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  • Grant Pierce Interview – Author of The Faceless Chronicles Series

    BOOK GIVEAWAY: As part of my ongoing series supporting indie authors, I am giving away 3 eBook copies of Grant Pierce’s books to 3 lucky readers! 

    Click here to check the full entry requirements and join the giveaway!

    Here is how to participate in the giveaway:

    1. Follow the Author: Show them some love on their social media (links provided at the end of this post).
    2. Leave a Comment: Read the interview and tell us:

    What specific answer in the interview made you want to read his book/books?

    A small favor to ask:

    If you are one of the lucky winners, leaving a short, honest review on Amazon or/and Goodreads once you finish reading would mean the world to the author. It is completely optional and never required, but as indie writers know, even a quick two-sentence review helps a book immensely!

    About the author

    When an epic fantasy series opens with a fantastic opener, rich character dynamics, and quickly evolves into one of the most inventive sagas in modern dark fantasy, you know you’ve found something special. With The Faceless Chronicles, author Grant Pierce completely shatters standard fantasy tropes by building intricate “worlds within worlds” in which every single choice carries heavy, painful, and visceral consequences.

    Spanning a gripping 6-book journey from prophecies, demons, and deadly reapers in the early books to a desperate struggle against an apocalyptic plague and the terrifying shapeshifter Valko, Pierce’s storytelling is both breathless and psychologically intense. Reinventing the stakes with every installment, he crafts a world where the line between hero and monster blurs brilliantly.

    Behind this fast-paced, magic-fueled universe lies a fascinating mind. As a former psychologist, Grant channels that background into crafting villains like Valko with chilling depth, antagonists who genuinely believe they are the heroes of their own stories.

    Even more inspiring is his publishing journey: a 1,000-page manuscript tucked away on a hard drive for 25 years (which has since been refined into the series’ 400-page first book), resurrected only when his 18-year-old daughter devoured it and asked the question that changed everything: “What happens next?“

    With Book 5, The Thousand Legion, launching today on Amazon, and the grand finale, The Heir to the Abyss, arriving on November 15th, Grant took the time to answer a few questions about his writing process.

    Read on to get to know the mind behind the magic!

    Interview Questions

    1. For many readers, a great book isn’t just about words on a page; it’s a full sensory experience. If your book/books were a physical element (a specific weather, a texture, or a taste), what would it feel like?

    If The Faceless Chronicles were a physical experience, it would be a violent thunderstorm sweeping across an ancient battlefield. You would feel the cold rain lashing your skin, smell the smoke and ash carried on the wind, and taste the metallic tang of blood in the air. Every flash of lightning would reveal something both wondrous and terrifying. The storm would seem relentless, threatening to consume everything in its path. Yet somewhere beyond the darkness, a glimmer of sunlight would break through the clouds, promising that even the fiercest storm must eventually end.

    That’s the experience I want my readers to have. A world filled with danger, betrayal, impossible choices, and terrible consequences, but also one where courage, love, friendship, and sacrifice can prevail against overwhelming darkness.

    1. Many readers experience stories as vivid movies playing out in their heads rather than linear sentences. When you write, do you see the scenes unfolding visually first, or do you hear the characters’ voices?

    For me, it begins as a movie playing out in my mind. I see the setting, the characters, their movements, and their expressions. Whether it’s an enormous battle between armies or an intimate confrontation between two characters, I visualize the scene before translating it into words.

    But the characters’ voices matter just as much. I’ve spent so much time developing their personalities, motivations, fears, and desires that I know how they think and how they’re likely to react. Sometimes, a character’s response will take a scene in a direction I hadn’t originally anticipated.

    Things get hairy when the first draft of the “movie” is playing out in my mind and characters break the 4th wall, look at me, and say something like, “My character would never say that. Change the dialogue. Here are some suggestions.” 

    1. If you were forbidden from using written language to summarize your main character, what 3 songs, objects, or images would you hand someone to explain who they are?

    If I were to choose three images to represent Valko Vasseur, the central antagonist of The Faceless Chronicles, they would tell the story of a shapeshifter who sees murder as art, whose identity constantly shifts, and who seeks so much power that even the heavens would tremble.

    The first image is a man holding a dagger like it’s a paintbrush on a canvas. The image on the canvas is a tortured warrior with fresh, bloody scars over every inch of his body.

    The second image is a shattered mirror, each fragment reflecting a different face.

    The third image is a solitary figure seated on a throne of bones atop the highest mountain, surrounded by the ruins of a thousand civilizations. He wears a crown, but no one is left to bow before him. He looks up and challenges the heavens because no one else can stand up to him.

    1. Every book has hidden patterns, subtle details, or background elements that most people miss on a first read. What is one tiny, easily overlooked detail in your book/books that holds a massive secret meaning for you?

    “Every villain is the hero of their own story.” My college mentor taught me this while I was studying psychology. He pointed out that even Darth Vader never thinks of himself as evil. In fact, he sees himself as the hero of his own story. This mentality applies to politicians, bullies, criminals, and more. By the end of the conversation, my mentor invited me to do a forensic psychology internship at a medium-security prison. That’s where I first developed the personality for my series villain, Valko, who truly believes he’s the hero of the story. Valko wants everyone to believe the story, The Faceless Chronicles, is about him and that every story should revolve around him. The protagonists believe history belongs to everyone. The Faceless Chronicles answers who is telling the story and whose story it is. History is written by the victors.

    1. Years from now, a reader might forget the exact plot points or character names, but they’ll remember how your book/books made them feel. What is the single emotional residue you want left behind in their mind?

    I want readers to walk away with a sense of hard-won hope. The Faceless Chronicles is filled with darkness, betrayal, suffering, and impossible choices. Good people make terrible mistakes. Evil sometimes triumphs. Heroes and villains fall, and victories can come at devastating costs. But beneath all that darkness lies a simple truth: doing what is right still matters, even when it seems hopeless.

