Mindy's Book Journey

  Title: Kosa Author: John Durgin Genre: Horror Published: May 17, 2024 by DarkLit Press I received a copy for review through NetGalley. Kosa has never left her home in the isolated woods under the strict control of her mother. As she gets older Kosa starts to suspect that mother isn't always right. Kosa has a gift that keeps her mother alive. Mother is a witch that will do anything to keep her power including hurt others.  Kosa is a great main character. She is a great light to offset the extreme darkness that is her mother. This is a loose retelling of Rapunzel, but super dark and twisted. This  is a wicked witch story with an antagonist that is cruel beyond belief.  With the dark nature of some of the content I feel like I need to include a few content warnings such as death of child, child abuse, and cannibalism. I would highly recommend this novel to those that can handle the subject matter. My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

  Title: The Dead Spot: Stories of Lost Girls Author: Angela Sylvaine Genre: Horror Published: 5/21/24 by Dark Matter Ink I received a copy for review from the author. This debut short story collection is dark and hard hitting with every story. Each story explores young women in varying horrifying situations. This leading ladies are sometimes in peril and sometimes causing havoc. These 17 stories are all full of dark imagery and nightmare situations. The stories that stood out the most were Antifreeze and Sweet Pea, Return of the Wilderness Girls, Mr. Chew, and Crimson Clover. The last of which is the best flash fiction story I have read. It serves great impact in 2 short pages. I recommend this collection highly to horror fans. My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

  Title: The Fireborne Blade  Author: Charlotte Bond Genre: Fantasy Published: 5/28/24 by Tor Publishing I received a copy for review through NetGalley. Maddileh is a knight who needs to redeem herself. She will slay the notorious dragon White Lady in order to prove her worthiness, and will face many harrowing challenges along the way in this short fantasy novel. This story is full of  really interesting history of dragons in this world, and the stories of knights who have taken them on. Maddileh is not always the most likable character, but she grows throughout and makes a great strong female main character to route for. If you are looking for an surprising and adventurous fantasy that is under 200 pages I would highly recommend The Fireborne Blade. My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

  Title: The Angel of Indian Lake Series: The Indian Lake Trilogy Book 3 Author: Stephen Graham Jones Genre: Horror  Published: March 26, 2024 by Saga Press I received a copy for review through NetGalley. Jade has been through a lot in Proofrock, Idaho and this novel serves as the epic conclusion to her journey. All the events of the series come full circle and Jade must confront the curse of the lake witch in order to save the town again. This trilogy is a love story to horror movies, especially slasher films. If you are a super fan of horror movies like Jade than this is a must read series. This novel gives the reader many slasher-like kills in a super original way. This is a great series with a great main character and I highly recommend it. My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars