Brian Moreland

If I see a title that involves Egyptian mythology and tombs beneath pyramids then I'm automatically on board. So I guess the author hooked me in early just with that, but I'm pleased to say that not only did this set up pay off, but the book rises to an epic level I was not expecting and goes in insane directions that I never saw coming.

I truly am going to say very little about the plot here. I want you to be as surprised as I was with each new unfolding event. What I will say is that the book wastes no time in getting to the good stuff. Our characters get to the dig site and things start going sideways very quickly. And speaking of characters, I love the ones constructed here. Imogen is fantastic as our egyptologist heroine, and other characters I liked include Caleb (her photographer-turned-love interest) and Dyfan (the blind assistant with a special sixth sense). Even the characters you're supposed to hate - namely expedition leader Trummel and head of security Gosswick - were fully realized and well done. The author does a good job of blending in the character's backstories and motivations with the current horrors they are facing.

And believe you me, there is a lot of horror here. And a nice variety as well. Lots of tense moments, gruesome violence, and eerie happenings. To say this book is a mix of Indiana Jones and Tomb Raider is wildly underselling it, but I did enjoy the overall focus on exploration and puzzle-solving (as well as the numerous creatures and nightmares that make an appearance). I wish I could talk about the final act, but I can't. Just know that it blew my mind. Go read it and get back to me so we can talk.

I know a little about Egyptian mythology, but there's so much here that I'd never heard of. I spoke with the author and he mentioned doing about a year of research, and it shows - from references to specific archaeological sites/finds, to ancient Egyptian belief systems, to the construction of the afterlife and the various layers therein. Not only was a I enamored by all the (new to me) lore, but I was also excited to see scenes of what I knew (such as a particular moment where hearts are weighed against the feather of Maat for eternal judgment).

Overall I loved this book! It's a longer one, and some parts did start to drag for me, but I never lost interest in what was happening or fearful anticipation of what was going to happen next. It's a wonderful mix of mythology, thriller, and horror. Highly recommend!

*4.5 stars rounded up for Goodreads… (mais)

Thank you to Net Galley for sending me a free copy of this book! All opinions are my own.

I normally don't read anthologies or short stories but the title is called to me and I enjoy this author's other books. I absolutely loved these three stories! The first one about the witch coven was my favorite because it reminded me of the Manson cult, just with witchcraft and no gross men. This author is great at building up suspense and those cliffhangers at the end of the chapter always get me. He also writes gore super well and detailed, and the gore makes sense and it's not just unnecessarily gory for no reason. I would recommend this book to my horror-loving book friends and I would read more by this author.… (mais)

Really unsure as to how any reader could rate this one highly. Frankly, I suspect "fake reviews." The characters are tropes, at best. The first 62 pages has nothing to do with the mysterious island. Instead, they are vulgar and stupid repetitions of dumb characters. The whole thing has maybe ten characters in it - but the author succeeded in making some characters more frightful, abominable, toxic, and horrible than anything a little sentient vine-covered island brings. Dull, vulgar, and shameful. Not recommended.… (mais)

Two estranged friends that grew up together but parted ways when one married a less than honorable man have recently reunited. Jasmine has filed for divorce and regrets cutting Amy out of her life. Amy is still mourning the loss of her fiancée but is thrilled to have her friend Jasmine back. Maybe a little too thrilled actually because it causes her to go along with several things that she is uncomfortable with, just to keep Jasmine happy.
The friends take a vacation together and plan to relax on the beach with tropical drinks. Jasmine, however is making up for lost time and convinces Amy to be her "wing woman" when they meet a couple of guys. Against her better judgement but not wanting to spoil Jasmine's fun Amy agrees to take a yacht ride to a secluded location on this double date that she really wants no part of. They make some weird discoveries on the island but Amy is the only one who takes them seriously. The others will come to regret making light of her concerns. This book reminded me a bit of The Ruins, in the way the characters were out of their element, vacationing in a foreign country in a secluded area and chose to ignore local legends. If I said any more about what seemed familiar it may spoil the surprises so I will leave it at that, but though it does have other similarities it definitely goes it's own way. The first half is not especially scary but there is a lot of suspense and spine tingly moments once the characters arrive on the island. I would recommend it for all fans of adventure/eco horror.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher with no obligation to write a review.… (mais)