    I don’t want readers to believe that courage guarantees victory or that good always triumphs over evil. Life doesn’t work that way, and neither does my fictional world. I want them to recognize that true heroism isn’t measured by whether someone wins, but by what they’re willing to sacrifice for others.

    Years from now, if readers remember nothing else about my books, I hope they remember that even in the darkest moments, faced with impossible odds, there is still something worth fighting for. 

    1. If you could step inside your book/books for just 10 minutes as an invisible observer, which specific scene would you want to physically stand in and experience?

    My books are filled with battle scenes that scale from the bizarre (e.g., sentient water attacking ships) to the more traditional (e.g., an army of monsters spawned from the depths of the Abyss attacking an alliance of humans, orcs, reapers, gorgons, banshees, and other creatures of myth). However, even if I were invisible, I’m not sure I’d survive these scenes for ten minutes.

    Therefore, I’d probably choose to witness a scene where the series protagonist faces a choice in the first book. Does Kalen murder his best friend, Logan, and prevent the apocalypse, or refuse because there is never justification for an evil act? Does he ask forgiveness and permission from Logan? I would want to stand beside him and witness the struggle between his loyalty to his friend and his responsibility to protect the world. I’m drawn to the moments when characters face impossible choices, knowing whatever they decide will have consequences.

    Those impossible choices capture much of what The Faceless Chronicles is about: Love, loyalty, sacrifice, free will, and the price of power.

    And perhaps, standing there as an invisible observer, I might finally know whether I would have the courage to make the same choice.

    1. Writing a book is a constant wrestling match with words. Was there a scene or a concept that felt almost impossible to translate into language, no matter how many times you rewrote it?

    The climax of the final book in The Faceless Chronicles nearly broke me as an author. The challenge wasn’t simply describing spectacular battles, powerful magic, or terrifying enemies. There was plenty of that across multiple battlefields. Both heroes and villains faced internal struggles as they fought for the fate of all worlds. But the greatest challenge was bringing six books of intertwined stories to a satisfying conclusion.

    I had to pull together every major plot thread, decide who would survive, determine who would emerge victorious, and ensure that the characters’ journeys reached meaningful conclusions. Earlier books offered some wiggle room. Unresolved conflicts and unanswered questions could be addressed in a sequel. But there is no cleaning things up after the last book. Everything has to come together by the time the reader turns the final page.

    Not every character gets a happy ending. Readers don’t have to agree with every outcome. Some characters might die, others might suffer terrible losses, and certain victories might come at devastating costs. Readers may grieve for beloved characters or wish events had unfolded differently. But I believe readers deserve an ending that feels earned, complete, and faithful to the story. If major plot threads remain unresolved or readers feel cheated because the conclusion fails to deliver on the promises made throughout the series, then I’ve failed them as an author.

    Just as importantly, I have to experience that sense of satisfaction myself. If I don’t feel that the story has reached its rightful conclusion, how can I expect my readers to? I rewrote the ending of the final book repeatedly, struggling to strike the right balance between spectacle, emotion, and closure.

    Ultimately, I wanted readers to reach those final chapters emotionally exhausted, desperate to discover what happens next, and genuinely uncertain which of the characters they’d grown to love would survive, which would triumph, and which would fall. And when they finally close the last book, I want them to feel that every sacrifice, every heartbreak, and every hard-won victory mattered. The ending doesn’t have to leave them happy, but it should leave them satisfied that the journey was worth taking.

    1. If your main character suddenly gained full control over their own fate and decided to walk away from the main plot of your book/books, what totally different life would they choose?

    Kalen has never craved power, glory, or recognition. He doesn’t want to be a legendary hero. He just wants an ordinary life surrounded by those he loves. He’d be a blacksmith, get married, raise children, and live long enough to watch his grandchildren grow up.

    However, walking away from power is easier said than done. Once people acquire power, they often resist surrendering it. The more power they accumulate, the harder it becomes to let go. Over time, even the most well-intentioned individuals can succumb to its corrupting influence. This is true for heroes as much as for villains.

    Throughout The Faceless Chronicles, Kalen acquires extraordinary power. What will he ultimately do with it? Will he succumb to its temptations, or will he prove to be the exception? That’s a question I definitively answer before the series ends.

    1. If you had to design a 3-frame comic or a short silent animation that captures the exact heart of your book/books without a single word of text, what would we see?

    I would create a three-panel comic illustrating Valko’s transformation throughout The Faceless Chronicles.

    In the first panel, a man is hiding from an angry mob while clutching a bloody dagger. He is outnumbered, but he is clearly not innocent.

    In the second panel, a larger mob confronts him. This time, the man has grown twice as tall, with vampiric fangs and a bloody sword in place of the dagger. He is no longer hiding. He stands his ground.

    In the third panel, the man has become an enormous, muscular demon with horns and wings, towering over the crowd. Now he is the aggressor, driving the mob before him with a massive black two-handed sword. The balance of fear and power has completely reversed.

    The three panels capture Valko’s arc as he acquires more and more power. He begins as a man who operates from the shadows, becomes someone who refuses to yield, and ultimately transforms into a monstrous force whose very shadow makes people tremble.

    Acquiring power merely reveals who he always wanted to be.

    1. Books often transform the reader, but they also change the writer. What is something you see or understand differently about the real world now that you’ve finished writing your book/books?

    Before writing The Faceless Chronicles, my background in psychology had already taught me to look beyond people’s actions and ask why they behaved as they did. I was fascinated by the ways people justified cruelty while believing themselves decent, even heroic.

    But spending six books inside the minds of both heroes and villains changed the questions I ask. Understanding why someone does something is not the same as excusing it. I could give a character fears, painful experiences, and seemingly compelling reasons for harming another character, then portray those same events from the victim’s perspective. Both perspectives might be understandable, but that didn’t make the harm any less real.

    That realization has carried over into how I look at the world. I’m less inclined to accept someone’s stated intentions as proof of their character and more interested in the consequences of their choices, especially when they hold power over others. At the same time, I’m more reluctant to define someone solely by the worst thing they’ve ever done. People can recognize their mistakes, take responsibility, and change. I’ve also come to believe that redemption requires more than simply believing oneself worthy of forgiveness. Forgiveness may offer a path toward reconciliation, but redemption must be demonstrated through actions.

    Perhaps the greatest lesson I’ve taken from writing these books is that people aren’t defined by what they believe about themselves. They’re defined by the choices they make, particularly when doing what is right comes at a personal cost. 

    Links to find the author:

    Amazon links to the books

    FOLLOW THE AUTHOR

  • Supporting Fellow Authors

    From a Threads Post to a Giveaway Series!

    Earlier in June, I posted on Threads asking for Kindle Unlimited recommendations. I was hoping to find a few good reads, but I ended up discovering an incredible community of indie authors.

    Since then, I’ve read their books, written reviews, and connected with so many talented writers. As a result, that experience gave me an idea. Additionally, as an author myself, I know how hard it is to get your work noticed. Moreover, I chose to do more to back the authors who shared their stories with me.

    So, I’m launching a new series right here on the blog!

    For each feature, I’ll share my review/s of their book/books, their bio, an interview, and a giveaway where 3 readers can win a free copy of their book.

    How the Interview Works

    I will send each author a list of 10 questions about their story and writing process. To keep things relaxed, they can choose to answer 5 questions that speak to them most, or answer all 10!

    Book Giveaway: Win 1 of 3 Copies!*

    Want to win a copy of a book by one of the featured authors? Here is how to participate in the giveaway:

    1. Follow the Author: Show them some love on their social media (the links will be provided when I post the author’s interview).
    2. Leave a Comment: Read the interview and tell us below:

    What specific answer in the interview made you want to read their book?

    *3 winners will receive an Amazon eBook gift!

    A small favor to ask:

    If you are one of the lucky winners, leaving a short, honest review on Amazon or/and Goodreads once you finish reading would mean the world to the author. It is completely optional and never required, but as indie writers know, even a quick two-sentence review helps a book immensely!

    Also, almost all the books by the authors I promote are on Kindle Unlimited.

    Full disclosure: This whole thing is 100% free for authors. I don’t charge a single penny, mostly because supporting great indie books is the whole point. I’m covering 3 eBook gifts per feature out of my own pocket just to make sure these hidden gems get the readers they deserve.

    Interview Questions

    1. For many readers, a great book isn’t just about words on a page, it’s a full sensory experience. If your book/books was a physical element (a specific weather, a texture, or a taste), what would it feel like?

    2. Many readers experience stories as vivid movies playing out in their heads rather than linear sentences. When you write, do you see the scenes unfolding visually first, or do you hear the character’s voices?

    3. If you were forbidden from using written language to summarize your main character, what 3 songs, objects, or images would you hand someone to explain who they are?

    4. Every book has hidden patterns, subtle details, or background elements that most people miss on a first read. What is one tiny, easily overlooked detail in your book/books that holds a massive secret meaning for you?

    5. Years from now, a reader might forget the exact plot points or character names, but they’ll remember how your book/books made them feel. What is the single emotional residue you want left behind in their mind?

    6. If you could step inside your book/books for just 10 minutes as an invisible observer, which specific scene would you want to physically stand in and experience?

    7. Writing a book is a constant wrestling match with words. Was there a scene or a concept that felt almost impossible to translate into language, no matter how many times you rewrote it?

    8. If your main character suddenly gained full control over their own fate and decided to walk away from the main plot of your book/books, what totally different life would they choose?

    9. If you had to design a 3-frame comic or a short silent animation that captures the exact heart of your book/books without a single word of text, what would we see?

    10. Books often transform the reader, but they also change the writer. What is something you see or understand differently about the real world now that you’ve finished writing your book/books?

    Photo by Tatiana on Unsplash

  • My Book Reviews, September 2026

    Book ratings and a short review.

    An Author’s Reading Addiction: My September Book list.

    Betrayal of Blood: A novella of the Wielders (The Wielder Series Novella)

    Genres: Teen & Young Adult Dark Fantasy, One-Hour Teen & Young Adult Short Reads

    My Review:

    Having read the entire 4-book Wielders series, I found that Betrayal of Blood takes a classic siren trope and turns it into an engaging tale of hubris, exile, and survival. The contrast between the two sisters as they adapt to human life provides a compelling emotional anchor to the story. The inventive magic system makes this a promising gateway into the Wielders universe.

    The Last Day Under The Sun: An Anthology of Death and Rebirth

    Genres:  Science Fiction Anthologies,  Science Fiction Anthologies

    My Review:

    Picked this up because I follow Georgia C. Leigh’s work, and what a stunning collection! Equal parts haunting, heart-wrenching, and unexpectedly witty! The Last Day Under the Sun offers a rich sampler of voices, making it perfect for readers who love speculative fiction with genuine emotional depth. It’s a captivating reminder that even when the world crumbles, the stories we tell about hope and survival are what keep the light on.

    The Price of Uncreation (The Faceless Chronicles Book 4)

    Genres:  Dark Fantasy Horror

    My Review:

    Four books in, and Grant Pierce still manages to completely reinvent the game! The Price of Uncreation expands the world’s lore by trading familiar territory for a fresh, delightfully bizarre assembly of heroes facing a literal apocalyptic plague. The psychological tension and shift in perspective breathe new life into the mythology. It’s a stellar, breathless 4th entry, and I genuinely cannot wait to see how everything collides in books 5 and 6,(the final installments)!

