This book is an ode to 80s slashers in the best way. Loved every second of this book. I didn’t want to put it down. If you’re a huge old school horror movie fan, don’t miss out on this masterpiece that will take you back in time.

3.5

I was obsessed with a Flicker In The Dark when it came out, so of course I snagged this book in my botm.

I did enjoy the twists in this one. I can honestly say I didn’t see it coming.

My main complaint was that this book was slower than I would’ve liked.

I’ve read a lot of thrillers lately so maybe I need a thriller break.

3.75

I finished this behemoth. I feel accomplished in life now.

This book is an epic fantasy with four main POV. After 1000 years, an evil force is awakening. If the East, West, and other parts of the world do not put aside their differences, the world as they know it may end.

What I liked:

The diversity and representation.
How complex the story was
The dragons
The worldbuilding
The message portrayed in this novel

What didn't work for me:

How long the story felt. Sometimes the story would speed by. Other times I found myself feeling like I read a hundred pages and only made it twenty.

How the big fight scene the whole book led up to was only a chapter long. I didn't expect the fight to be over that quickly. I wanted more.

3.5 stars

You've heard of the Mandala effect right? You know the eerie phenomenon where people collectively misremember events, historical facts and other famous pop culture moments? Well what if you remember there being a television show from the 90's where a group of six kids would form a circle and summon a man named Mister Magic? You never saw his face... or did you? You scour the internet but there are no videos you can find to rewatch the show.

Did it really exist?

Mister Magic by Kiersten White read just like a creepy pasta in some parts.

The book centers around Val aka Valentine. She's been living on a ranch for the past few decades with her father. She has no memory of her childhood before the ranch. But when her father dies, a door into her past is opened. Two of her former friends from the television show invite Val to a Mister Magic reunion. Val decides to tag along in hopes to find out more about her past. Her past, however, hides some dark secrets.

Overall I enjoyed this book. It was a nostalgic trip back to some of my childhood shows. I loved how in-between some chapters we got insights into some online forums on thoughts on the show. We see people discuss theories and what they remember from their own experiences watching the show.

I read most of this book in one sitting. Its quick and addictive. I did find myself getting confused from time to time though. I wound up rereading a page or two just to make sure I read it right.

There were some genuine freaky moments. There's one scene where Val is looking in a dark hallway and sees a man with a cape inviting her in for a hug. When she looks back at him he disappears. That scene game me goosebumps.

While I truly loved this book, I felt there was something missing from it. I think Val's investigation pulled me away from the story a bit. I expected the group to be at the reunion the whole time and weird stuff happening as memories came back, instead there were many scenes of Val trying to find out what happened to her family that night.

I do recommend this book to anyone who wants some nostalgic television horror.

Thank you Netgalley for the e-arc!

I must have a thing for snowy horror.

This book will give you chills no matter the season.

Dead of Winter by Darcy Coates is a book that will suck you in from the very first page and hold you captive until the last. The mystery kept me hooked and left me guessing. I did guess the killer in the end, but there were a few red herrings that made me doubt my choice.

My only true complaint for this book is that I wish I had some closure on what happened to some of the characters. I need an epilogue or even just one more chapter to see who survived.

This book is a chilling 4.5 stars. Read if you like isolated mysteries, gore, and snowy landscapes.

Thank you to @netgalley for the ARC.

Sing Me Forgotten by Jessica S. Olson is a gender bent retelling of The Phantom of The Opera. The magic system was really cool. Imagine being able to extract people’s memories through song.

Isda is a gravoir—a person who is born with a disfigured face and the ability to extract and alter memories through song. At birth, they are sentenced to death. But Isda was found by a man who runs an opera house, Cyril. She’s been altering the audiences memories to make the show more enjoyable.

But Isda’s life changes when she meets Emeric. He has the most beautiful singing voice she’s ever done. He may be her undoing.

This book is beautifully written. The ending tore my heart to pieces.

Read this if you’re looking for a book full of love, magic, and betrayal.

4 out of 5 memory elixirs.

3.5 stars

If lord of the flies, frakenstein, and the little mermaid had a baby delivered by a plague doctor, it would be this book.

You ever finish a book and wonder what you just read. That was this book. But I actually enjoyed it and was able to follow along for the most part.

This book is brutal and full of gore descriptions so be forewarned.