Synopsis

A dark academia fantasy romance inspired by the Greek mythology love story of Nyx and Erebus…​​ In a kingdom where magic is slowly disappearing, an evil king expands his territory to gain more power, destroying towns and villages along the way. He collects the orphaned children with no magic and trains them as assassins in his army to be used as weapons against his enemies. Meanwhile, those who possess magic are sent to a ruthless academy to train as mages, ruling with cruelty under the evil king’s expanding reign.

Kiara, once an assassin for the king, infiltrates the magic academy to slay the prince and end the royal bloodline. But within the academy’s walls, she discovers a startling truth—she has magic.

The Cursed Prince will tempt her.

Secret societies will hunt her.

And the mysterious headmaster hides sinister truths of his own. As students begin to vanish and magical bonds form, Kiara’s quest for vengeance turns into a battle for survival—and a choice between love and destiny as she finds herself torn between killing the prince or saving the world with him.

Review

Academy of Villains is the kind of story that pulls you in with its dark academia setting, a unique magic system, and a romance inspired by Greek mythology (Nyx and Erebus). From the moment I heard about it, I was intrigued, and I’m thrilled to share my thoughts. The writing itself was engaging, and the author created a really interesting world with floating mage lights, ancient libraries, and a magic system centered around grimoires. The magic felt refreshingly original and contributed to the immersive atmosphere. The idea of the academy being somewhat sentient was an additional feature that I loved as it contributed to developing the atmosphere.

Beyond the magic, the romance also stood out. It was built around the concept of heartstrings (fated magical bonds between two people) and handled with care and nuance. The found family dynamic within the secret society really shined. Each member of that group felt distinct and not just a cardboard cutout best friend. Kaspian? Obsessed. Atticus was a close second. I also loved Tobias and the representation that he communicates with hand signals.

In all, I really enjoyed the author’s writing style. King excelled at writing tension between the two main characters, and the banter between the main characters and their friends was spectacular. I’m always excited for the rediscovery of magic that was once thought to be forgotten so I devoured these parts to the story. I thought the story was paced very well throughout and there was a good balance of action with introspective moments mixed in-between. Themes of destiny, self-discovery, fate, and sacrifice were central to the narrative and executed with a deft hand.

The synopsis seemed to promise a little more than the book delivered on. One missing student mentioned on page and a couple of vaguely ominous conversations felt insufficient. There’s also a lack of real conflict or villainous acts within the academy setting itself besides that one student who has it out for Kiara. The sudden introduction of the trials felt abrupt, pulling focus away from the academy and its mysteries. While they propelled the story forward, they might have been better suited for a sequel, allowing this book to set more of a foundation into the academy’s secrets and dynamics.

There were some aspects that I needed to see expanded on such as the mystery surrounding the keys, the other societies searching for the keys, and other heartstring bonds being formed. Details like the missing scone, the trail of crumbs, and the eerie underground encounter hinted at deeper mysteries. While these threads didn’t fully unravel by the end, they added enough mystery that kept me eager to discover more in future books.

Despite these issues, the intriguing world and compelling characters left me curious for what’s to come. Academy of Villains suggests even greater things in future installments with its blend of magic, mythology, and romance. The author kindly provided me with a review copy of this book, and all thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own. A huge thank you to the author for reaching out and sharing this story with me.

Synopsis

The Cruel Prince meets Ninth House in this dangerously romantic dark academia fantasy, where a lost heiress must infiltrate an arcane society and live with the vampire she suspects killed her family and kidnapped her sister.

It began long before my time, but something has always hunted our family.

Orphaned heiress Kidan Adane grew up far from the arcane society she was born into, where human bloodlines gain power through vampire companionship. When her sister, June, disappears, Kidan is convinced a vampire stole her—the very vampire bound to their family, the cruel yet captivating Susenyos Sagad.

To find June, Kidan must infiltrate the elite Uxlay University—where students study to ensure peaceful coexistence between humans and vampires and inherit their family legacies. Kidan must survive living with Susenyos—even as he does everything he can to drive her away. It doesn’t matter that Susenyos’s wickedness speaks to Kidan’s own violent nature and tempts her to surrender to a life of darkness. She must find her sister and kill Susenyos at all costs.

When a murder mirroring June’s disappearance shakes Uxlay, Kidan sinks further into the ruthless underworld of vampires, risking her very soul. There she discovers a centuries-old threat—and June could be at the center of it. To save her sister, Kidan must bring Uxlay to its knees and either break free from the horrors of her own actions or embrace the dark entanglements of love—and the blood it requires.

Review

Immortal Dark pulses with the heart of a villain—merciless, unforgiving, and utterly ruthless.

Kidan Adane is like Jude Duarte (The Cruel Prince) turned up to eleven. While Jude was a spark, Kidan blazes like a supernova. The story is about family bloodlines, sentient houses, and ancient power, with an incredible mix of African mythologies and classic vampire lore. It has a dark academia feel so the academy setting makes everything even more mysterious. The characters are cold, cruel, and selfish in the best way possible—basically, no one here is a hero, and that’s what makes it so fierce. Readers who love dark, morally complex plot-driven stories—this one’s for you.

“The world loves to punish girls who dream in the dark. I plan to worship them.”

The worldbuilding is seriously amazing—the academy’s history, the ancient vampire lore, and their origins are all so interesting. The dranaic (vampire) world is packed with ancient rules and powerful restrictions. The tension between humans and dranaics is intense, with everyone scrambling for control and power.

The first half of the story was absolutely fire—it gave off serious The Cruel Prince vibes (which I’m totally obsessed with). Kidan has to figure out how to survive in a ruthless world full of manipulative, power-hungry vampires and humans. The power struggles and dangerous alliances—I couldn’t get enough. Immortal Dark hints at an enemies-to-lovers romance, but it doesn’t fully deliver. Still, the charged interactions, animosity, mistrust, and undeniable chemistry between the characters kept things interesting. Grief and loss are central themes in this story, with Adane House serving as a reflection of both, echoing these emotions within its walls.

The second half of the book has a clear shift in tone and focus. While still exciting, it did lack the momentum, depth, and pacing the first half had. I can pinpoint the exact moment my excitement began to taper a little—the poison subplot. On one hand, it totally fit with Kidan’s decision-making style, but it completely stalled the amazing momentum built in the previous chapters. Was there really no other way to move the plot forward or connect her to the secret societies?

“You have such vile expectations of me… I look forward to proving them true.”

Kidan’s character arc was a reason I felt a little let down. Her impulsiveness added unpredictability and danger to the story, but it also made it hard to continue reading through her decision making—she doesn’t really grow as the story progresses. While her impulsiveness is an interesting flaw, it ended up holding the story back instead of moving it forward. Kidan embodies grief, chaos, survival, and internal conflict in a world ruled by order and strict rules. Her character arc and impulsiveness will likely resonate with many, especially since it seems intentional on the author’s part. However, while her impulsiveness is a consistent and central trait, its execution led to some of the pacing issues (for me) in the second half.

The second half of the book didn’t quite live up to the promise of the first. It stung a little because I really loved the idea of secret societies and supernatural elements, but the execution fell short due to more emphasis on plot twists than pacing and character growth. Kidan’s quick to call out the ruthless violence of others but rarely does she take a good look at her own actions. In the sequel, I would love to see this area of her character reflected on further. Also, I’m really excited to see where the plot goes, especially with some of the new characters now in play. Immortal Dark is filled with strengths, making this an impressive and solid debut. I can’t wait to read more from this author and to return to Uxlay University.

Synopsis

In the distant future of planet cracking, VR distraction, and corporate greed, grieving private detective Ryoma LeBeau takes what seems to be a simple job on the opulent casino planetoid of Scylla. Captivated by a chance meeting with the cybernetic musician Guin, he finds himself drawn to the smoky anachronistic lounge bar where they perform. But it seems there’s a lot more to both Guin and this case and Ryoma can’t help but pull at the threads of mystery leading him to the depths of conspiracy and memory.