    Whispers of Fallen Empires: The Nightmare King: Book Two

    Genres:  Dark Fantasy Horror

    My Review:

    Absolutely phenomenal! Following up a great debut is never easy, but this book took everything I loved about Book 1 and raised the stakes to an astounding new level. Between the ancient mysteries and the deep emotional drives of Esra and Sefina, I was completely hooked from page one. A pitch-perfect, jaw-dropping conclusion that left me in total awe!

    Where The River Keeps It

    Genres:  Domestic / Psychological Thrillers)

    My Review:

    Unsettling in the absolute best way! Where the River Keeps It blends murky outback atmosphere with shocking twists and turns that keep you clawing through every chapter. The tension is razor-sharp, and the eerie river setting provides the ultimate backdrop for a story about survival and long-buried guilt. Perfect for readers who love dark, atmospheric mystery with a bite!

  • My Book Reviews, August 2026

    Book ratings and a short review.

    An Author’s Reading Addiction: My August Book list.

    Blood On A Yellow Rose

    Genres: LGBTQ+ Fantasy Fiction, Contemporary Fantasy Fiction

    My Review:

    Don’t let the vampire setting fool you, the real hook here has very little to do with supernatural lore and everything to do with identity and personal ambition. It’s written with enough depth that the blood-drinking element feels secondary to the human struggle.

    Murder on the Serenade

    Genres: Mystery Romance, Amateur Sleuths

    My Review:

    I lost track of time reading this, which is usually the sign of a narrative that knows what it’s doing. The pacing pulls you straight into the characters’ immediate experience, leaving little choice but to ride out the plot alongside them in a single, uninterrupted sitting. Consider my sleep schedule officially collateral damage.

    The Essence of Opals

    Genres: Contemporary Women Fiction

    My Review:

    Some books demand an intense critical breakdown, but this one works its charm through pure comfort and a surprisingly sharp existential core. It wraps you in a low-stakes, cozy atmosphere while quietly serving up a solid reality check on risk-taking and self-discovery. Safe to say I swallowed it whole in one sitting.

    The Space Between Us

    Genres: One-Hour Literature & Fiction Short Reads, Women’s Short Stories

    My Review:

    This punchy short story packs an unnervingly personal punch. It captures that quiet, widespread tendency to dial ourselves back into faint outlines just to exist around other people. Brevity aside, reading it feels less like observing a fictional character and more like getting uncomfortably called out.

    Parallel Lives

    Genres: Women’s Psychological Fiction

    My Review:

    While officially framed as a companion piece to The Space Between Us, this novella shifts the lens entirely, offering a far candid look at Lena’s actual motivations. What it lacks in page count, it makes up for in subtext, proof that conciseness often carries way more weight than a bloated, multi-hundred-page epic.

    Everything Blue

    Genres: Teen & Young Adult Apocalyptic & Post-Apocalyptic

    My Review:

    On paper, it looks like a standard dystopian “all the adults vanished” setup, but the real narrative weight is far more psychological. It offers a razor-sharp look at unaddressed trauma and how survival instincts can twist interpersonal bonds into toxic territory, even when everyone means well. When the authority figures meant to protect you turn into the threat, the resulting co-dependency isn’t pretty, but it makes for a fascinating study in coping mechanisms.

    The Heart That Died

    Genres: Vampire Thrillers / Suspense, Pulp Thrillers

    My Review:

    Constructed like an intricate labyrinth, this isn’t just another gothic mystery, it’s a psychological portrait of loss. Beneath the supernatural suspense lies a vampire stubbornly clinging to her remaining humanity in a desperate attempt to repair what’s broken. It uses its creature-of-the-night premise to deliver a surprisingly grounded look at grief and memory.

    Obsession

    Genres: Dark Romance, New Adult & College Romance

    My Review:

    I had to let this one marinate before typing out my thoughts. It’s the kind of book that quietly demands a full multi-angle diagnostic rather than an immediate knee-jerk reaction, forcing you to step back and process the subtext long after swiping past the final page.

    The Second Son: A Dark Renaissance Fantasy Adventure

    Genres: Historical Fantasy, LGBTQ+ Fantasy

    My Review:

    Having enjoyed Faustus’s initial arc, diving straight into book two felt like a logical next step, and the expanded worldbuilding didn’t disappoint. The clever integration of changeling lore adds a distinct folklore flavor that elevates the narrative beyond standard fantasy tropes. It’s a solid sequel that knows exactly how to build on its foundation without relying on cheap gimmicks.

    Heart of A’dara

    Genres: Love Triangle Romance, Epic Fantasy

    My Review:

    Despite a long pause after the first installment, the sequel managed to completely recalibrate my expectations. The author doubled down on character development and world-building, delivering a narrative with a surprisingly heavy impact. Consider this proof that the series isn’t just surviving its own premise, it’s actively thriving.

    Invisible Women of the Bible: What Their Stories Teach us — And Why Your Story Still Matters

    Genres: Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) Biographies, Christian Old Testament Biographies

    My Review:

    This isn’t just a commentary on obscure biblical figures; it’s a profound masterclass in unearthing worth from the margins. Grounded in raw personal experience, it speaks directly to anyone who has ever felt overlooked, delivering a quiet, deeply therapeutic reminder that being invisible to the world never means you are unseen. A short, necessary read for the weary soul.

    The Weaver’s Tapestry

    Genres: Gaslamp Fantasy, Historical Fantasy

    My Review:

    Reaching the end of book two leaves you in that ideal, agonizing cliffhanger limbo, thoroughly impressed by the author’s precision and genuinely annoyed by the linear nature of time. It’s a showcase of pure narrative control, leaving just enough unresolved to turn the waiting period into its own form of torture.

    Snakes, Scales, and Lizard Tales: A Spooky Anthology of Folklore, Transformation, and Reptilian Magic

    Genres: LGBTQ+ Anthologies & Collections, LGBTQ+  Horror eBooks / Action & Adventure

    My Review:

    Anthologies can easily devolve into disjointed collections, but this one actually justifies its own layout. The structural variety keeps the pacing sharp, turning what could have been a random assortment of tales into a remarkably cohesive curated experience.

    LAST TRAIN TO PARIS: Act One of The Third Season

    Genres: Multicultural & Interracial Romance, Billionaires & Millionaires Romance

    My Review:

    Instead of leaning into standard romance tropes, this sequel operates on absolute patience, turning restraint into an art form. The narrative lets character growth dictate the intimacy rather than forcing convenient sparks, using craft and setting as subtle psychological subtext. It’s a masterclass in slow-burn pacing, delivering a resolution that feels grounded, emotionally earned, and entirely dignified.

    Redeem Me: A Dark Historical Romance

    Genres: American /  Women’s Historical Romance

    My Review:

    Rewriting history with a silver lining is always a risky move, but the narrative trick here actually lands. It acknowledges the bleak, uncompromising reality of its era without sacrificing narrative catharsis, delivering an optimistic resolution that feels earned rather than cheapened by revisionism.

    Shadows and Light Series

    Genres: New Adult & College Fantasy, Urban / Paranormal Fantasy, Romantic Fantasy

    My Review:

    Across six volumes, this series executes a remarkably ambitious pivot, starting as an atmospheric, slow-burn fantasy and maturing into a heavy, unsparing study of inherited trauma and generational lore.

    The structural execution isn’t without its friction; tangled timelines and abrupt mid-chapter POV shifts occasionally demand an active, diagnostic read. Yet the narrative payoff makes the effort trivial. By sacrificing safe tropes for genuine psychological depth and letting its enigmatic final volume recontextualize the entire architecture, the series delivers an ending that feels fully, impeccably earned.

  • My Book Reviews, July 2026

    Book ratings and a short review.

    An Author’s Reading Addiction: My July Book list.

    The Wielder Series

    Genres: Teen & Young Adult Wizards/Witches Fantasy, Epic Fantasy with strong female protagonists. Diverse characters and multicultural fantasy world. Clean YA fantasy adventure with elemental magic.

    My review:

    I honestly don’t think I’ll ever get over this series! The author created a world so original and intricate that I was instantly obsessed, and the dynamic between the characters made the story unforgettable. What impressed me most was how every single book, all the way through the fourth, kept me on the edge of my seat. I ended up binge-reading the finale in one day, totally consumed by curiosity, and the conclusion far exceeded every expectation I had!

    The Halonyx Sequence

    Genres: Science Fiction Androids, Robots & Artificial Intelligences, Dystopian Fiction & Romance.

    My Review:

    Despite being set in a complex world, Woven with brilliant programming terms and tech-driven concepts, the story sheds a completely new light on our fundamental desire for connection. It powerfully explores the universal need to be chosen, the haunting fear of abandonment, and what it truly means to be loved for who you are, rather than just existing as a line of code or a variable in a cold system. A deeply moving and unique read.

    The Mystic’s Familiars Series

    Genres: Two-Hour Teen & Young Adult Short Reads, LGBTQ+ Reads, Witch, Romances, Fantasy, Magic. MM paranormal romance, warlocks and familiars.

    My Review:

    Short, intense, and deeply captivating, this M/M romance series quickly built a world where I felt completely safe and accepted. Despite being brief, this book series lays the groundwork for a rich magic system where warlock-familiar bonds mirror inner psychological struggles and unravel a central prophecy step by step. Balanced with moments of brilliant sarcasm and a thoughtful trigger warning from the author, this series is an absolute gem.

    The Disenchanted Tales Series

    Genres: Demon Tales, Dark Fantasy Horror. This is a dark and spicy series of retellings of Beauty and the Beast, Sleeping Beauty, Alice in Wonderland, and The Wizard of Oz, featuring morally gray, strong, and sassy characters. This is an enemies-to-lovers series suitable for 18+. THE 4TH BOOK IN THE SERIES WILL BE PUBLISHED ON October 29, 2026.

    My Review:

    I know I promised not to play favorites in my reviews, but I just couldn’t help myself!

    What started as a spicy, sarcastic story inspired by Beauty and the Beast quickly turned into the most unbelievable coincidence. The author brings so much maturity and depth to these original stories, seamlessly taking inspiration from classic fairy tales. I realized with amazement that she used my absolute top favorite stories: Sleeping Beauty, Alice in Wonderland (my #1 favorite!), and next, The Wizard of Oz. Book four isn’t even published yet, and the wait is pure torture, but this series has me completely hooked.

    The Origin Key Series

    Genres: Contemporary & Urban Fantasy. This is a new urban fantasy novel set in an innovative world full of action and vivid characters.

    My Review:

    Reading this series is like watching a high-octane action movie. The relentless momentum and high stakes grab you and don’t let go. While the cinematic thrill keeps you hooked, the real heart of the story is the unshakable friendship between Elise, Nia, and Rourke. No matter how much danger they face, their fierce support for each other elevates the entire journey.

    The Keeper of Eden 

    Genres: Dragons & Mythical Creatures Fantasy, Dark Fantasy Horror.

    My Review:

    I’ve read plenty of survival stories, but this one kept me on the absolute edge of my seat until the very last line. The characters’ grueling journey is portrayed with such raw, convincing intensity that every obstacle feels like a matter of life and death. Gripping, atmospheric, and utterly relentless, this is an absolute must-read for any survival fan.

    The A’dara Series

    Genres: Magic Romance, Love Triangle Romance. Character-driven fantasy with romance, magic, demons, elves and dragon lords. Perfect for anyone looking to break into the genre or seeking a fun, easy-to-read fantasy adventure..

    My Review:

    The emotional depth and personal growth built into the story make it impossible not to root for the cast. A standout first entry that makes waiting for the next installment genuinely tough!

    Scattered on Rocky Ground

    Genres: Modern short form, gothic poems and sketches.

    My Review:

    Don’t let its brief page count fool you; this hauntingly gorgeous compilation hits all the right notes. The piece ‘Sunburn’ alone makes the whole thing a treasure, perfectly capturing that moody, shadow-soaked aesthetic.

    THE THIRD SEASON

    Genres: Women’s Psychological Fiction, Psychological Literary Fiction.

    My Review:

    Few books manage to shift your perspective so radically from start to finish. The three-part structure takes you from pure anger at the characters’ decisions, to understanding, to absolute awe. It’s a brilliant, beautifully written emotional rollercoaster that leaves a lasting mark.

    The Last Death Witch Series

    Genres: Fantasy, Magic, Witches, Mystery, Paranormal, Historical Fiction, Thriller.

    My Review:

    I felt completely immersed in the characters’ lives, experiencing every revelation right alongside them. The way the central mysteries unravel step-by-step makes the narrative impossible to set aside. It’s an absolute page-turner.

    Storm of Clocks

    Genres: Children’s Fantasy & Magic Adventure, Children’s Folk Tales & Myths.

    My Review:

    Though written with the charm of a nostalgic children’s book, its core message carries immense weight. It delicately explores grief, the healing power of storytelling, and how the right words can help us navigate devastating loss. Above all, it’s a gentle, beautiful tribute to the quiet strength of simply having someone stand by your side when life gets heavy.

    The Faust Quartet Series

    Genres: Historical Fantasy, Fantasy Adventure Fiction.

    My Review:

    Putting a wizard and a werewolf at the center of the narrative brings a refreshing spark to the fantasy genre. The story delivers a solid mix of high-stakes adventure and intriguing lore, making it a super compelling kickoff for the series.

    The Faceless Chronicles Series

    Genres: Dark Fantasy Horror, Epic Fantasy. Dark epic fantasy with escalating stakes. Demon schemes and individual character agendas. Reaper assassins, a murderous shapeshifter, and new horrors. A perilous otherworld realm and a desperate bargain for redemption. War, dark magic, and brutal consequences for every choice.

    My Review:

    What started as a fantastic opener with great character dynamics and rich atmosphere quickly turned into one of the most inventive series I’ve read. Watching the author construct entire worlds within worlds completely shattered standard fantasy tropes. As the story moves into its third installment, the stakes escalate dramatically, the fast pace makes the heavy consequences of earlier choices feel painfully real.

    The Fabled Series

    Genres: Folklore, Action & Adventure Fiction.

    My Review:

    What begins as an intimate story of a selfless educator sacrificing everything for his students in a world ravaged by human greed transforms into a breathtaking, multi-generational saga. As nature reclaims the planet, the second installment brilliantly pivots to the four surviving children, charting their survival and maturate wisdom in a altered wilderness. By the time the trilogy concludes, the narrative ascends beyond a simple fantasy quest, delivering a profound, timeless sermon on inner peace, reconciliation, and harmony among all living beings. A truly magnificent achievement.

    The Blue Moon Series

    Genres: Greek & Roman Myth & Legend, Superhero Fantasy.

    My Review:

    Reading this felt like stepping straight into a classic tabletop RPG, complete with immersive quest energy. Ariel and Solana faced brutal hardships right out of the gate, the story maintained such a soothing, heartwarming undertone that you always knew they’d find their way through. Watching their bond blossom throughout the journey was an absolute delight, cozy fantasy at its finest.

    The Narun Series

    Genres: Teen & Young Adult Romantic Mystery eBooks, Teen & Young Adult Clean & Wholesome Romance. It is perfect for readers who like books with a bit of mystery, reality mixed with fantasy, romance, adventure, heartfelt friendships, broken characters, hidden kingdoms, and a dash of humor. Clean fiction, suitable for all ages.

    My Review:

    This duology tackles the heavy, lingering weight of survivor’s guilt and loss with profound sensitivity, while never losing sight of the light at the end of the tunnel. Book One sets up an emotionally charged foundation that seamlessly spills into the sequel, charting a heartbreaking yet beautifully triumphant path toward healing.

    The Inflictor

    Genres: Teen & Young Adult Science Fiction & Wholesome Dystopian Romance.

    My Review:

    Beneath its high-stakes dystopian framework lies a fascinating exploration of human nature and choice. The author shines a spotlight on the quiet moments before a decision is made, the delicate tipping point between harm and redemption. Driven by a standout female protagonist whose writing is top-notch, this book offers a nuanced, lingering look at what balance really means.

    The Elves Of Alaire Series

    Genres: Folklore, Fairy Tale Fantasy, Fantasy Romance.

    My Review:

    This series takes familiar high-fantasy tropes, starting with a brilliantly original take on elven lore, and transforms them into something deeply intimate and emotionally resonant. Watching the journey unfold across all three books was captivating; the plot pulls me in so completely that it stays on my mind even when I set the book down.

    The Guardians Series

    Genres: Women’s Fantasy Fiction, Metaphysical Fantasy, Coming of Age Fantasy.

    My Review:

    This series stands as a brilliant tribute to the resilience of young protagonists. Instead of reducing children to passive observers, the narrative thrusts them into the driver’s seat, forcing them to solve problems that adults are too overwhelmed to handle. The transition from innocent curiosity to forced maturity is handled with incredible nuance and grace.

    The Seer Chronicles Series

    Genres: Century Historical Fiction, Historical Fantasy Fiction

    My Review:

    From the very first installment through the sequel, this duology delivers a masterclass in immersive historical fiction. The depth of

     research pulls you effortlessly into another era, while the compelling character arcs keep you deeply invested from start to finish. It is rare to find a series that balances rigorous historical accuracy with such genuine heart and character connection

    Nightlife

    Genres: Literature & Fiction.

    My Review:

    This story hits with an unbelievable emotional force. Taking the raw, desperate ache of missing someone who is gone and weaving it into a tight murder mystery is a masterstroke. Long after the final page, the narrative leaves you wrestling with complex moral dilemmas, forcing you to ponder how far you would go in the face of sudden tragedy and whether some truths can ever truly lead to closure.

    The Maren Springs Series

    Genres: Billionaires & Millionaires Romance, Clean & Wholesome Romance.

    My Review:

    the collection seamlessly blends timeless tropes: from childhood soulmates and age-gap dynamics to single-parent love stories; all set against the backdrop of a tight-knit, supportive community. The series continually elevates itself with richer character arcs and deeper emotional payoff in every installment. Full of green-flag leads, nostalgic warmth, and authentic faith, this entire saga is an absolute gem from start to finish.

    The Could Never Be Again Series

    Genres: New Adult & College Romance, Clean & Wholesome Romance.

    My Review:

    Fast-paced and emotionally charged, this series leans heavily into dramatic relationship dynamics and bold, explicit romance. The author does a fantastic job building tension and creating vivid, passionate moments between the leads. While it strays from traditional closed-door or faith-focused reads, its fiery relationships and emotional intensity make this series thoroughly engaging.

  • My Book Reviews, June 2026

    Book ratings and a short review.

    An Author’s Reading Addiction: My June Book list.

    Genre: Superhero Science Fiction, Dystopian Fiction

    My reviews: Having read both the Italian and English versions of this stunning novel, I was captivated by how it brilliantly subverts classic nostalgia, showing a ruling council’s deepest bonds transform into a high-stakes psychological battlefield under the threat of an invisible enemy.

    The Gloom : Arachnophobia

    Genre: Teen & Young Adult Dark Fantasy/Vampire Fiction.

    My reviews: This unputdownable, truly unique vampire story completely immersed me in its world, leaving me deeply connected to the characters and incredibly eager for the author’s next release.

    The New Blood Saga Series

    Genre: Dark Fantasy, Epic Fantasy

    My reviews: Reading this 6-book journey was an absolute thrill, from its beautifully crafted world and gripping character arcs to a surprise finale that left me incredibly excited for the next installments.

    The Shapeshifters Series

    Genre: Teen & Young Adult, Werewolf & Shifter Thrillers/Suspense, Fantasy

    My reviews: What started as a charming, uplifting story about animals turning into humans evolved into a brilliant, emotionally gripping 4-book journey that beautifully tackles the deep complexities of family communication.

    Genre: Hard Science Fiction, Colonization Science Fiction

    Genre: Hard Science Fiction, Steampunk Science Fiction

    My reviews: These two brilliant sci-fi books prove P.A. Kramer’s incredible talent for blending pure science with high-stakes suspense, delivering unforgettable characters and gripping stories that you simply cannot put down.

    F.it

    Genre: Suburban Literature & Fiction, Humorous Literary Fiction

    My reviews: Reading this felt like a raw, chaotic, and incredibly relatable dive into the messy reality of trying to figure out who you are when the pressure gets too high.

    Genre: Ghost Suspense/Mysteries, Historical Mysteries

    Genre: Occult & Supernatural Horror

    My reviews: Boasting superb character evolution and masterful pacing, these two unputdownable books brilliantly marry classic police investigation with otherworldly horror to deliver an absolute masterpiece of suspense.


    Update to my June reading list, based on recommendations from authors who suggested their books when I mentioned I got Kindle Unlimited (KU).

    I haven’t managed to read everything on my list yet, but these are the ones I’ve finished so far.


    Genre: Dark Fantasy, Sword & Sorcery Fantasy, Epic Fantasy

    My review: I absolutely loved Wards of the Rift; its perfect blend of classic fantasy vibes and Jonus’s incredible character growth completely hooked me and left me eager for the next book.

    Genre: Contemporary Fantasy, Ghost Suspense, Horror Suspense

    My review: A thoroughly delightful read where the brilliant atmosphere and unstoppable humor kept me thoroughly entertained from start to finish.

    Genre: Women’s Fantasy Fiction/Romance Fiction/Literature & Fiction

    My review: I loved this gorgeous reimagining of Greek myth, and the way it wrapped up leaves me desperately craving the sequel.

    Genre: Sibling Fiction, Family Life Fiction, Contemporary Romance Fiction

    My review: I couldn’t put this book down, and I am so grateful to the author for having the bravery to tell such a profoundly moving and necessary story.

    Genre: Two-Hour Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Short Reads, Noir Crime, Organized Crime

    My review: This brief but captivating story perfectly sets the stage for an exciting journey, making me an instant fan who is ready for the next book.

    Genre: Historical European Fiction, Historical British & Irish Literature

    My review: It is absolutely fascinating how the author wove an entire, eerie, and unforgettable story out of a deadly period fashion trend, making this book a stunningly unique read.

    Genre: Superhero Fantasy/Science Fiction, New Adult & College Fantasy

    My review: The powerful theme of children stepping up in the absence of their parents made this an incredibly compelling, unforgettable read that kept me hooked from start to finish.

    Genre: Contemporary Literature & Fiction

    My review: A deeply moving and unforgettable story that masterfully captures the emotional toll of living under the weight of another person’s toxic ambition.

  • A New Beginning

    The Book Mind

    I decided to pick up reading again, specifically books outside my professional field of psychology.

    So, I create a new category on my blog, “The Book Mind,” where I can write about the books I read, since reading has always brought me a sense of peace and relaxation.

    When I read, I feel like every world within those pages becomes mine, as if I were standing beside the author as they write, setting off alongside the characters on their adventures.

    I realize I’m addicted to reading, partly because learning to read was so difficult for me as a child due to my dyslexia. Because I worked so hard to learn, being able to read now feels like a reward, Because when I was a child, learning to read was like climbing a mountain where I occasionally fell because the weather wasn’t on my side.

    But here I am now, reading as if tomorrow doesn’t exist.

  • Today’s film: The Secret Garden (1993) & Nomadland (2020)

    4th time watching & 2nd time watching.

