb Baldwin is on the hunt for a serial killer who has left a trail of burned bodies. One of those victims — his wife. As he gets closer to finding the killer, he falls deeper into an elaborate conspiracy.

A man wakes buried alive with no memory of who or what he is. In his pocket, a note: “Avoid the sunlight and don’t touch anybody.” Now he is being hunted by the FBI while trying to remember his monstrous past. He must control the darkness within before it consumes him and the child whose life he must protect.

11-year-old Abigail was dying slowly each day as the prisoner of a sick man. Until she is saved by the most unlikely of heroes — a vampire with a deadly touch. He is her only hope, and she may hold the key to unlocking the memories of his hidden past.

Past, present, fate, and future are on a collision course as the hours of AVAILABLE DARKNESS are ticking away and a force greater than anything the world has ever seen threatens humanity.

Available Darkness is an epic serialized journey that reinvents vampire mythology with a fast paced, character-driven thriller that blends action, mystery, fantasy, and horror in an addictive, tragically romantic story.


Author Bios
Sean Platt

Sean loves writing books, even more than reading them. He is co-founder of Collective Inkwell and Realm & Sands imprints, writes for children under the name Guy Incognito, and has more than his share of nose.

Together with co-authors David Wright and Johnny B. Truant, Sean has written the series Yesterdays Gone, WhiteSpace, ForNevermore, Available Darkness, Dark Crossings, Unicorn Western, The Beam, Namaste, Robot Proletariat, Cursed, Greens, Space Shuttle, and Everyone Gets Divorced. He also co-wrote the how-to indie book, Write. Publish. Repeat.




David W. Wright

David W. Wright is the co-author of the number 1 sci-fi and horror series, Yesterday's Gone, as well as six other series.

David is also a cartoonist who is working on a children's book.

David blogs about writing and stuff he likes at his personal blog, and about his books at Collective Inkwell.

He lives on the east coast with his wife, seven-year old son, and the world's most poopingest cat.






Review
Strong language: None
Drugs: None
Violence: Some, graphic
Sexual content: negligible

The authors gave out a free copy of season one of this serial in their newsletter as an apology for messing up details in the previous letter. I decided to read and review this. Despite having the entire first series, 6 episodes, at once in front of me, I will stick to no more than one a week the same as they are initially released in America.

You can find links to all of my review of the series at the Available Darkness Archive


Just like the last episode, this one is set in the past again. This time, however, things have moved on slightly and danger is at the door once more. John realises his only way to protect his life and the ones he loves is to go on the run. But it could never be that easy, it seems to protect them he may just have to break them in the process.

The FBI agent in this episode showed far more human traits of frustration and anger when he couldn’t get the clues to solve the hideous murders occurring in the country. His story arc in this episode was enormous, the change in him and the knowledge I gained possibly make him into one of my favourite characters. He showed compassion, violence, grief, anger and fear in a very real cycle as his world spun out of control. His background was also opened up much more. For the first time I felt sorry for him, rather than apathetic or sharing a very vague irritation with him.

This episode shared much more of John’s world of the supernatural. More characters came into play, as well as more knowledge of what the world around them held. I look forward to seeing this play out more.

Despite all the emotion, the action was once again full on. There was a mixture of arguments, car runs and fights. I think John’s partners reactions were the most realistic, as she realised she lived with a vampire… Or was he a lunatic? If you’re not a character in twilight, can you really just accept “I’m vampire, of sorts,”? he said. The cold, serious expression on his face sent a chill down her spine.

Well, I’ll let Hope answer that one for you: Holy shit, he IS crazy. I’m in love with a crazy person.

The end of the episode jumps back to the present, just before the start of the first episode as far as I can tell the timeline. John is a very changed man, he’s lost a lot in the intervening time. Yet, he finds himself facing an old adversary, and a deadly ultimatum.

In true fashion for these writers they’ve once again left me on a cliffhanger and I’m dying to read more.


The 411
while this episode was still set in the past, like the previous episode, the theme was closer to the first episodes in the series. There was more action, and I felt that many of the plot threads finally started to weave together so I have an idea where the story is going.

This episode also had some really emotional elements, something I’ve been looking for in some of the episodes.

I give this episode a good 4.5, adjusted to a four for reviewing sites

PUBLISHED The Boy in the Mirror by Tom Preston

The Boy in the Mirror by Tom Preston
is now published.

You can order a copy of this book from Amazon (International)

Book Blurb:
In January 2011, aged 21, Tom Preston was diagnosed with stage 4 advanced aggressive lymphoma. His chances of survival were optimistically placed at around 40%. This short, autobiographical work tells the story of the fight in the months that followed – but this is no ordinary cancer memoir.

The Boy in the Mirror is written in the second person – so the events in this book are happening to you, the reader, living through the hope, love, suffering, death and black comedy encountered by Tom during the battle to save himself.


You can find the review here.

Redeye by G Norman Lippert

Title: Redeye
Author: G Norman Lippert
Read Type: eARC
Stars:

You can purchase a copy of this book from Amazon (International)
You can find out more about the author on Amazon Author page, Facebook and his website

Book Blurb:
Henry Donner had heard of people avoiding a flight because of premonitions of doom, but he never suspected that the opposite may also be true: some people are drawn to a doomed plane because deep down, they hunger for the end.  

Worse, it may be their collective, suicidal will that makes it happen.

Now, only as redeye flight two-ninety lifts off does Donner realize the truth: the airliner's final destination isn't New York, but oblivion, and he's the only one who can do anything about it-- if, that is, he can get past the demonic forces on board to watch it happen.


Author Bio:

G. Norman Lippert’s novels have been read in the millions, with nearly 40,000 reviews on goodreads.com and an average 4-star rating.  His first self-published book, “The Riverhouse”, was a number two bestseller in its genre on amazon.com.  Specializing in a broad range of styles, from young-adult and fantasy to adult horror and thrillers, his works are hard to categorize, while all pointing toward the same underlying themes of love, hope, and faith, even in the darkest of situations.

He currently lives in Erie, Pennsylvania with his wife and two children.






Review
Strong language: mild
Drugs: no
Violence: yes
Sexual content: implied


I received a free copy of this book in return for an unbiased review

Disclaimer: I have known this author personally for several years. I have seen their work grow and change over this time and enjoyed watching their journey. I have not let this affect my review, I have treated this book as if from a stranger to the best of my ability



Henry Donner is a man bogged down by guilt from his past yet trying to pave the way for his future. Or is he? Is there something deep inside his subconscious drawing him into the darkness?

Five months before, his partner was killed in a car crash with him at the wheel. He has questioned himself every day since, but now he believes he’s made a step into the future by booking an interview for a job in New York, well away from his current life and its bindings. As he arrives at the airport, however, he notices the departure lounge for the flight is largely empty despite the stewardess’s claims they are overbooked. Even as he watches he sees other people dash away from the plane for reasons they appear to have suddenly remembered. The other passengers appear in a trance, appearing hopeless and not paying attention to anything.

Once he’s on the plane, telling himself his unease is nothing but nerves about the interview and the uncertainty of moving forward in his life, Henry loses what control he had over his life when it becomes clear that this plane is not a normal plane heading for a normal destination. Once he’s in the air there’s no way to get off. There is a distinct, yet undefinable, wrongness to everything around him. He seems to be the only one who can see this. Can he overcome his own stagnation to protect himself and others?

Because it really is true, he thought. Some people do sense the bad juju of a doomed airplane. They sense it and they turn back. Like the woman in the white pantsuit. Or the mother of the college guy. Or like any number of the people missing from all those empty seats on this supposedly overbooked flight.

Set during the 80s, in the time of programmers using punch cards to do their work, this had a retro feel to it and works fluidly to draw the plot forward in a way that would be impossible if set in modern times. Despite the fact I wasn’t born until 91 I never felt at a loss or confused due to the time difference.

This book had a good, consistent pace giving the feeling of being drawn ever forwards, ever towards a destination that seems increasingly dark and dangerous, impossible to escape. As the story progresses it includes multiple flashbacks of Henry’s life, telling the story of what led him to this point. Some details of the past are given in extremely inventive methods, leaving both Henry and the reader wondering if he is hallucinating or if he really is hearing his deepest secrets from people who shouldn’t even know his name.

The writing reminded me of the style of Stephen King in The Green Mile in places. It had minor issues, but overall was a real page turner.

The book made good use of symbolism and imagery. I particularly enjoyed the use of metaphors, showing his distracted mind at some times, and the extreme clarity of the fight or flight instinct at others.

Monstrous shapes lumbered like dinosaurs, roaring with the constant drone of idling jet engines

The books supernatural elements are introduced slowly and subtly. At first they appeared to be merely coincidences or a case of being sat awkwardly next to the talkative stranger with shifty eyes. Once the plane is in the air though there is no question that he is not imagining this. I found the stewardesses to be particularly creepy, the standard plastic, polite smiles found on most people in these professions covered the darkness and danger that lurked in these women.

The book was light on dialogue, except for the flashbacks and internal monologue, leaving Henry completely isolated, with only his own will to lead him on the right path. This also left the reader with only his perspective to go by.

The contrasting themes of guilt and hope, unchangeable destiny and free will spun the tale nicely, always leaving you on your toes as to where the story would go next. I liked seeing his internal battle displayed so nakedly before us. This kept the story very human even when dealing with less than human element.

“Unlike everyone else on this plane, you persist in looking forward as well as back. You continue to believe in something called the future. Some place where you can outrun your guilt. Where hope is more than a foolish dream. Where you might still be able to find peace of mind, and even forgiveness.”

The ending was interesting and drew me in even more, always wondering what the truth was and who told it. It left a satisfied feeling of completion, yet many questions that were never quite answered. Questions that will keep you thinking in the quiet moments of the night. I didn’t see it coming, making it all the more enjoyable.

Time is just a carousel that goes round and round. It seems like an endless journey to the people on it, but it’s really a cycle, spinning and looping back over and over.

I thoroughly look forward to reading more from this author.

What would you do if you found yourself on a plane where you were the only one who didn’t want to die?


The 411
I loved the feel of this book from the start. The twisting themes of inevitability, your will alone being enough to make something happen, and the threads of hope and guilt that were bound so tightly together you could hardly pull them apart.

The writing was deep with metaphors yet read smoothly and makes you want to not put it down. At times the supernatural elements came in a little bit suddenly without full explanation, but patients and a couple more pages rewarded you with the light.

I give this book 4.5 stars, adjusted to 5 for reviewing purposes

Tess and the Demon (Short Seductions (Book 03)) by Jordan K Rose

Title: Tess and the Demon
Author: Jordan K Rose
Series: Short Seductions (Book 03)
Read Type: eARC
Stars:

You can purchase this book on Amazon (International)

You can find out more about the author:
Find Jordan on her website at www.jordankrose.com.
Follow her tweets on https://twitter.com/#!/jordankrose
Friend her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jordan-K-Rose-Author/307285709309992
Follow her Pinterest boards at: http://pinterest.com/jordankrose/boards/
Friend her on Goodreads at: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5751865.Jordan_K_Rose
Google- https://plus.google.com/109182255192009311324/posts
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Jordan-K-Rose/e/B007D06OUU/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1421929786&sr=8-1

Series Blurb:
Welcome to Seductions. Step into the most popular bar in New England and enter a world where Others live side-by-side with unsuspecting humans. At Seductions the drinks are always tasty, the romance is always hot, and the patrons aren’t always human.

The Short Seductions Series is a collection of ten spicy paranormal romance short stories, each of roughly 8,000 words in length. These hot little love stories are short enough to enjoy on your lunch break, but long enough to satisfy any romance reader. Each sensual tale tells the romantic journey of a different hero and heroine.

Come on in. Have a drink. Enjoy a quickie happily-ever-after.


Book Blurb:
Thanks to him, Tessa Harper’s heart is shattered. Cracked into a million little pieces. She might be bitter. But what woman who woke up to find a note giving her the heave-hoe wouldn’t be hurt and angry and humiliated?

With time hearts heal, and one moves on and forgets. Well, maybe she doesn’t forget, but she moves on, or maybe she doesn’t do that either.

The point is she doesn’t practice slinging zingers at him for four months only to be tongue-tied when he returns and professes his literally undying love. Will she once again fall for the demon who ripped her heart to shreds?


Author Bio:

Jordan loves vampires. She also loves to laugh. And if you know anything about Jordan, you know her vampires will make you laugh. 

A few years back Jordan received a copy of Twilight from her husband as part of her anniversary gift. By the end of that week she’d read the entire series and moved onto Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles. Eight weeks and eighteen vampire books later the idea for her first book came to her followed very quickly by Eva Prim.

The Eva Prim Series follows the night-to-night escapades of The Demon Mistress, a vampire with the inexplicable ability to call demons. With both full-length novels and short stories the series has a bit of something for everyone.

Jordan’s other books include Black Magic Rose, book one of The Alliance Series, where the world is set in a hospital run by vampires and werewolves; and The Central City Romance Series, where members of The Vampire Guard one-by-one find love in the ruins of the city.

When she’s not writing about one vampire or another Jordan enjoys spending time with her husband, Ken and their lovable Labradors, Dino and Enzo on the beautiful beaches of New England. 


Review
This is a Laura’s Drive-by Lurking review
Short reviews for quick reads

Strong language: Yes, mainly sexual
Drugs: None
Violence: None
Sexual content: Yes, graphic

I received a copy of this short story as a promotional email from Jordan K Rose. The series is available for sale as well as being mailed out on release day as a thank you to subscribers of her newsletter.


This was my first book in the short seductions series, set in a bar where a variety of supernaturals and humans mix. The scene was quickly set, the bar, Tess’s anger over Drake summoning her to meet him with no notice or explanation.

Drake is a demon, and I don’t mean his personality! He burns hot to the touch, can will people with a look and he just upped and left one morning, leaving Tess a message that he was ‘leaving because he loved her’. Hmm, typical get out clause of the tom-cat, I thought. He left Tess a broken mess, drowning her sorrows and messing up her life. Now the demon is back in the room.

Despite being a short there was a lot of plot mixed in, and although most of it was exposition it didn’t feel forced or stale. I liked the stress of Tess being shown before Drake appeared and her adamant refusal to just give in to him, even with his alluring charm seemingly increased by his paranormal nature. I also liked that Drake knew his bounds; he may try to push them from time to time, but generally no meant no.

The atmosphere between them, even when fighting, was hot. As later explanations and bedroom antics were revealed it only increased, while staying classy.

I particularly enjoyed the twist and reasoning for Drake having left, as well as his coming back.

I look forward to reading more from this author.

4.5 stars adjusted to a 4 for reviewing purposes