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Place Of Reckoning
Not yet published
Expected 31 Oct 26Angelika has fought her whole life against the darkness that threatened to swallow her whole. Years of abuse have scared her body and soul. The darkness always seemed like a bad thing, but what if the darkness is just what she needs to get her life back and start a new.
Will Angelika let the darkness comfort her or will she continue the never-ending cycle?
"This book contains graphic content and themes that can be considered disturbing and offensive. Read at your own discretion."
Will Angelika let the darkness comfort her or will she continue the never-ending cycle?
"This book contains graphic content and themes that can be considered disturbing and offensive. Read at your own discretion."
70 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 31, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Review of advance copy
First off, I have to give a massive shoutout to the author for including trigger warnings. Even as a hardcore horror reader who is used to the darkest corners of the human psyche, I really appreciate when authors do this. It’s a great touch for seasoned readers and incredibly helpful for anyone looking to dip their toes into this genre.
Don’t be fooled by the fact that this is only a 70-page novella. If you signed up for horror, M.P. Tera delivers exactly what was promised.
The story follows Angelika and her lifelong fight against the darkness and trauma threatening to consume her. It’s written in a fast-paced, third-person narrative that is so smooth you honestly don’t even realize how quickly you’re turning the pages. If I had been hooked up to a heart monitor while reading this, my baseline would have started out totally normal, only for the wavelength to just continuously spike with every chapter. The tension builds so effectively.
I will also say this: I have developed an intense, hatred for the letter "B" because of this story. I’m not going to explain what that means, you are just going to have to read it for yourself to understand why.
Because I read so heavily in the psychological thriller space, my tolerance for dark themes is pretty high. There was a tiny part of me that wanted just a fraction more intensity in certain moments, but honestly, that is just my personal preference talking. It could just be that I'm a bit immune to the genre by now, or simply the natural constraints of a shorter novella format where there isn't room for deep-dive exposition. Either way, it didn't take away from my enjoyment at all. The flow of the story is fantastic, and knowing this is the author's debut makes it even more impressive. I am genuinely looking forward to seeing her writing develop and reading whatever she puts out next.
What really makes this book stick with you is the emotional core. I think a lot of readers will be captured by Angelika’s journey. So many of us have reached points in our lives where we are healing from deep pain, and this story really made me think about how the lengths we go to in order to survive can sometimes become their own form of captivity. My heart truly went out to Angelika.
By the time I hit the final chapters, I was physically grimacing at the pages,in the most mysterious way possible. If you want a quick, heavy-hitting read that explores the limits of trauma and female rage, do yourself a favor and pick this one up.
Cross-posted online:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/0nlyb00ks
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/0nlyb00ks
Don’t be fooled by the fact that this is only a 70-page novella. If you signed up for horror, M.P. Tera delivers exactly what was promised.
The story follows Angelika and her lifelong fight against the darkness and trauma threatening to consume her. It’s written in a fast-paced, third-person narrative that is so smooth you honestly don’t even realize how quickly you’re turning the pages. If I had been hooked up to a heart monitor while reading this, my baseline would have started out totally normal, only for the wavelength to just continuously spike with every chapter. The tension builds so effectively.
I will also say this: I have developed an intense, hatred for the letter "B" because of this story. I’m not going to explain what that means, you are just going to have to read it for yourself to understand why.
Because I read so heavily in the psychological thriller space, my tolerance for dark themes is pretty high. There was a tiny part of me that wanted just a fraction more intensity in certain moments, but honestly, that is just my personal preference talking. It could just be that I'm a bit immune to the genre by now, or simply the natural constraints of a shorter novella format where there isn't room for deep-dive exposition. Either way, it didn't take away from my enjoyment at all. The flow of the story is fantastic, and knowing this is the author's debut makes it even more impressive. I am genuinely looking forward to seeing her writing develop and reading whatever she puts out next.
What really makes this book stick with you is the emotional core. I think a lot of readers will be captured by Angelika’s journey. So many of us have reached points in our lives where we are healing from deep pain, and this story really made me think about how the lengths we go to in order to survive can sometimes become their own form of captivity. My heart truly went out to Angelika.
By the time I hit the final chapters, I was physically grimacing at the pages,in the most mysterious way possible. If you want a quick, heavy-hitting read that explores the limits of trauma and female rage, do yourself a favor and pick this one up.
Cross-posted online:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/0nlyb00ks
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/0nlyb00ks
Review of advance copy received from Author
Place of Reckoning
As soon as you start reading this story, you can tell very quickly that it is going to be an emotionally traumatic story. We follow the life of Angelika. When she was a little girl, her selfish uncle used her for his own perverse satisfaction. For an innocent little girl, this trauma would cause a cut to form in her psyche so deep that it would affect every decision she made for herself as she grew up.
Fast forward to many years later, and we see Angelika finally break free from a mentally abusive marriage with a determination to get her life back. Sometimes, to move forward in your future, you must cleanse the past. I don't mean write in a diary and pay a doctor to listen to your feelings. I mean raw, unflinching, unyielding, irrevocably cleansed. If a trauma is deep enough, you need visuals, you need sound, scent, and you need pain. Angelika wishes to rewrite her life story in order to grow and blossom in the future. She needs a place of reckoning.
This story reached me from many different angles. A part of my own past reaches out to her with a satisfying high five for doing a thing not everyone gets to do for themselves. There is never any mercy for the innocent, so now there will be no mercy for the guilty. Full circle. This book is extreme in a much deeper sense. It isn't about how much blood can spill on the pages. It isn't about the popping of tendons or agonizing screams of terror and suffering. It's about the extreme damage that happens to someone under the surface, a beast or shadow that always follows them at every turn. It's about retribution. It's about holding this inside you for so many years, having it affect your entire existence, and finally snapping. And, oh my, when someone snaps, you better hope you never did them wrong. Bravo Angelika! Bravo to MP Tera, the author! This was a phenominal debut novella that resonated deep within my core. This story was not extremely heartbreaking but extremely heart mending! You go, girl!
As soon as you start reading this story, you can tell very quickly that it is going to be an emotionally traumatic story. We follow the life of Angelika. When she was a little girl, her selfish uncle used her for his own perverse satisfaction. For an innocent little girl, this trauma would cause a cut to form in her psyche so deep that it would affect every decision she made for herself as she grew up.
Fast forward to many years later, and we see Angelika finally break free from a mentally abusive marriage with a determination to get her life back. Sometimes, to move forward in your future, you must cleanse the past. I don't mean write in a diary and pay a doctor to listen to your feelings. I mean raw, unflinching, unyielding, irrevocably cleansed. If a trauma is deep enough, you need visuals, you need sound, scent, and you need pain. Angelika wishes to rewrite her life story in order to grow and blossom in the future. She needs a place of reckoning.
This story reached me from many different angles. A part of my own past reaches out to her with a satisfying high five for doing a thing not everyone gets to do for themselves. There is never any mercy for the innocent, so now there will be no mercy for the guilty. Full circle. This book is extreme in a much deeper sense. It isn't about how much blood can spill on the pages. It isn't about the popping of tendons or agonizing screams of terror and suffering. It's about the extreme damage that happens to someone under the surface, a beast or shadow that always follows them at every turn. It's about retribution. It's about holding this inside you for so many years, having it affect your entire existence, and finally snapping. And, oh my, when someone snaps, you better hope you never did them wrong. Bravo Angelika! Bravo to MP Tera, the author! This was a phenominal debut novella that resonated deep within my core. This story was not extremely heartbreaking but extremely heart mending! You go, girl!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A fantastic read for anyone drawn to stories of feminine rage, revenge, and violence. The book goes very deep into the brutality of it all in the fourth quarter, and the violence really held off until them. That said, for a debut horror novella, this is a bold one.
It will hit close to home for many readers, and it reads almost like a release, a way of letting it all out on the page and giving a voice to the voiceless.
FMC Angelika doesn't initially come across as someone capable of unspeakable acts, so I was actually wondering what was going to happen as I got nearer to the end. But she doesn't disappoint. I appreciate that the author gave her the time to think things through and build a plan, which made her transformation all the more convincing.
I've given it four stars rather than five for two reasons: it leans on telling rather than showing, which I'm a big advocate of, and I believe the first-person narrative would have given it far more emotional punch. I would have liked to have gone into Angelika's head to figure her out (funnily enough, I had once wanted to become a criminal/forensic psychologist so getting into a character's head like this is extremely intriguing for me).
Congratulations to M.P. Tera on a well-paced, cleverly written debut in the horror genre!
It will hit close to home for many readers, and it reads almost like a release, a way of letting it all out on the page and giving a voice to the voiceless.
FMC Angelika doesn't initially come across as someone capable of unspeakable acts, so I was actually wondering what was going to happen as I got nearer to the end. But she doesn't disappoint. I appreciate that the author gave her the time to think things through and build a plan, which made her transformation all the more convincing.
I've given it four stars rather than five for two reasons: it leans on telling rather than showing, which I'm a big advocate of, and I believe the first-person narrative would have given it far more emotional punch. I would have liked to have gone into Angelika's head to figure her out (funnily enough, I had once wanted to become a criminal/forensic psychologist so getting into a character's head like this is extremely intriguing for me).
Congratulations to M.P. Tera on a well-paced, cleverly written debut in the horror genre!
September 26, 2026
ARC Review
For such a short read it really feels like you followed the main character through her entire life. Now this book may not be for everyone as there are several triggers.
•SA of a child
•Murder
•Graphic bodily harm
•Torture
Our MFC had a rough start being abused by a family member this trauma followed her into her adulthood. When she decided to break away and heal herself the only way to do so is to seek revenge on the source of her trauma. The story is quick and brutal but you get just enough information to make you feel connected and right there with her. Even for a short novella the graphic torture scene felt built up and not rushed you really got to see the planning that our main character went through it all felt intentional and selective. By the grand finale you are seething to get revenge just as much as our main character and the ending did not disappoint.
If you can stomach graphic bodily harm and triggers don’t get to you then this quick read may be for you!
For such a short read it really feels like you followed the main character through her entire life. Now this book may not be for everyone as there are several triggers.
•SA of a child
•Murder
•Graphic bodily harm
•Torture
Our MFC had a rough start being abused by a family member this trauma followed her into her adulthood. When she decided to break away and heal herself the only way to do so is to seek revenge on the source of her trauma. The story is quick and brutal but you get just enough information to make you feel connected and right there with her. Even for a short novella the graphic torture scene felt built up and not rushed you really got to see the planning that our main character went through it all felt intentional and selective. By the grand finale you are seething to get revenge just as much as our main character and the ending did not disappoint.
If you can stomach graphic bodily harm and triggers don’t get to you then this quick read may be for you!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Summary: Angelika has had to hold in a secret since she was four years old, a secret rhat has impacted her life and led her down a path that ended with her marrying an abusive man. Finally escaped, Angelika has a plan to help the child within her, and to find peace again - no matter the costs, no matter how brutal...
Review: I rooted for Angelika through this, her innocence, hurt and emptiness it feels like it could be felt through the page. This was a very brutal book, focused heavily on female rage, and at around 70 pages is a quick, brilliant read.
Review: I rooted for Angelika through this, her innocence, hurt and emptiness it feels like it could be felt through the page. This was a very brutal book, focused heavily on female rage, and at around 70 pages is a quick, brilliant read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Poor Angelika stole my heart from chapter 1. She had her entire childhood and life stolen from her through no fault of her own. This story tugged at my mama heart in a way that words cannot accurately convey. Angelika's personal hell is immediately introduced in its raw, traumatic form, with no preamble that her story would have a truly happy ending.
Angelika's story of forced loss of innocence, both as a child and on into adulthood, is portrayed in a heartbreakingly attention-grabbing way. From being taken advantage of by an adult that knew better, to not feeling safe enough to confide in her parents, the people who should have protected her, Angelika's transformation from fearful child to vengeful woman had me cheering her on from the moment she chose to exact revenge!
Angelika's story of forced loss of innocence, both as a child and on into adulthood, is portrayed in a heartbreakingly attention-grabbing way. From being taken advantage of by an adult that knew better, to not feeling safe enough to confide in her parents, the people who should have protected her, Angelika's transformation from fearful child to vengeful woman had me cheering her on from the moment she chose to exact revenge!
October 3, 2026
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This is a short novella but it packs a punch. We are following the story of Angelika as she is trying to come to terms with the horrible abuse she experienced when she was a child. Some readers complained that there are not many descriptions or anything to give depth to the story, but I believe that the story was written in order to show the reader that nothing else mattered her life other than getting her revenge.
I liked how the story unfolded, how Angelika found strength and grew as a person, overcoming her trauma and abuse she suffered throughout her life. There was just the right amount of body horror involved to make my skin crawl!
This is an excellent debut and can’t wait to see more from the author!
This is a short novella but it packs a punch. We are following the story of Angelika as she is trying to come to terms with the horrible abuse she experienced when she was a child. Some readers complained that there are not many descriptions or anything to give depth to the story, but I believe that the story was written in order to show the reader that nothing else mattered her life other than getting her revenge.
I liked how the story unfolded, how Angelika found strength and grew as a person, overcoming her trauma and abuse she suffered throughout her life. There was just the right amount of body horror involved to make my skin crawl!
This is an excellent debut and can’t wait to see more from the author!
Review of advance copy received from Author
What stood out most for me was the theme of retribution and revenge running through the story. The sense of justice being pursued, along with the carefully crafted payback, was incredibly satisfying and kept me invested throughout. The revenge elements were, quite simply, delicious.
I liked how the novel builds tension effectively, revealing secrets and motivations at just the right pace. I found myself eager to see how everything would unfold and whether those who deserved punishment would ultimately face the consequences of their actions.
I liked how the novel builds tension effectively, revealing secrets and motivations at just the right pace. I found myself eager to see how everything would unfold and whether those who deserved punishment would ultimately face the consequences of their actions.
September 24, 2026
I received a digital ARC for Place of Reckoning. Although short in length, the power that erupts through it is enormous. My heart broke for the female protagonist however by the end I was, maybe disturbingly proud!? What I noted was how Angelika didn’t look for ‘answer’ or ‘explanations’ or ‘apologies’. He knew what she needed and she got it. What I also noted is the male character didn’t get his own voice. And that’s rightly so. He didn’t deserve one.
I would liked to have gotten a little bit more time with Angelika as a person, get to know more about her life wants etc outwith of the other challenges. Overall, great short read and would absolutely read more from this author.
I would liked to have gotten a little bit more time with Angelika as a person, get to know more about her life wants etc outwith of the other challenges. Overall, great short read and would absolutely read more from this author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Place Of Reckoning by M.P Tera follows Angelika from when she was a young girl and experiencing things no one ever should, to when she's 33 and she realises she doesn't deserve to be treated the way she has been, and her worth isn't tied to anyone but herself.
The way M.P weaves this story is amazing. So many women can relate to this story, not just Angelika's childhood, but her adulthood, too. And so many women struggle to find the courage to leave their partners. Feminine rage is wildly underestimated, and it's the cherry on top of the cake.
I love everything about this story. Congratulations M.P on your debut novella. I cannot wait to what else you have in store for us.
The way M.P weaves this story is amazing. So many women can relate to this story, not just Angelika's childhood, but her adulthood, too. And so many women struggle to find the courage to leave their partners. Feminine rage is wildly underestimated, and it's the cherry on top of the cake.
I love everything about this story. Congratulations M.P on your debut novella. I cannot wait to what else you have in store for us.
September 25, 2026
I honestly don’t even know where to start with this one. For this to be such a short novella, it packed a punch. I really enjoyed this novella and seeing Angelika’s revenge arc.
Horror is one of my favorite genres in many ways whether that be movies, books, vibes, and this gave me what I was looking for. I absolutely recommend this if you’re looking for a quick, action filled book just in time for spooky season!!
Horror is one of my favorite genres in many ways whether that be movies, books, vibes, and this gave me what I was looking for. I absolutely recommend this if you’re looking for a quick, action filled book just in time for spooky season!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is written so well. So raw and thought provoking.
Feminine rage at its finest.
It centres around Angelika who is trying to process her childhood trauma, and overcome an abusive adult relationship by healing herself one day at a time.
Im sure most people can relate to at least one part of this book. Be it anxiety, healing, family issues etc. The list goes on.
And the revenge at the end is the icing on the cake. I loved it.
Thank you to MP Tera for an early ARC 🫶
Feminine rage at its finest.
It centres around Angelika who is trying to process her childhood trauma, and overcome an abusive adult relationship by healing herself one day at a time.
Im sure most people can relate to at least one part of this book. Be it anxiety, healing, family issues etc. The list goes on.
And the revenge at the end is the icing on the cake. I loved it.
Thank you to MP Tera for an early ARC 🫶
Review of advance copy received from Author
𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪
𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 is heartbreaking and heavy with trauma, following Angelika as she tries to overcome years of awful experiences and reclaim her life. It’s an intense story that you just have to read for yourself.
You can really tell how much heart and feeling M.P. Tera poured into the writing. It’s the kind of story that draws you right in, and I genuinely enjoyed it from start to finish. Easily a must-read recommendation, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next!
𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 is heartbreaking and heavy with trauma, following Angelika as she tries to overcome years of awful experiences and reclaim her life. It’s an intense story that you just have to read for yourself.
You can really tell how much heart and feeling M.P. Tera poured into the writing. It’s the kind of story that draws you right in, and I genuinely enjoyed it from start to finish. Easily a must-read recommendation, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A short read, packed with rage.
I felt for the main character and was weirdly proud of Angelika getting her revenge.
It did feel like some details could be brought up more, but all in all it was a story I enjoyed.
In this story you'll find:
🖤Revenge
🖤Trauma
🖤Body horror
🖤Isolated Location
Go grab this for a quick, bloody read for spooky season.
I felt for the main character and was weirdly proud of Angelika getting her revenge.
It did feel like some details could be brought up more, but all in all it was a story I enjoyed.
In this story you'll find:
🖤Revenge
🖤Trauma
🖤Body horror
🖤Isolated Location
Go grab this for a quick, bloody read for spooky season.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Every girl needs an emotional support hammer. This was amazing from start to finish. A revenge story about taking back power, owning yourself and moving on, feminine rage at its finest.
The first chapter pulls you completely into the mind of our main character, showing you directly how her past has led her to the present, in a way that made me instantly connect with her. Seeing her regain her sense of self through revenge and violence was fantastic gory fun, and a lesson in how to make and execute a plan. Very excited to see what’s in store for Brian.
The first chapter pulls you completely into the mind of our main character, showing you directly how her past has led her to the present, in a way that made me instantly connect with her. Seeing her regain her sense of self through revenge and violence was fantastic gory fun, and a lesson in how to make and execute a plan. Very excited to see what’s in store for Brian.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First off, remember that your mental health matters and you are so loved. This book will be an emotional one, well emotionally traumatic. It follows our FMC, Angelika as she goes through something that no child should go through, Ever!
This event leads to some bad decisions and a few that make her stronger. This was a difficult story to read, but it gives a sense of “I can move on”, with how Angelika chooses to deal with trauma. M. P. Tera did a great job. From the body horror (insert shudder here) to the emotional hits to the sense of relief and moving on. Thank you so much for letting me be an arc reader.
This event leads to some bad decisions and a few that make her stronger. This was a difficult story to read, but it gives a sense of “I can move on”, with how Angelika chooses to deal with trauma. M. P. Tera did a great job. From the body horror (insert shudder here) to the emotional hits to the sense of relief and moving on. Thank you so much for letting me be an arc reader.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Place of Reckoning is a beautifully crafted revenge novella.
M.P. Tera has skillfully woven a powerful narrative around such heavy and deeply traumatic events. The story resonated with me profoundly, and I found it incredibly validating.
There’s something deeply affecting about the way the novella explores pain, trauma, and the desire for reckoning, while still maintaining a compelling and thoughtfully crafted narrative.
A powerful and deeply resonant read.🔨🩸
M.P. Tera has skillfully woven a powerful narrative around such heavy and deeply traumatic events. The story resonated with me profoundly, and I found it incredibly validating.
There’s something deeply affecting about the way the novella explores pain, trauma, and the desire for reckoning, while still maintaining a compelling and thoughtfully crafted narrative.
A powerful and deeply resonant read.🔨🩸
Review of advance copy received from Author
Place of Reckoning is a dark revenge story about Angelika confronting the people who caused her years of pain.
I loved the revenge angle and watching Angelika take control of her own life. Some parts felt a little repetitive, but overall it kept me very interested.
A dark and disturbing read with some pretty brutal moments. Badass women rule!
4.5/5 stars, rounded up.
I loved the revenge angle and watching Angelika take control of her own life. Some parts felt a little repetitive, but overall it kept me very interested.
A dark and disturbing read with some pretty brutal moments. Badass women rule!
4.5/5 stars, rounded up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Place of Reckoning is a short read but it packed so much plot and story into those pages. I think this story encapsulated everything we have all dreamt of doing to abusers, in such a beautifully poetic way. I'm not really a gore or horror reader but this just felt right to me, the gore was written in an almost humorous way which allowed me to stomach the ick factor.
October 2, 2026
I don’t even know what to say here. I was completely blown away that I was reading a debut. The novella seemed like this was far from M.P. Tera's first, it was raw, powerful and brutal. Perfectly October novella read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this so much! As someone that has been through similar trauma, this was a satisfying read. The body horror was amazing, not over the top but enough to make you uncomfortable.
I honestly hope there's more! The husband needs to get his!
I honestly hope there's more! The husband needs to get his!
Review of advance copy
This was an absolute fantastic read, this bite size story packed a punch. I really sympathised with the FMC, being through similar experiences it was cathartic being able to live through her and get our restitution.
Absolutely incredible for a debut novel.
Absolutely incredible for a debut novel.
September 15, 2026
ARC Review
Let me start by saying, I am not one to generally read horror or gore based books so this was new to me BUT I absolutely LOVED it.
For me personally, a lot of this story & the characteristics of our FMC resonated with me and the suffering of being silent for so long and the after effects of physical & mental abuse that stick with you for life.
I thoroughly enjoyed the feminine rage aspect of this book, and I think we need more of it in general in real life & in books.
To my beloved, Swiss Cheese… you will now be known as Bruce and I will never look at you the same.
Let me start by saying, I am not one to generally read horror or gore based books so this was new to me BUT I absolutely LOVED it.
For me personally, a lot of this story & the characteristics of our FMC resonated with me and the suffering of being silent for so long and the after effects of physical & mental abuse that stick with you for life.
I thoroughly enjoyed the feminine rage aspect of this book, and I think we need more of it in general in real life & in books.
To my beloved, Swiss Cheese… you will now be known as Bruce and I will never look at you the same.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was raw, brutal and intense. I feel very lucky to have been able to read an early review. Some of the scenes were very painful to read, especially at the beginning. Angelika's suffering is heartbreaking, and the way she blames herself feels very realistic. And when this story isn't being heartbreaking, it's being incredibly gory. I consume a lot of horror, but I don't think I've ever read anything that made me cringe like this book did. A very impressive debut. I received a free copy of this book and write this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Autor
I got the chance to be an ARC reader for this novella and oh boy, what a ride it was. I really enjoyed how the author empowered Angelika and had her exact revenge on someone who deeply hurt her in the past.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Place of Reckoning
This was a short read about a girl named Angelika. She has some a tough childhood. Very traumatic things happen to her.
Years later after a bad break up she decides to get revenge!! It may take years but she will get it done.
Please read your triggers ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a short read about a girl named Angelika. She has some a tough childhood. Very traumatic things happen to her.
Years later after a bad break up she decides to get revenge!! It may take years but she will get it done.
Please read your triggers ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Author
M.P. Tera’s debut is a very gripping story about the impact of trauma and abuse from the men in Angelika’s life. Her story is truly heartbreaking and I could feel the emotion coming through each page.
I enjoyed getting to know Angelika. Her character was clearly developed and it was easy to be on her side. When the story started ramping up with Angelika’s plans, I found myself holding my breath in anticipation. The gasp I gusped when I came upon the stunning illustrations…
This is perfect for anyone who loves a good female revenge story or character driven story.
Triggers apply!
I enjoyed getting to know Angelika. Her character was clearly developed and it was easy to be on her side. When the story started ramping up with Angelika’s plans, I found myself holding my breath in anticipation. The gasp I gusped when I came upon the stunning illustrations…
This is perfect for anyone who loves a good female revenge story or character driven story.
Triggers apply!
Review of advance copy received from Author
(ARC Review)
This is an important story, one about revenge for wrongs done to women and girls.
But unfortunately I think there is a lot that could have been executed better. There's a vision but there are mistakes. And these mistakes, errors, and issues span across content and writing.
While I understand the story of revenge, there are far too many holes in how this plays out. I won't go into details here for fear of spoilers, but suffice to say there are inconsistencies in character, and the plausibility of the events and whether those events are noted by others is not there.
While I believe readers can and should suspend disbelief in some cases, this is a realistic story, and so some realism is expected. Some of the description's exaggerations I could have let slide (or really rayher one specific one that stands out in my mind) if it weren't for the other, what I would consider, plot holes.
I also see some pacing issues contrasting the slow beginning with the lack of tension through the latter half of the story.
And this is before I even get to the copy editing. Wrong words and mispellings abound alongside other sentence structure issues. And I'm not talking about purposeful fragments or intentional breaking of rules but true comma splices etc.
I wanted to like this story as I think there is some great meaning and likely some personal resonance to the author, but it started slow with a lack of emotional specificity and then continued into an unbelievable revenge telling with little transition in the charcaterization of the main character and zero depth to side characters and their relationships leaving, especially the sisterly realtionship, feeling empty.
I feel there is an audience for this book in those that are seeking a catharsis for revenge on abusers, but it is lacking the depth I would want from a story like this.
This is an important story, one about revenge for wrongs done to women and girls.
But unfortunately I think there is a lot that could have been executed better. There's a vision but there are mistakes. And these mistakes, errors, and issues span across content and writing.
While I understand the story of revenge, there are far too many holes in how this plays out. I won't go into details here for fear of spoilers, but suffice to say there are inconsistencies in character, and the plausibility of the events and whether those events are noted by others is not there.
While I believe readers can and should suspend disbelief in some cases, this is a realistic story, and so some realism is expected. Some of the description's exaggerations I could have let slide (or really rayher one specific one that stands out in my mind) if it weren't for the other, what I would consider, plot holes.
I also see some pacing issues contrasting the slow beginning with the lack of tension through the latter half of the story.
And this is before I even get to the copy editing. Wrong words and mispellings abound alongside other sentence structure issues. And I'm not talking about purposeful fragments or intentional breaking of rules but true comma splices etc.
I wanted to like this story as I think there is some great meaning and likely some personal resonance to the author, but it started slow with a lack of emotional specificity and then continued into an unbelievable revenge telling with little transition in the charcaterization of the main character and zero depth to side characters and their relationships leaving, especially the sisterly realtionship, feeling empty.
I feel there is an audience for this book in those that are seeking a catharsis for revenge on abusers, but it is lacking the depth I would want from a story like this.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really don't want to just shit on this because I get the feeling this story means a lot to the author. Plus she's an indie author and absolutely should keep writing. But this wasn't good.
For starters, it needs to go through a couple of proofreaders. There were plenty of typos, instances of bad grammar, and sentences that left me asking "what did that even mean?"
But mostly, I felt nothing reading this. There wasn't enough detail for important scenes and too much detail on fluff. The characters all had blank faces, both literally in appearance and also in personality. Characters interact because we're told they do, but we barely actually see any of it. We're told that our protagonist feels "x" emotion but we don't actually see what that looks like or are able to experience that with her. Basically, there's a lot of "telling" and very little "showing."
Like I said, I really don't feel great giving this a negative review due to the subject matter. But I don't want to be disingenuous either. I really hope writing this was cathartic for Tera and that her readers find catharsis and healing within this as well.
For starters, it needs to go through a couple of proofreaders. There were plenty of typos, instances of bad grammar, and sentences that left me asking "what did that even mean?"
But mostly, I felt nothing reading this. There wasn't enough detail for important scenes and too much detail on fluff. The characters all had blank faces, both literally in appearance and also in personality. Characters interact because we're told they do, but we barely actually see any of it. We're told that our protagonist feels "x" emotion but we don't actually see what that looks like or are able to experience that with her. Basically, there's a lot of "telling" and very little "showing."
Like I said, I really don't feel great giving this a negative review due to the subject matter. But I don't want to be disingenuous either. I really hope writing this was cathartic for Tera and that her readers find catharsis and healing within this as well.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you M. P. Tera for trusting me with an ARC of your debut book.
I went into this story not knowing what it was about, which was a fun surprise for me! Place of Reckoning follows Angelika, a woman traumatised from childhood and into her marriage, who finally finds herself and seeks revenge on those who’ve harmed her.
I could tell that this story was told from the heart, which bleeds onto the pages. The rage I felt towards both Bruce and Brian was blinding. The gory scenes were difficult to read because the author’s descriptions pulled the reader right into the action. This is an incredible story for a debut!
If you’re looking for a horror novella featuring revenge, female rage, and some satisfying splatterpunk, then Place of Reckoning is just for you.
I went into this story not knowing what it was about, which was a fun surprise for me! Place of Reckoning follows Angelika, a woman traumatised from childhood and into her marriage, who finally finds herself and seeks revenge on those who’ve harmed her.
I could tell that this story was told from the heart, which bleeds onto the pages. The rage I felt towards both Bruce and Brian was blinding. The gory scenes were difficult to read because the author’s descriptions pulled the reader right into the action. This is an incredible story for a debut!
If you’re looking for a horror novella featuring revenge, female rage, and some satisfying splatterpunk, then Place of Reckoning is just for you.
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