Inspired by Philip K Dick novels and Ghost in the Shell, Synthetic Sea is a cyberpunk noir entwined with queer romance.

Review

This review only represents my personal opinion and does not reflect the entire judging team’s (Red Stars) thoughts or progression in the SPSFC4 competition. Thank you for reading. I chose to start with Synthetic Sea because it was the shortest (264 pages) from the selection that I’m scouting. Here are the other books I’m scouting– https://x.com/sff_reads/status/1842679501739950472?t=PSGH1YVJmCCAOjR-dJ_7-w&s=19

Synthetic Sea by Franklyn S. Newton is a cyberpunk standalone that introduced readers to characters Ryoma and Guin. The reader is immersed into a world of futuristic technology and neon-lit cityscapes through the perspective of an ex-boxer/private detective (Ryoma) working a case. The cover captured the essence of cyberpunk fiction by hinting at themes of technology, digital interface, and neon-lit atmospheres. I’m quite obsessed with the cover and think I need a copy for myself!

The representation of Ryoma and Guin, two trans characters (one enby), finding love felt authentic and uplifting even though it developed a bit too quickly for me – I’m more of the “slow-burn” type. Their relationship was a testament to how well the characters and their bond were portrayed. There was a beautiful intimacy rooted in trust that developed between the two. The romance and representation were handled with great care.

In a cyberpunk setting where immersion in a tech heavy world is paramount, the integration of cybernetic technology was seamless. This kind of natural exposition helped me feel grounded without being overwhelmed. Newton’s world-building stands out as one of the strongest elements. Over the years, I have found myself gravitating towards cyberpunk aesthetics so I could go on and on about all of the elements and little details that I loved. Guin’s job as a synth jazz musician, the casino planet, synthetic parts, VR, the hive/pool, smoky lounge bars, etc etc etc. Newton knocked it out of the park with their world-building.

The detective element was my main hook at the beginning, but it ended up stalling for a little while the romance was introduced. I felt the pace snag a little when the romance took priority without moving the detective plot forward. The story lost its initial momentum. I would’ve liked to see the romance and mystery elements develop more side by side because it felt like the romance was sectioned off from the core crime and mystery.

Ryoma could’ve been assigned any job, and it may not have made a difference. Ryoma felt passive and disengaged with his case. A secondary character did most of the detective work “off page” — and when the secondary character didn’t evolve or have an interesting arc themselves, the overall mystery ended up feeling flat. I think his sister’s backstory tied into the present mystery, but it wasn’t exactly clear. It opened up the door for more unanswered questions. I thought maybe his hesitation and passiveness was from the loss of his sister, but there were a few situations that he approached hastily. I finished feeling a little unsure with Ryoma’s character arc.

The main antagonist was more of a faceless corporation with “enforcers” showing up at predictable times. This felt formulaic and pushed the plot along in a predictable way, so this didn’t work much for me. I do like when my antagonists create unpredictability and help keep a sense of surprise or danger.

Finally, there were some scenes that felt misplaced– such as one near the end that might have been better suited for the middle (pool scene, in particular). The immersion into the pool was a more exploratory moment in my opinion which felt a little out of place. Rearranging some scenes may have allowed for a more natural progression of tension and help maintain momentum without such a disruptive shift.

Overall, the fluid integration of technology and world building, along with meaningful representation, brought depth and authenticity to the narrative. The only critiques I really have involved the pacing and a predictable antagonist.

Content Warnings: Explicit, Martial arts/combat, Non-consensual medical procedures, References to assault but this is not on the page

Synopsis

Caught in a scandal with Lord Arle that draws the attention of King Harald’s Inquisition, Shenagh is forced to flee her home into the Dark Wood. The young hedge witch, pursued by Master Macon den Lough and his henchman, Cobb, is tested by the forest’s rugged terrain, dangerous predators, and legendary monsters.

Review

Dark Fantasy, Novella

This review only represents my personal opinion and does not reflect the entire judging team’s (Swordsworn) thoughts or progression in the SFINCS2 competition. Thank you for reading.

