Serenade

by Stephen Mizell

"SERENADE is an exciting debut from a fresh new voice in the genre. Stephen Mizell writes with energy, style, originality, and unpredictability. Recommended!" -Jonathan Janz, Author of VEIL, CHILDREN OF THE DARK, and THE DISMEMBERED



Most people bring a gift to a wedding; Samuel brings melodic death.

Born with the extraordinary ability to control others with his voice, Samuel Serenade has taken it upon himself to rid the world of evil, using major events and music to commit mass executions. However, during the planning of a wedding, he falls for the maid of honor, Elizabeth, who begins to make him question his moral mission. Lives hang in the balance as love clashes with purpose. Will their love be enough to sway his vengeful tendencies? And who is the mysterious Mr. Glimpse following Samuel's trail? The wedding date is set-consider this your save-the-date.

In this modern-day reimagining of the Pied Piper of Hamelin, Stephen Mizell weaves a thread from past to present, blurring the line between good and evil.

Stephen Mizell grew up in Norton, Kansas; a blink-and-you-miss-it kind of town with only one stoplight. Now he lives in Omaha, Nebraska with his wife, son, and their two cats. He has published multiple scripts for dramatic competition and is an affiliate writer in the Horror Writers Association. Written during his work lunch breaks, SERENADE is his debut novel.

511 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 7, 2024

Reviews

[Nichol · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read!!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly what a refreshing read from a new up and coming author!! The story from start to finish had really nice pacing, well rounded characters and overall great narration. From a debut author I was honestly shocked but this just tells you that 1. You need to read this story and 2. Stephen Mizell is an author to keep an eye on. Happy reading!

[Derek Farris · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Serenade' is a gripping story that starts off as romantic slow-burn, that morphs its way into a fast-paced, pedal-to-the-floor horror/thriller. As the story progresses, you'll find yourself becoming even more enveloped in the circumstances, and eagerly turning pages - desperately searching for answers to burning suspicions. Just as you think you've got one thing figured out, something comes along to throw you a curveball.

The author has definitely vested a lot of emotions into his characters, and it shines through. I often found myself conflicted over the characters thoughts, feelings and interactions. I even struggled trying to figure out how I aligned with them. Not only making me question of "Do I like this character?" but rather, "SHOULD I like this character?" With each page turn, it felt as if something else unraveled and made me feel differently.

Mizell has composed a wonderful, debut novel that I feel wont struggle to find an audience of different ages, or gender. I think there's a little bit for anybody in this book. If you enjoy romance, there's something here for you. If you enjoy a good mystery, there's something here for you. If you enjoy a good fright, or like to be on the edge of your seat, there's something here -- well, I think you kinda get the point?

[Payton Mizell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to read this through kindle unlimited, which was a great way to get some chapters in throughout the day and before bed at night! Stephen King/horror type books have never been a category I have been interested in, but I was pleasantly surprised by the details and different storylines Stephen introduces throughout the pages of his first debut novel, Serenade. There are a lot of characters and backgrounds that build over time and he does a great job at making all of their stories and purposes come together in the end. Stephen also does a really great job at touching on sensitive subjects such as grief and heartache, which I really enjoyed. I thought the ending was a great, unexpected way to wrap up the entire story and in a way that will leave you guessing until the end!

[Guardians · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first glance, the book is a charming harmony of love, attraction, and new beginnings. However, a chain quickly wraps around your ankles and you're drug behind a motorcyle that winds its mellifluous way down a twisted tale of good vs evil, shattered dreams, and abused magic. "At first glance" is a good theme for this book. The main villain sees the evil in others and, without searching deeper for the grey that resides below the surface of all humans, locks his target on them. He reads the cover of the book and refuses to search for evidence to the contrary, becoming judge, jury, and executioner all in one. And, at first glance, due to his tremendous ability to control people with song, nobody can stop him. You'll have to read the book to the end to see if that remains true.

[jennyslibrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️This was my first horror read and it exceeded my expectations so much!!! There’s such a good balance between characters which kept me HOOKED and I didn’t get bored at all. I genuinely loved the humor and witty comments as well, it made me feel like they were actually my friends. The chapters are a great length for me and really makes you want to read “just one more chapter”! I was also soooo very satisfied with the ending. I can’t wait for the sequel to come out because I’m hoping it explains more about their family background and how they got their supernatural powers to begin with. Overall, this book was so good and I’m so glad I was introduced to the horror genre with this read!!

[Pam Shelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually read novels. I get up in the morning and read a few pages with my coffee, and again in bed at night before I go to sleep. This was one that I always looked forward to reading. I liked that I was never sure of the intentions of the main character, Samuel. I liked all the supporting characters and they felt like familiar, real people. There was some humor, and the right amount of horror for me. I usually don't read romance, but it even had an element of romance mixed in. Although the ending was satisfying for me, I can picture where the story might go in a sequel. The pacing at the end really built the tension. I was reading and turning the pages as quickly as I could, because I wanted to know how it all ended. Who survives and who doesn't, GOOD READ!

[Sarah Jules · Rating 4 out of 5]

Serenade by Stephen Mizell

A story told through song. Kind of. This book has a unique premise. Let me ask you a question. What would you do if your songs had the power to control others? Would you use your powers for good or evil? Samuel Serenade is a modern-day Robin Hood. Instead of stealing from the rich to give to the poor, he uses his unique musical ability to rid the world of people he perceives to be 'bad'.
Reminiscent of The Dark Tower by Stephen King, Mizell tells an epic story of love, revenge, and death. Part romance, part horror, Serenade is not for the faint of heart. It lulls you into a false sense of security and then smacks you with heart-wrenching, brutal horror.

This book will live rent-free in my mind for a long time.

[Heather Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clever, well paced book, with vivid images that was oh so easy to dive into. I found myself falling into the "just one more chapter" trap whenever my favorite characters would resurface to spin their next piece of the web, and if I am honest all but one of the characters were amongst my favorites by the end. This meant I found it impossible to come up for air in the last quarter of the book, I just had to finish it. With that, I could have sworn I knew how it was going to end. This was one of the rare occasions that I was wrong, and I am glad I was, as the actual ending was soooo awesome.

[Ruth Mizell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I’m the author’s mom!
My kids would tell you that I give honest thoughtful critique of all their varied talents!
This is not my usual genre but that being said I really enjoyed reading it!
The “verses” are short and that is great for me as I like to finish a chapter (verse) before I close my book for the moment.
There is just the right balance of romance, humor and tension.
I truly enjoyed this read especially for a debut novel. Awaiting a possible sequel!

[Rachel Browne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t read a lot, but I could not put this book down. That’s saying a lot for my short attention span. The characters are so compelling. It was a struggle to champion morality when faced with such alluring charisma!!! Iykyk. I think it takes an avid reader to be a good writer, and you can tell this author reads a lot. You won’t regret buying this one!

[Mandy Lauletta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only was this a very unique premise and great blending of genres, but the writing style is so visceral that you are transported to the scene whether you want to or not! Loved this and can't wait for more from this author.

[Rebecca Bourne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every twist felt like a gut punch. The characters were real, with their lives projected beyond what occurred in the book. This reminds me of Stephen King's Firestarter, but done right. This book is for fans of Death Note and the story of the Pied Piper. This has been my favorite book this year.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t get over that ending and want to know if there will be a second book coming?

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fast paced read! I couldn’t put it down. I was hooked from the beginning! You had me at verses instead of chapters!

[Travis` · Rating 5 out of 5]

Serenade weaves a musical tale of love and death that everyone should experience.

A musician who leaves a trial of death in his wake as he moves from gig to gig. Who is this mysterious woman though that has caught his interest? One who makes him second guess his mission? Read Stephen Mizell’s debut novel; Serenade to find out! The pacing of this book makes you forget how long you’ve been reading, couldn’t put it down until it was finished. Stephen weaves a tale of love and suspense with a dash of horror to make you squirm. His character building is profound, by the end of the book I was attached to every character. I am excited to see what Stephen comes up with next because this is definitely an author to keep your eye on!

[Josh Laughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a seasoned reader of horror, I’m usually very judgmental of any new author in that field. However, this novel had me captivated from start to finish. Stephen Mizell, in his debut novel, writes like an old pro.

The blend of suspense, grief, romance, and violence in this song makes for a novel that is very difficult to put down. An added bonus is the complexity of the battle between good and evil and how the definitions of those very ideals make you grapple with your inner voice about what’s right and what’s wrong.

I can’t wait to see what’s next from Stephen. The sky is truly the limit.

[Regan Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. I don't read horror - but I had to atleast try it and I was pleasantly surprised. Great story line, great book!