Mali & Em

Halfway House #5

by Dzintra Sullivan

The Halfway House is all about finding yourself, finding love, succeeding with the challenges that life throws at you. What happened when you fail? When all your plans crumble like a demolished building, hopelessly destroyed and beyond repair?
Mali&Em, book #five in the #HWH series will answer that very question, when wolf twins are separated and Mali is sent to the 'Island of Shadows', can she survive long enough for Emerson to get to her? Can she survive long enough to see the next sunrise? And what's with the gargoyle with a seemingly unending list of hard cock related jokes.

Synopsis-

Emerson and Zamali—
wolf twins together forever.
One single moment, one single exam, one single word…
FAILED
…will separate them for life, banished to the Island of Shadowsfor eternity.
When Zamali fails her Paranormal Safety Exams (PSE) and is sent to the Island of Shadows, Emerson is a lost and brokenwolf. Styx, the local pack leader's sassy daughter, tells him to either shut his muzzle or grow some balls and rescue her. In that instant—in Emerson’s head—the plan is hatched.
No one has ever returned from the Island. Stories of shadow walkers, and vicious creatures that drop from trees and decapitate you have stopped attempts of rescue... until now.
Will Emerson get to Zamali?
Will they both get off the Island alive?
Can they do the impossible?
Or will the Island engulf them both?

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 30, 2016

About the author

Dzintra is an Australian author, living in Queensland, Australia, where the weather is always warm and sunny.
She writes a perfect blend of drama, comedy and romance all mixed up in a paranormal/fantasy mash up. Her characters are addictive and her books fresh and new.
Her favourite thing to do is to take beliefs aand characters you think you know and turn them upside down.
Take a chance, you won't regret it.

Reviews

[Kaylene Osborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic paranormal read, love everything this author writes ...

What another fantastic paranormal read, I really love everything this author writes and this book is no exception.

Mali and Em (Halfway House Series Book Five) by Dzintra Sullivan is right up there with some of the best that I have read. Her Halfway House series gets better with every book she produces. Her ability to grow characters, introduce new personalities, show us worlds that are fantastic and incredible, and above all make us believe that these characters and worlds are real, and we are right there with them. Intertwined with this ability is the storytelling which is full of fun and quirky one-liners that had me laughing out loud.

We have been warned and warned throughout the series about the Island of Shadows, and in this book we are introduced and shown exactly what the Island is all about when poor Mali is sent there to experience it first-hand. New characters are introduced, and I loved them.

There was good vs. evil, characters that you love to hate, characters that you love and want to see more of, and characters that you just can't wait to see get their comeuppance.

You will cry, laugh, page flick, tear your hair out and above all love everything about this book - I thoroughly recommend it. This is a five star plus read for me. Well done Dzintra Sullivan on producing another awesome read in the Halfway House series of books.

[Donna Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the best paranormal books i have read in years. I highly recommend this as a must read book series. It took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions. The quirky banter between Torsten and Barren had me laughing out loud. My heart broke for Mali and Em. Styx is a superhero in my book! If there is a real Island of Shadow....i never want to be there!!!!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

If ever there was an author to one click then this lady is it, with each book in the halfway house series she releases, Dzintra Sullivan takes you on a rollercoaster journey of emotions.

This book had tears streaming down my face at the beginning, I felt like my heart was being ripped out my chest at one of the twins being sent to the 'island' because omg no one returns from there ! it seems a hopeless battle to try and rectify this injustice but as always at the heart of these books is family and love and with a bond this strong there is always hope.

It was great to see Rumor's character development in this book, are those cracks showing in that impenetrable emotional armour of our favourite assassin ?
As we get to experience the island that sends fear though the hearts of all paranormals, we meet a host of different and unusual characters, I LOVED Torsten and Barren, and with plenty of twists and surprises along the way as well as the humorous witty banter that gives this series an unrivalled edge, this is a book that I not only did not want to put down but will happily read again and again.

[Karen Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to wonder what goes on in the mind of Dzintra Sullivan because every time I read one of her books, I am amazed at not only the characters she creates, but the story that unfolds.
Paranormal is my favourite genre, so I thought I knew all the creatures that existed in the paranormal world, but I was wrong. There were a few I hadn’t read about it in this book, but I did know what a wendigo was (Thank you, Michelle Irwin).
Dzintra had not only created amazing characters, she has also created a world that exists within our world. How she meshes these two worlds together is a work of art. Mali and Em haven’t featured that much in the previous books in the Halfway House series, and I wasn’t disappointed, in fact, the opposite. Mali and Em’s story held my attention from the first page until the last one.
If you haven’t read any of the Halfway House books, I couldn’t recommend them enough. Not only will you fall in love (or hate) with the characters, but you will read books that you don’t want to finish. I’m already looking forward to the next one.
I gave Mali and Em 5 magical stars.
Written by Karen from A Thousand Lives Book Blog

[Tracy O’Sing · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really dont know where to start, it's just a fanfreakingtastic book.
I love the Halfway House series and they just keep getting better, the authors writing ability and character development grows with each book and has made Mali and Em the best book in the series.

Mali has failed her PSE's and is sent to the dreaded island of shadows, where she meets Torsten and Barren, oh my the banter between those to had me in stitches with laughter..

Meanwhile poor Emerson is lost angry and sets out to rescue his sister.. what happens! well i'll just say read it and find out.

The author never fails entertain with an emotional rollercoaster ride, filled with touching moments and quirky hilarious one liners..
that has left me wanting more..

[Ann-marie Morency · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for a honest review! I loved this book, the rollercoaster ride it takes you on is breathtaking. Of all the books in this series this one has them beat!

[Jacky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again Dzintra takes us on a join of self-discovery in the young adult world. This book is a little more adult that the previous stories in this series. I love the relationship between the twins and the lengths they go to, to help each other out.

This book also shows a different side to one of my favourite characters (won't say which one), you will have to read it to find out.

The Blub
Emerson and Zamali- wolf twins together forever. One single moment, one single exam, one single word... FAILED ...will separate them for life, banished to the Island of Shadows for eternity. When Zamali fails her Paranormal Safety Exams (PSE) and is sent to the Island of Shadows, Emerson is a lost and broken wolf. Styx, the local pack leader's sassy daughter, tells him to either shut his muzzle or grow some balls and rescue her. In that instant-in Emerson's head-the plan is hatched. No one has ever returned from the Island. Stories of shadow walkers, and vicious creatures that drop from trees and decapitate you have stopped attempts of rescue... until now. Will Emerson get to Zamali? Will they both get off the Island alive? Can they do the impossible? Or will the Island engulf them

[Clayr Catherall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the HWH series !!

Dzintra Sullivan has taken things to a whole new level, with this latest edition to the series. 'Mali and Em' has to be one of my favourite books ever...

Everything about this book was spectacular. I got totally lost in the world in which the author created. The storyline and the plot twists, had my head in a total spin. The characters, good and evil, were truly captivating. I had so many emotions while reading, and really didn't want this book to end. I think I sat a long time afterwards, saying OMG OMG OMG!!...Then went all the way back to the beginning and started reading again...
〰➰〰
Mali and Em (The wolf twins from the HWH family) have been waiting for their PSE results. When results day arrives, the unthinkable happens and Mali has failed. Which means, she must go to the dreaded Island of Shadows...

Everyone is heartbroken...

Eloise can't except that she has lost Mali, and is doing everything in her power to get her back..

Emerson is broken with the loss of his twin, and takes things into his own hands, to get her back. With the help of Styxx, he sets out to rescue Mali from the Island...

Can Em and Styxx rescue Mali? Will Mali survive the Island of Shadows? OR Will the Island prove to be too dangerous?

Can't wait to read more of this amazing series

[Natasha Carrere · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars ★★★★

I enjoyed reading this one. I adore the Halfway House series and this one didn't disappoint. I was excited that Emerson and Zamali—wolf twins would be getting their own story since we got to see them grow up a little bit at a time in the previous books.

The worse thing imaginable happens to split brother and sister up when Mali fails her exam and is sent to the Island of Shadows. While Eloise deals with the pain of losing one of her children and trying to find a way to get Mali back Emerson decides to take it upon himself to bring her back by going to the island himself with girlfriend Styx.

We get to meet new characters Torsten and Barren who help Mali once she enters the portal to the Island of Shadows. These two helped keep the story flowing nicely with their back and forth dialogue. This was a quick read and if you are a fan of Dzintra Sullivan then this book won't disappoint. I look forward to her next book in the series.

[Emily Gould · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now seriously if a book can make me cry in the first two chapters it's gonna be a good one.
I love the Halfway House series and book five, Mali & Em, is no different.
Reading all the other books you think out of Zahmali & Emerson if anyone was going to end up on the Island it would be Em, but no, as fate would have it Mali failed her PSA and got sent to the Island. Luckily for her, she found a couple new friends in Torsten and Barren and they helped her keep safe.
What makes Dzintra Sullivan's books so good is not only the emotional connection I feel with the characters but the hilarious one-liners. Oh the amount of times I laugh in her books.
Anyway after receiving an advanced copy of this book I highly recommend you read it. of course if you haven't read the rest you really need to get on it. :)

[Donna Martin]

5.0 out of 5 stars
Emotional Roller Coaster Must READ! By Donna L. Martin on July 31, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
From the beginning of the book, i was hooked! I ran through all the emotions reading this. Mali fails her PSE's and is sent to Shadow Island and Em is left behind. On the Island Mali meets Torsten and Barren and they form a small group to survive. Em decides on a rescue mission to save his twin. The craziness just keeps going thru the whole book. Its a must read and you really need to read the whole series cause they just keep getting better and better.

You really become a part of the family and feel for each and every character. Eloise is my hero and i just want to hug her. lol

Dzintra Sullivan's writing has gotten better from the 1st book, Arkadia, to this one and i really cant wait to read the next one and any others she writes!

[Cassie Brooker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dzintra Sullivan is amazing!!!!

When I first started the Halfway Hoyse series I didn't know what to expect but I got a lot more out all the books.

Mali and Em is one of my favorite out of the series so far. Twins who are not human and have to pass a test to be around humans.

In the first five chapters I wanted to cry because one of the twins would be sent away. It hit close to home for me because I have siblings that were separated in foster homes.

This book has a lot of twists and turns but keeps you turning the page. Fantastic writing and you will love how Mali grows and Em. Em fights for his sister.

Great book that I recommend everyone get and get the rest of the series, Dzintra is a wonderful writer bringing great paranormal stories to her readers.

[Janette Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was may favorite book of the year!! And I could not put it down.

I have loved all the HWH books, but this one takes first place by far :) I have always loved that you can read them as stand-alones also but they are a series and I don't think this one would be as great if you haven't also read the four previous books and had the connection with these characters. You also get to learn a lot about some of the characters that are kind of behind the scenes but you have always wanted to know more about like Rumor and Eloise. I loved the story line and everything in it, I could not put it down. I haven't read a page turner like this in forever it seems. Thank you Dzintra Sullivan for such an amazing book, I can't wait to see what you have in store for us next.

[Karla Hetherington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was crying for the first 6 chapters!!!...I was also laughing and angry and sad and hopeful and excited such a roller coaster ride .....The 5th book in the Halfway house series i had been waiting for for ages... It was well worth the wait!
This book had me in tears for at least 6 chapters!,I was also laughing and angry and sad and hopeful and excited such a roller coaster ride of emotions from i book i just couldn't put down at all . The characters are well developed flow fluidly and them and their story pulls you in and holds you captive til the very end. I so look forward to more from this series and can quite happily say i am an addicted fan!

[Julieann Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't just like this book......I LOVED IT!!!
Mali & Em is a brilliantly written story filled with colourful characters that crawl into your head and your heart and take up residence there.

Like the previous books in this series I was hooked from the first page. I laughed, cried and fought every battle along with all the characters. While reading this book I took a wild ride with the wolfy twins, Mali & Em and met new characters like Barren & Torsten, who's hilarious banter had me laughing out loud.

I absolutely recommend everyone reading The Halfway House Series, you will want to move in and become apart of the family.

[Dagmar Bancroft · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you haven't read any of the Halfway House Series than it is a big must for you, you will love it each and everyone of them. Each book gets better as Dzintra writes them. ( I would love to live in her head) Mali and Em is the 5th book in the series and it's absolutely brilliant you will fall in love with it and the old and new characters within it. Have some tissues at the ready and don't read it in work you get funny looks lol. I can't wait for the next one and wonder what or who is next. DON'T miss this brilliant book you will not be disappointed.

[Marie Yule · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotions ran high with this book! We have watched the characters bloom throughout this series and grown to love them, love with them and sob our hearts out along side them.. and I did! Such pain for Mali and Em, I didn't think we would recover from this blow of fate however Dzintra worked her magic to bring us another fantastic installment of the #HWH Series with great new paranormal people to fall in love with.. yummy!

The HWH Series is the definition of family, a series where you feel the emotion written in the words.

[Amanda Wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love at 1st chapter!
There are not enough words to describe how much I enjoyed this book!!
Mali & her twin brother, Emerson get the results of their paranormal exams...and Mali fails. She is sent to the island of shadows-where no one returns... The whole family is distraught, but Em won't give up without a fight!!
Follow the family on their most stressful adventure yet & meet new, unexpected twists. You won't be disappointed!!

Each book in the Half Way House series gets better as they go along! I know I say it with each review, but I can't wait to see what's in-store for the next novel!!!

[Heather Stanley]

Just WOW!!! This series gets better with every one! I have been with this series from the very start and have seen the story and writing just grow with every one, I feel as though I'm a part of it all, as though I'm a true member of the Halfway House.

In this book we get Mali and Em's story though it leans more to Mali! this is a great read and a cannot be missed!!!

[Jennifer Lovins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dzintra has done it again. She made me fall in love with more of her family. In this one you will need a box of tissues, but she will make sure you don't stay sad for long. I have read every book in this series. She gets better every time. I can't wait for the next one to see where she takes me next.

I received a free copy for an honest review.

[Joy Whiteside · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this was an amazing story that had me hooked from the very first word. It moves along at a great pace, making it easy to read, has characters that you cannot help but fall in love with and a story that will grab you and keep you interested and entertained from beginning to end. This book needs to be read, there is no doubt about it and you will not be sorry that you did.

[Nadene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet again Dzintra Sullivan has done it... This book is fantastic. I fell in love with Arkadia book #1 in the series and each new addition has just got better and better. The characters are so engaging and their stories are ones that just cannot be put down... Love Love Love the whole series and thoroughly recommend it to anyone.....

[Samantha Vaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

are you ready for an adventure? bc thats exactly what mal and Ems story is! this book made laugh, it made me cry, it had me setting on the edge of my seat! you meet new characters and see a hint into new love! i cant wait for the rest of this series

[Alicia Huxtable · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with every other book in this series it holds its own in every way. The characters are an absolute laugh with their choice of vocabulary and the storyline speaks for itself

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book.. I think its the best one so far.. Dzintra is certainly improving with each one.. As with all her books there is a bit of angst and a lot of humour..

[Shannon Buchert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. Almost in tears immediately. I couldn't wait to find out what happened. So ready for more of her books!!!!

[Soxie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved watching Mali and Em grow though the book to who they are now .. This a series you MUST to on your TBRL..

[Robyn Corcoran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know Merakai, the next book in this sensational series, is due to be released soon but after just finishing Mali and Em I want to read it now! This series is so good that you find yourself impatient for the next one.

Mali is banished to 'The Island' after failing her paranormal exam, her twin Emerson sets out with his mate to rescue her. This starts a whole domino effect and there is never a dull moment both on and off the island!

I can honestly say that never having been a huge fan of paranormal books Dzintra Sullivan has converted me. Her books are so good it's hard to put into words and accurately express how fantastic they all are and how entertaining too. Reading is entertainment but this author takes it further and you really feel like you step into the pages and experience the whole story with each character.

At times I was holding onto my paperback, yes they are that good I will continue to buy the hard copies, tensely waiting for the outcome to a situation while at others I was mesmerised by the charm and uniqueness of the characters. Many new creatures, to me, were exposed and explained making me quickly Google them to research further, a sign of a wonderful author if she can get her readers through invested in the story.

The humour throughout the book, even in tense situations, makes you chuckle out loud, many times I had to read excerpts out to my husband it is that good. This also balances the more intense elements of the storyline, a balance that this author has perfected to a fine art.

Bring on book 6!

[Judy Ferrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wolves on the lose!!

Mali and Em are the trouble this time. But causing the trouble solved a big problem. Dzintra Sullivan has once again brought mystery, love, and the paranormal to us all. She says these are young adults but I find them intriguing. The relationships between her characters are what really drive the stories.

[Donna Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

I love seeing all the old characters come in to each book and meeting new ones.

It was good to see Mali finally get a story.

Can't wait to read more