    THE GEOMETRY OF THE RETURN

    When observed as parallel blueprints, The Secret Garden and Nomadland map the profound transition from a fortress of survival to the open windows of integration. They are not films about merely changing locations; they are clinical case studies of a psyche reclaiming its space after a long war, shifting from structural collapse to the quiet, steady occupation of reality.

    • The Geometry of the Freeze Response: In The Secret Garden, Mary Lennox and her cousin Colin begin their arcs in a state of literal and psychological lockdown. Trapped inside Misselthwaite Manor, a house that shakes with the phantom weight of unaddressed grief, their minds have lowered the voltage to survive. Colin’s psychosomatic paralysis is the ultimate manifestation of Hiamlan, the stillness that watches even when nothing moves, a structural collapse designed to keep the system from shattering. Their chronic tension isn’t discipline; it is a desperate translation of an oppressive, neglected environment.
    • The Architecture of Consent: Regeneration only begins when Mary dares to look into the mirror of the pattern, discovering the locked door. The walled garden acts as a physical manifestation of Consent After Removal. It requires a whisper of permission to enter. Mary, Colin, and Dickon don’t impose order on the dead branches; they simply witness the life underneath, stepping back to let the flame without a command grow into a steady warmth. They stop acting as caretakers under orders and become companions to the soil.
    • Memory Without Occupation: Nomadland explores this exact same architecture but through the lens of a vast, modern landscape. Fern is a nomad not because she is lost, but because her forward path was blocked by the death of her town and her husband. Her van, Vanguard, is a tiny room she occupies to keep her history alive. For a long time, her grief threatens to occupy every single room of her psyche. But her journey through the American West is a masterclass in learning to carry the voices of the past as stars rather than anchors.

    Two cinematic masterclasses that show the end of a long survival cycle. They demonstrate that healing isn’t about building a sturdier fortress, but about finding a realm without a throne where you can finally put the weight down.

  • Today’s film: The Matrix (1999) & Ordinary People (1980)

    5th time watching & 1st time watching

    THE LANTERN VS. THE MATRIX

    When analysed together, The Matrix and Ordinary People stand as brilliant structural pillars demonstrating the exact same psychological truth: no one can hand you a borrowed path to freedom. One operates on the grand scale of sci-fi myth, and the other within the quiet, devastating walls of an upscale suburban home. Yet both are intense case studies in what happens when an individual is fumbling in the dark, looking for a mechanic, but ultimately needing to find the key to their own lock.

    • The Myth of the Mechanic: In The Matrix, Neo initially looks for answers outside himself. He wants a saviour to open the hood of reality and fix it. But Morpheus establishes the ultimate Golden Rule of the film: “I can only show you the door. You’re the one that has to walk through it.” Morpheus doesn’t hand Neo a customized map or a sermon on how to think. He simply holds a high-intensity lantern over the illusion of the digital cage. Neo’s ultimate integration only happens when he stops relying on the “expert” prophecy of the Oracle and locates the key that was in his own pocket all along.
    • Holding the Light in the Storm: Ordinary People brings this identical therapeutic tug-of-war down to earth with heartbreaking precision. Conrad sits in Dr. Berger’s office desperately looking for a shortcut to stop his emotional hemorrhaging. He wants a vending machine for trauma-solving secrets. He wants to be told what to do so he can be “normal.” But Berger is a master of boundaries. He refuses to give a sermon or provide an easy fix. Instead, he holds the light steady over Conrad’s repressed pain, allowing him to fumble through the shadows until Conrad faces the glint of his own raw strength.
    • The Authentic Awakening: Both films reject the concept of the borrowed path. If Morpheus fought the agents for Neo, or if Dr. Berger forced a manufactured solution onto Conrad, it would be a form of self-betrayal for the characters. The true healing in both narratives occurs at the exact moment the protagonist realizes the victory belongs entirely to them.

    These two films prove that true growth cannot be engineered by an outsider; an expert can only illuminate the room, but the lock must be turned from the inside out.

  • Today’s film: Carnage (2011)

    2nd time watching

    THE BURNING OF THE BOXES

    When looking at a narrative structure like Carnage, you are looking at the ultimate breakdown of human containment. The entire film is a masterclass in what happens when the polite “Surface Talk” of civilized society is systematically stripped away, leaving a room full of adults completely defenceless against their own internal chaos.

    • The Shattered Boxes of Civilization: The plot is deceptively simple, two pairs of parents meet in a Brooklyn apartment to discuss a playground fight between their sons. They begin with polite smiles, structured arguments, and an superficial attempt to handle the situation with clinical detachment. But Roman Polanski doesn’t allow the boxes to stay intact. The apartment quickly transforms from a civilized living room into an intellectual battlefield where every emotional filter fails, and the “X-ray vision” they try to direct at each other turns into a mirror of their own hypocrisy.
    • The Failure of the Off-Switch: In this room, there are no professional boundaries to put the radar on mute. As the characters consume alcohol and the confrontation escalates, their defensive structures experience a total system failure. The Psychoanalyst crowd would have a field day watching how quickly their sophisticated worldviews and progressive parenting labels crumble under stress. They aren’t trying to find a map; they are actively throwing their own specific brands of fuel onto a fire of resentment, turning a quiet afternoon into a glorious, multi-layered disaster.
    • The Kink of Human Thought Unleashed: The film brilliantly exposes the kink of human thought, how people defend their internal logic when backed into a corner. As the masks slip, the arguments devolve from a structured debate about accountability into a chaotic, primitive riot of pure ego, marital spite, and existential crisis. The four walls of the apartment become a pressure cooker where their hidden ghosts are dragged out into the bright light, proving that beneath the polished exterior, everyone is just a step away from letting their inner gremlin take total control.

    A film that is like a psychological disintegration, showing that when you trap four intense, hyper-analytical minds in a single room, the polite facade will always be the first thing to burn.