Although the concept of a witch hunt is not entirely new, Montague added magical and fantastical elements to make it stand out. A mix of suspense, drama, and occasional moments of high stakes maintained the pace. Montague knew when to push forward with action and when to include moments of quiet introspection. In certain places, it does become dark. I liked how the author naturally revealed the world and its creatures, plants and landscape. Since magic had a price, the use of power was given more weight. We are shown the various uses and consequences of magic when it applied to the narrative, which was done naturally and brilliantly.

There was an intriguing tension between protagonist Shenagh (witch) and antagonist Macon (inquisitor). Shenagh was a sympathetic and compassionate figure struggling between survival and self-identity. Through her perspective, I appreciated learning about her family, teachings, and memories. Macon was verrrry interesting, especially when we’re given subtle hints, like his nails and his moment of supplication. The decision to leave these elements ambiguous left me with some mixed feelings. On the one hand, it added a layer of mystery to the story, leaving me to speculate about its meaning. On the other hand, it created a sense of frustration because he was the more interesting character and I thought his backstory would add some depth.

For example, Macon’s nails seemed to hint to something significant from his past. Although he is an inquisitor pursuing magi, this particular nail detail gave his character a level of complexity that isn’t explored in further detail. I get the impression that Macon is hesitant to go after Shenagh—perhaps due to his past—but he persists anyways since he owes the king a duty. Macon became my favorite character, and I’d love to have learned what prior circumstances led him to the role of inquisitor with the assumption he may have had the ability to perform magic as well. Overall, the characters remain mostly unchanged from start to finish.

The motivation for expelling magi is most likely because of the dangers of unchecked power in the kingdom. I would’ve liked some background information or historical context to better understand these whys. It was like receiving a puzzle with some missing pieces. Although I could still make out the broad outline of the picture, it’s not very clear and I had to go back to reread some parts to see if I missed details. It was hard to understand everyone’s motivations and fears without some more context shown to me.

Overall, TO CATCH A WITCH was engaging and the prose, pacing, dark wood, and magic were solid throughout. Despite some concerns, the plot allows for more character development and complexity to be added, in addition to culture and history, if there would be subsequent works.

Synopsis

Will We Find Them?

In 1977, humans placed the Golden Record on the Voyager spacecraft with the hope it would be found by an alien civilization in the future.

In 2036, the alien equivalent arrived on Earth.

When the news leaks to the press, a global wave of fear, panic, and disinformation leaves people to wonder if the damage can ever be undone. In an attempt to quell unrest, several world governments begin an open exchange of ideas and information, hoping to understand the alien signal. As decades and centuries pass, humanity works together to answer one question.

Review

Sci-fi, first contact, novella

This review only represents my personal opinion and does not reflect the entire judging team’s (Swordsworn) thoughts or progression in the SFINCS2 competition. Thank you for reading.

What if we’re not alone? Imagine first contact. Sitting here, long after turning the last page, a quiet, bittersweet sadness remains. In Sanderson’s first contact novella spanning hundreds of years, AFTER THE SYZYGY illustrates how mankind develops and adapts to new technological advancements and cultural transformations while attempting to decode an alien signal.

For most of the book, Sanderson’s writing is straightforward. There was a key scene where events were revealed quickly, and it felt disjointed, almost as if it was rushed to fit in before the story concluded. But overall, despite that one scene, it was paced well with a gradual build up. Told through six chapters featuring a different character and time period, the story is more about the overall plot than its characters. Over the decades, every protagonist senses they’re on the brink of something extraordinary, often dedicating their entire lives to goals they know might take generations to achieve. As the centuries rolled on, we’re reminded of just how brief our time here truly is.

History serves as a constant reminder that improving in one area could occasionally result in regression in another, and it was surprising to see how the arts, music, science, and technology were affected. Humanity is a continually shifting species motivated by necessity as much as curiosity, and it was fascinating to see how compassion and empathy were central to the narrative. Is this what it means to be human– when we recognize our capacity for compassion, vulnerability, and connection to the greater human experience?

The juxtaposition between human and alien, and alien to alien was thought-provoking. My heart was feeling very heavy by the end, and it’s difficult to put into words. It’s not just about what one character did, but how everyone together influenced the world. In the same way, it’s not just about the writing style, length, dialogue, or mood of this story. It’s about the full message it delivers when you’re finished.

I was struck by this realization: how often do we put our all into something, even if we may never see the fruits of our labor? It serves as a reminder that sometimes we put in effort for a future we may not live to see. That is both beautiful and profoundly sad. It prompts reflection on our personal lives and the traces we leave behind. It is humbling to realize that, despite the finite nature of our time, the world we leave behind can be shaped by the things we do. And although the prospect of friendly contact is exciting, unintentional differences, as we saw in this story, may create harrowing consequences. Sanderson leaves some things to the imagination in that regard, and it absolutely worked for me.

If you have the chance, I recommend looking at the contents of what was sent on both Voyagers into interstellar space in 1977. I’ll be honest, I did not know about the “golden record” before reading this story. It’s simply fascinating that we did this.

Synopsis

She is heir to a Sultanate that once ruled the world. He is an unwanted prince with the power to destroy.

She is order and intellect, a woman fit to rule in a man’s place. He is chaos and violence and will stop at nothing to protect his people.

His magic answers hers with shadow for light. They need each other, but the cost of balance may be too high a price. Magic is dying and the only way to save it is to enlist mages who wield the forbidden power of death, mages cast out centuries ago in a brutal and bloody war.

Now, a new war is coming. Science and machines to replace magic and old religion.

They must find a way to save their people from annihilation and balance the sacred Wheel—but first, they will have to balance their own forbidden passion. His peace for her tempest, his restlessness for her calm…

Review

Epic Fantasy, S&S, Romantic Fantasy

This was a reread for me, and with that, I’ve updated my original review. I originally read R&R for the SPFBO7 contest as part of the last batch of remaining finalists with team FanFiAddict.

Reign & Ruin by J.D. Evans delivered a compelling blend of political intrigue within a Middle Eastern inspired world, scorching romance, and a meticulously crafted magic system that kept me engrossed from start to finish.

At its heart lies a romance that was perfect in every way. Evans built tension through subtle gestures and stolen glances and crafted an intimate atmosphere that resonated long after the final page. As a fan of romantic fantasy, I found myself completely absorbed, hanging onto every word as the relationship unfolded with depth and authenticity. How refreshing it was for two characters to communicate with each other!

“All magic is beautiful,” she said, “and terrible. Do you not see the beauty in yours, or the terror in mine?” Her fingers brushed his cheek. “You can stop a heart, and I can stop your breath.”

Equally captivating was the elemental based magic system in type and strength. It was not just a tool for show but was tied into the plot and the characters’ development. The concept of magic having a cost added layers of complexity and realism and enriched both the narrative and the characterization. I thought the Sultan’s situation was handled respectfully and was logical given the circumstances. Evans’ imagery was cleverly imagined, as shown here. “Before he could answer, a whisper of magic brushed across her skin, as if she had just stepped through an unexpected spider web.” I love this description of what recognizing someone else’s magic may feel like.

Naime (FMC), like the boss she was, navigated complex power dynamics within a transitional royal court. Oohhhh, my bl00d was burning at times. The intricacies of courtly maneuvering kept me on the edge of my seat. How will each decision shape the story moving forward? It’s safe to say that I’m nervous!! How will things balance for these characters when magic meets military technology? Sides are being taken, and we’ve only scratched the surface. The side character Tareck and the banter he has with Makram was another element I loved. I could keep going on and on, but I need to wrap this review up.

I’d recommend for readers who enjoy romantic fantasy, non-European imagined world, engaging characters, and intriguing magic system connected to the elements.

Synopsis

When the saints fail, the sinners step up.

Cruel gods rule the steam-powered city of Chime, demanding worship and tribute from their mortal subjects. Kayl lost her faith in them long ago, and now seeks to protect vulnerable and downtrodden mortals from their gods’ whims. But when Kayl discovers powers that she didn’t know she had—and destroys a mortal’s soul by accident—she becomes Chime’s most wanted.

Quen’s job was to pursue sinners, until the visions started. Haunted by foreboding images of his beloved city’s destruction, Quen hunts soul-sucking creatures made of aether who prey on its citizens—and Kayl is his number one target.

To ensure Chime’s future, Kayl and Quen must discover the truth of Kayl’s divine abilities before the gods take matters into their own hands.

For a city that bows to cruel gods, it’ll take godless heathens to save it.

Review

The Thirteenth Hour by Trudie Skies is an ambitious gaslamp fantasy that introduced readers to characters Kayl and Quen. Through their perspectives, the reader got a glimpse into a world of magic and apostasy.

“The universe is a machine; the gods are the gears, and we are the cogs.”

A striking cover captured the overall tone– a unique combination of steampunk as it does deal with technology, gaslamp as it involves the supernatural, dark/grim because errrr well  *waves hand* spoilers, and historical in its Victorian inspired aesthetics. The science fantasy elements created quite the original story, and I love genre blending.

Skies created a universe where religion and technology unite in fascinating ways.  A diverse cast of characters, each keeping their own secrets and motivations, kept me invested in the unfolding mystery. The antagonists did fall a bit flat in charactizeration and the romance didn’t entirely work for me. At times, the narration would include oddly timed thoughts, momentarily distracting me and interrupting the flow of dialogue. Kayl and Quen shared a similar voice, and it was hard to tell the difference between their povs, especially on audio.

The pacing moved swiftly through descriptions of the domains, appearances, and abilities. The idea of different worlds stemming from a single location (Chime) was incredibly inventive, and I obsess over the clock tower/hourly world changes. No story is complete without flirting with betrayal and disaster.

Some spoilers next.

Chime was a fully developed setting, and although we entered the domain of Vesper described as “rolling hills of bioluminescent mushrooms and a never-ending dusk,” the atmosphere and uniqueness once inside the domain left me wanting. In addition, I had a difficult time believing that Kayl could wield other domain skills and abilities immediately without any struggle or practice (and I think I missed the “why” for why she never realized she was this way before and did something trigger this recent skill).  For instance, being able to escape by gliding down the building or manipulation of time. I guess it would’ve been easy when Jinx took over control, but I don’t know. I would’ve preferred a slight learning curve so it doesn’t become a matter of convenience to progress the plot.

End of spoilers.

Overall, The Thirteenth Hour is a promising introduction to The Cruel Gods series and shines brightest with its exploration of magic, religion, and technology between mortal and divine forces. The overarching storyline is a grand and imaginative idea, and I have no doubt in Skies’ ability to stick the ending.

Triggers: Several- Please check Trudie’s list on their website.

Recommended for: readers who enjoy supernatural mystery, immersive and original settings, blending the magical with mechanical, blurred boundaries between mortal frailty, free will, and destiny.

Synopsis

Alaska bush pilot, Piper Tikaani, is on a desperate search. Her kid sister has been kidnapped and taken deep into the Alaska wilderness by a dark shamanic sect of her own tribe. Only her skills as a pilot, and her ability to shapeshift, will give her the edge needed to get her sister back. Together with her best friend, Branwyn, she takes a desperate flight to save her sister before the worst can happen.

Review

I decided to kick off my summer reading with a short story. Shadow Lair is a short prequel story (56 pages) for the Shadow Winged Chronicles, an Alaskan folklore urban fantasy about a shapeshifting bush pilot named Piper. In this prequel, we follow Piper and her friend (Bran) as they search for Piper’s missing sister. As the story opens, the reader is immediately thrust into action because the search has already begun.

“Every myth has good and evil. Sometimes it’s a matter of perspective, but they do have good and evil.”

I personally love reading short stories when it comes to new-to-me authors. It serves as an introduction to an author’s work and is so often my entry point into a new series. If a compelling story is told and I’m interested to know more, then it’s a guarantee that I’ll be sticking around. By the end here, I enjoyed the mythology and lore, and I’m interested in seeing how the story expands and how characters develop.

