Mindy's Book Journey

  Title: Into the Rift Author: Clay Harmon Series: The Rift Walker Series book 2 Genre: Fantasy Published: 7/2/24 by Solaris I received a copy for review through NetGalley.   This second installment in The Rift Walker Series follows Jakar and Efadora as they leave Augustin to save his elemental friends he was enslaved with as a child. Also Smith Ester is tasked with finding the rhidium that was stolen by a group of rebels fighting against the Sovereign.  This is a really fantasy series with a unique magic system and world building. All of the characters are interesting and complex. The characters do a lot of growing and changing. The plot is dark and propulsive.  I highly recommend The Rift Walker Series starting with The Flames of Mira to fans of dark fantasy. This series has so much to love. My Rating: 4.25 out of 5 stars

  Title: Beyond the Bounds of Infinity: An Anthology of Diverse Horror Edited by: Vaughn A. Jackson and Stephanie Pearre Genre: Horror Published: July 10, 2023 by Raw Dog Screaming Press I received a copy for review through NetGalley.   This anthology is mix of cosmic and folk horror. It was great to see cosmic horror from diverse voices and perspectives. All these stories veer toward the weird side which is a big plus for me.  There were a handful of stand out stories in this anthology. Live Free or Die by Danny Brzozowski is about a trans teacher taking on a bigoted occult group. Effigies of Monstrous Things by Pedro Iniquez is about a father living in a run down apartment with his daughters with unspeakable secrets hiding just under the surface. The Things We Did in the Dark by Julia Darcey involves women performing rituals in a dark pit. Burning Slumber by Jessica L. Sparrow is a supernatural indigenous story. Finally, Gyges by Vaughn A. Jackson gives a very unique...

  Title: Bury Your Gays Author: Chuck Tingle Genre: Horror Published: 7/9/24 by Tor Nightfire I received a copy for review through NetGalley. Misha is a successful Hollywood writer. His studio wants him to kill off his gay characters in his TV show, but he doesn't leading to grave consequences.  Such a fun summer read that takes on important lgbtqia+ issues in a truly unique and creative way. There are great horror elements as Misha's horror creations come to life and come after him. This book was somehow sweet, funny, and tense all at the same time. This was a fast paced roller coaster of a read that you won't want to put down. I recommend this book for fans of horror stories with social commentary. My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars