Page 54 - Reader's House magazine

EDITOR’S CHOICE THE VEIL OF TIME by L. M. Montes A captivating blend of mystery, fantasy, and emotion, ‘The Veil of Time’ mesmerises with rich characters and gripping twists. The Veil of Time, the first installment in L. M. Montes’ Time Series, is an enthralling foray into a world where the past, present, and future intertwine. Both gripping and imaginative, the story pairs elements of mystery, family drama, and an ever-thickening sense of destiny that keeps readers turning the pages. The protagonist, Tora Jasper, returns to her hometown of East Tawas, Michigan, intending to settle her late parents’ affairs and move on. What she discovers among their belongings plunges her into a whirlwind of secrets and revelations, leading her to confront both her family’s hidden past and the cosmic forces shaping her future. Montes skillfully balances Tora’s personal journey of grief and self-discovery with her awakening to a broader, fantastical quest. The supporting characters, particularly Kyle Stevens and John Cummings, offer richness to the narrative, each harbouring mysteries that enmesh brilliantly with the plot. Meanwhile, the antagonist, the enigmatic Black Mamba, brings an ever-present shadow of danger that raises the stakes. Montes’ portrayal of Tora’s tension between light and darkness is riveting, adding emotional conflict to the fast-paced adventure. The novel’s pacing is strong, though certain moments could have benefitted from greater detail to deepen the im- mersion. Nonetheless, the story is captivating, the stakes are palpable, and the twists invigorate the plot. Michael Montes’ illustrative touch adds an atmospheric dimension to the Kindle edition. For fans of time-travel adventures with a blend of romance and suspense, The Veil of Time is a must-read. Montes presents a deeply layered narrative brimming with emotion, discovery, and danger. The cliffhanger ensures that readers will eagerly anticipate the next instalment. A compelling 5-star debut for the series. 54 II Reader’s House NOVEL • STORY • LITERATURE UNBOUND JUSTICE by Michael Beashel DRAWN FROM LIFE by Sarah P. Blanchard ‘Unbound Justice’ offers a compelling blend of ambition, love, and revenge in 19th-century Sydney. Rich historical detail and vivid characters make it a captivating start to ‘The Australian Sandstone Series’. A compelling legal drama with political intrigue, featuring a strong, relatable pro- tagonist. Engaging, thought-provoking, and thoroughly captivating. Michael Beashel’s Unbound Justice, the inaugural installment in The Australian Sandstone Series, is a richly crafted tapestry of ambition, love, revenge, and resilience set against the backdrop of 19th-century Sydney. This historical fiction novel brims with vivid imagery, robust characters, and gripping drama that plunges readers into the tumultuous era of Australia’s gold rush and the burgeoning colony’s architectural splendour. The narrative follows John Leary, an Irishman whose journey to New South Wales is fuelled by more than just dreams of fortune. With a burning desire for justice against William Baxterhouse, the villain who wronged his family, John’s story intertwines vengeance with ambition. The contrast between John’s steadfast determination to build a construction empire and Baxterhouse’s relentless pursuit of power creates a compelling rivalry that builds to a climactic confrontation. Beashel’s portrayal of 19th-century Sydney is both immersive and striking, capturing the contrasting elements of squalor and grandeur, corruption and high-minded aspiration. The city itself becomes a char- acter, its construction serving as a poignant metaphor for growth amidst adversity. The emotional undercur- rents are equally gripping, with romantic entangle- ments—especially between John, Clarissa McGuire, and Beth O’Hare—adding layers of complexity to the tale. While the novel’s pacing occasionally falters with moments of heavy exposition, the strength of its characters and rich historical context more than com- pensate. Unbound Justice is an evocative entrée into a family saga that promises to enchant fans of historical fiction. Whether drawn by its themes of love and retribution or the ambitious spirit of its protagonist, readers will find much to appreciate in this engaging start to the series. Sarah P. Blanchard’s Drawn from Life is an en- grossing psychological suspense novel that master- fully dives into the murky waters of guilt, memory, and resilience. This intricately plotted story centres on Emma Gillen, a young woman grappling with the aftermath of a devastating car crash that has robbed her of both her physical health and her memory of the tragedy. Blanchard expertly weaves layers of tension as Emma faces the return of her manipulative cousin Lucy, whose arrival threatens to unravel long-sup- pressed truths about Emma’s past. Lucy’s mercurial nature and insatiable greed are portrayed with chilling precision, making her a compelling and unpredictable foil to Emma’s vulnerable yet deter- mined quest for answers. While the narrative explores dark and complex themes—such as trauma, shame, and betrayal—it also offers a glimmer of hope through Emma’s burgeoning inner strength and the quiet support of a compassionate detective. Blanchard’s writing is vivid, painting not only the rugged Appalachian setting but also the emotional landscapes of her char- acters with equal skill. The mounting suspense keeps readers on edge, while the unfolding mystery delves into the fragility and reliability of memory. Drawn from Life is much more than a suspense- ful page-turner; it’s an evocative exploration of resilience and the human capacity for redemption in the face of profound hardship. Blanchard’s ability to craft complex characters and a high-stakes mystery cements her reputation as a gifted storyteller. Highly recommended for fans of psychological thrillers saturated with emotional depth and raw intensity.