Review | Eternal Island, K.S. Haigwood

Eternal Island by K.S. Haigwood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fun, imaginitve and fast-paced fantasy adventure:

Eternal Island is a place of many magic persuasions and many mysteries. Invisible to anyone not invited, it homes vampires, witches, seers, mind-readers… pretty much any kind of paranormal entity you can imagine. It’s also a place of luxury, without hunger, deprivation, poverty – but a place ruled with the iron fist of Abe, the High Vampire, who dictates a firm-but-fair philosophy.

Abe is foretold of his true love by psychic, Rainey. His true love is Ariana, overwhelmingly desirable to him, but currently in a coma after a breakdown. Her husband died in a tragic accident and the shock caused her a total collapse. But rescued from her hospital bed by Rainey and her witch skills, she agrees to go to the island to meet her ‘supposed’ soul-mate. And once there, she soon discovers that she is a highly powerful witch with, seemingly, unlimited capabilities.

On her journey of self-discovery, during which her powers gradually manifest in the most unexpected and untimely ways, Ariana is pursued relentlessly by the love-stricken High Vampire. But Abe will have to learn some patience – not something he is used to – because Ariana, despite her irresistible attraction to Abe – is in no rush to jump into a relationship with anybody so soon after losing her husband – especially a vampire!

The story illustrates fascinating aspects of all things magical, all things devious – as we are introduced to the scheming Julia who is determined to seize control of the island – and all things romantic. With a tasteful input of sexual content, emotional roller-coasting, sneaky plans of betrayal and ominous warnings of tragedy, this story will hook you in and draw you effortlessly through the pages. There are some wonderfully drawn secondary characters, and a precise eye by the author for bringing so many characters and events to a neat and exciting conclusion. Recommended.

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Review | Exiled, M.R. Merrick

Exiled by M.R. Merrick
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Seamless blending of fantasy and highly colourful thrills:

Chase Williams is an angry young man, disappointed in what he sees as his own failures to live up to his bloodline legacy. The son of a displeased father, yet a skilful fighter and hunter, he is also, unknowingly, destined for a role as Protector – which, despite his misgivings about his own abilities – the story gradually shows is his true calling. The question posed throughout the novel is – can he live up to it?

Exiled from the Circle for failure to reach his expected potential, Chase and his mother take to the urban environment – living a struggling existence, one in which Chase – a hunter – is constantly battling for his life against demons and killers. He is also trying to work out the duplicitous plans of the Council, whose schemes seem altogether contrary to everything Chase understands about them, and which plans are as evil in their intent as anything the Underworld might plot. He forms a reluctant alliance with a disaffected Council Vampire, Marcus… and with Rayna, a sassy and ever so damn sexy witch.

Battling for his life, fighting to protect his mother and his allies, Chase’s life is one long scrap for survival and understanding. It’s also a voyage of discovery, as he gradually realises that he might have more power than anyone could have expected: it really all depends on how much stress he’s put under!

This is a vivid and graphic fantasy story, with non-stop action and suspense. It slides neatly between urban scenery and an alternate dimensional arena. It’s also a story of conspiracy and double-dealing… making you wonder who the hell can Chase trust. There is a delicate romance element between he and Rayna – and Rayna herself is a strong secondary character, with a role to play that’s far more important than you could possibly guess.

A furious, all-action adventure story set with a backdrop of magic, demons, and vampires. Richly detailed and descriptive, this fantasy crosses genres effortlessly. Thoroughly engrossing story. Recommended.


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A Christmas Karol

 

 

 

 A short story by

 

Gareth Stokes

 

Copyright © 2011

(Adult Content & language)

 (Approx 4,300 words)

 

 

 

Synopsis:

A monastery is the home of dear old Santa. But he's not there by choice. He's there by punishment. And Santa doesn't intend to keep his punishment all to himself...

After all, he is a giver!

 

 

 

NOW AVAILABLE AS PAPERBACK ON AMAZON IN THE COLLECTION "COMPULSIVE"

 

 

 

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