I enjoyed the themes of courage, friendship, and identity/self-discovery. I felt the author excelled in the writing and pacing of their action scenes. Although it didn’t distract me too much, the dialogue felt a little stilted at times and had some minor overexplaining that briefly took me out of the story. I love a strong and brave fmc, and Piper and Bran were exactly that.

The inclusion of magical beings, shamanism, and dark shadow creatures contributed to the suspenseful atmosphere and enriched the story. By exploring the conflict between good and evil, Raven and Eagle shapeshifters found themselves pitted against one another. I wish we had been provided a little more insight into the feud between the shapeshifters, although it seems to be a power thing. The first half and the second half felt almost like two separate stories, and I would’ve liked a scene added to help tie some elements together so it didn’t feel as unconnected– but that may just be me

My favorite parts involved the ancient magic and the Native (Inupiaq) lore. Just a note- From what I’ve read, this short story should be read before book one. Other readers mentioned being a little confused when they missed this story.

Recommended for: readers who enjoy adventure, mystery, shapeshifting, mythology, and lore.

TW: Kidn*pping (off page)

Synopsis

The Old Mayor’s Mansion sits just a few miles outside the town of Cemetery.

When best friends Sean and Devon want to increase views on their ghost investigation channel, they know the mansion is the perfect spot to film.

Armed with a slew of new equipment, the buddies set out to capture the paranormal hotspot that will make them famous—just maybe not in the way they were hoping.

Review

BestGhost is the horror/thriller/mystery debut sampler from C.J. Daley’s upcoming short story collection Tales From Cemetery. Grab your copy of BestGhost HERE.

This might be one of the best stories I’ll read all year. For me, it was magnificently spooky and the ending gave me a visceral reaction I won’t soon forget. Whenever I close my eyes it’s as if I’m still in that room, about to experience one of my more primal fears. Daley wastes no time and delivers a concise and compact story that doesn’t sacrifice in quality or impact. For optimum effect, read this at night with the lights turned off. It’s safe to say that I am excited to read Tales From Cemetery. Reading a book at the right time can be like discovering a hidden treasure. This heart-pounding horror jumped off the page and settled inside my bones.

Just outside the town of Cemetery, two teens who run a paranormal YouTube channel investigate an old mayor’s mansion. It’s rumored to be the most haunted spot for paranormal activity, and it all goes terribly wrong during their two night investigation.

The scariness of a story lies in its ability to tap into deep seated fears and evoke strong emotions. I’ll be the first to admit that I am not a seasoned horror reader. I prefer horror mixed with fantasy or sci-fi. I used to journey into the realm of horror more so in the past. I got my start collecting Goosebumps which then evolved into horror films directed by Dario Argento and various films such as Henry and Clean, Shaven. I’m not sure what changed but around my mid 20’s, I suddenly became quite fearful and anxious when it came to horror.

All this to say that I am a reader who rarely seeks out books that may scare me. I decided to read this because a) it was Daley’s birthday so I picked up the novelette and b) it was short and the plot seemed like something I could tolerate.

The scariness of this story will be subjective and will certainly vary between readers based on individual fears and experiences. For me, it was the perfect balance of scariness. The suspenseful storytelling and chilling atmosphere were perfectly crafted and the tension gradually increased which kept me on edge anticipating what would happen next.

It tapped into my individual fears of isolation, the unknown, and supernatural entities. I loved the believer/skeptic dynamic between Sean and Devon’s characters and the lighthearted moments which balanced out the creepiness. Even something as simple as a pizza delivery was gripping. I really enjoyed the behind the scenes look at their channel BestGhost Hunters and learning how they used the various investigative equipment.

Daley enhanced feelings of dread by crafting around relatable fears which made the story feel more personal and unsettling. I read this at night and damn near had my heart jump from my body. Daley’s storytelling created the perfect storm of mystery. The story felt so complete which is usually very, very difficult to accomplish.

Synopsis

A strange probe from a long-forgotten satellite network appears in the P’hori star system. Its message: a dire warning signalling the return of an ancient mythological evil. Imperator Da’kora Corasar and the crew of the Qesh’kal are sent to determine the probe’s origin, and find that the satellite is not as they had expected. Corasar trusts the satellite’s data, but not everyone aboard agrees. Tensions rise and loyalties are tested as they track down the source of the signal. Thrust into conflict, the crew of the Qesh’kal must chase their foe across the galactic arm and save their home from certain destruction.

Review

I read THE RE-EMERGENCE for the SFINCS semi-finals with team Fanfiaddict. This review only represents my personal opinion and does not reflect the entire teams thoughts. Since reading and reviewing, it’s made finals- congratulations! Thank you for reading.

I can’t talk about THE RE-EMERGENCE without first talking about how it ends.

I often use novellas to try out an author’s writing style, a particular sub-genre, story concept, etc because it’s a shorter commitment compared to a full-length novel. Novellas that fit within a series, like this one does, often gives a tantalizing glimpse into a much larger story.

Dell capitalized at such an opportune moment– the epilogue– and from it emerged the foundation of another story that left me thinking about everything I just read. The ending that was a beginning sparked my curiosity to uncover the full scope of the world and its lore. I was left in awe and it was one of my favorite parts. In a matter of moments, I knew this was a story that I had to see continue in book one, FROM THE GRAVE OF THE GODS. Just a note- this novella was released months before book one, and as someone who reads in pub order, I believe it’s the intended place to begin.

It’s said that things often come in threes, and recently for me it’s been books that opened with a non-human perspective. Unit-17’s POV set things up so when we reach the first chapter, I liked that we knew something the characters didn’t. Dell expertly lays out fascinating pre-history in the prologue, setting the mood for the entire drama set in space.

Ah, first contact sci fi. I have always found these stories thrilling because of the possibility of encountering intelligent life beyond Earth. Aside from the excitement of the unknown, what I truly appreciated about the story’s first contact was how the advancement of technology came into play–the idea of a civilization “catching up”–and the depictions of the alien races. Substantial world building involved creating alien races– such as a bird-like alien race– with its own distinct morphologies, culture, and way of life. Engaging with the characters and the plot became easier once becoming familiar with the the new terminology and concepts (and thank you for adding a glossary at the end!)

The vastness of space and time, as well as the number of stories that are regarded as myths and legends, are some of the things this story makes me reflect on. Perhaps for something much older than us, what seem like millennia are only a few moments. And for the ancient wanderers in this story, there was no lost, forgotten history. That’s a bit chilling. Some aspects of the black forest of space were touched upon. This might be more relevant in book one. However, Dell delves into the themes of caution and uncertainty in interstellar encounters, along with potential approaches and outcomes.

The environment was used in two ways- to foster harmony and to create conflict. Anytime an AI is sentient, I’m in. There were moments when the tensions were tangible and connected to morality, loyalty, and duty. I always like to imagine what I would do myself. The action moved at a rapid pace, and by the time I knew it I had half the story finished.

Now, I think this is just me being me because no other reviews mention this at all, but one aspect I keep coming back to are the character’s internal thoughts. Being given a lot of the characters thoughts helped me understand them better and the situation in that moment but I like to see more of that translated into sensory descriptions or character dialogue. For example, when Sev wasn’t answering during a scene, Da’kora thought “He’s still not back with us? Either way, we need to get going. Something else to investigate!” or when Ashfan thought “It’s taking far longer than it should to translate this stuff… Is it even a language?” I’d love for some sensory feedback added in addition such as a chill creeping up their body, a deafening silence broken only by the audio crackling, throbbing at their temple with futile attempts to make sense of things, etc. I want to feel what they’re feeling like I’m there. Having more of this would’ve truly hit home for me.

Overall, I really enjoyed this first contact sci fi novella. Dell’s creativity, world-building,and plotting were strong. I needed a little more description included that focused on the senses. I am excited to continue the series and see where it leads.

I would recommend THE RE-EMERGENCE for fans of first contact sci-fi, those looking for themes of survival and resilience, and the play between technology and human nature.