When the Sun Falls

by Ashleigh Reynolds

What would you do if you couldn’t remember half of your life? Your parents, the town you grew up in, everything before the age of seventeen: GONE. 

For Teagan Cavanagh, being the girl who can’t remember is normal. For twelve years it was a battle between nothingness and building a new life. But, a shoebox full of postcards changed everything. 

When Teagan’s Aunt Clara dies, she sets out on a journey to her hometown to find out what happened the night her family got into a car accident. The same accident that took her parent’s lives and stole her memories. But this small town is hiding more secrets than it offers answers. 

Folklore spills over into modern day within this story about  undying love and the forces that manipulate it for evil.

286 pages, ebook

Published October 31, 2017

About the author

Ashleigh Reynolds was born and raised in Northern California where she was surrounded by fantasy novels, horror films, and role playing games.

She began writing in Kindergarten when she penned (in crayon of course) a short story about a princess and her pet "gragon".

Since that time, she has moved multiple times and currently lives in Minnesota with her husband Mark, their dog Willard, and a mean spirited cat named Butters.

Paroxysm Effect is Ashleigh's first publish book that she wrote in the off time she had from her full time job. Which pretty much meant her husband had plenty of time to play Destiny as she zoned out on the couch and wrote at night with the occasional animal running across the laptop.

Reviews

[Delaine Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

To start I must admit I'm not a huge fan of books written in first person present tense. My reason being that most authors I've come across who write this way have a tendency to deviate from the tense they are writing in. (Even some pros.) But, with relief, I learned quickly that the author, Ashleigh Reynolds does not do that.

I found the quality of writing to be good with no more punctuation/word error issues within then what one might see in a book published by a traditional publisher. (Even they seem to have the occasional issue nowadays.) The characters of Teagan, Maggie, Gabriel and Emrik were pretty well developed and the descriptions were very good. The plot developed steadily and there was a good arc and pace. It kept my interest throughout the story and I was eager to see how it would end. If I had any issue, it would be that the ending seemed a bit jarring to me personally. But that could be more because I'm not a huge fan of horror anymore. (I watched and read more of this type in high school and my early twenties.) That said, it was an unexpected ending and I do tend to see those usually from a mile away, so that was a pleasant surprise.

I would not personally recommend anyone to finish reading When the Sun Falls at 2am in the morning. I did this and wound up having nightmares as a result. LOL (Waking up two hours later to my sons face shoved in mine probably didn't help matters. I'd been dreaming I was about to get bit by a demonic vamp. So, he scared the crap out of me which resulted in my husband sporting a bruised cheek from accidentally clobbering him in the face. I'm no longer allowed to read creepy books before bed anymore and he's been - laughably - playing it off as a hicky.)

All and all it was very well written and would definitely be enjoyed by anyone seeking a horror or dark paranormal novel with a bit of a romance aspect, though it should not be construed as a romance story. I give it four stars mostly because the ending felt a bit short and abrupt to me, though that admittedly may be a preferential issue on my part.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a gorgeous cover that reminds me more of a fantasy novel than either a paranormal romance or a horror novel. But it is what drew me in.

This is not a paranormal romance. It’s a horror novel with a strong romantic aspect, but it’s the horror that drives it. As Teagan uncovers her memories, the reader learns more and more of what is currently going on, but it feels like it takes forever for the other characters to finally play it straight with her. And the character herself keeps commenting on it, too.

The ending threw me, and that’s when I realized that this was not a romance. Or even a paranormal romance. So, reviewing this as a horror novel, awesome ending. Yup, and I think what comes after, but it’s only implied. As a paranormal romance with vampires, this is NOT what that reader is expecting. I can see dents in the wall right now.

So, read this as a horror novel, and it’s terrific.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, what a story! I absolutely loved it! It was so dark and spooky, and the tension really builds throughout the story. It definitely kept me on my toes.

Author Ashleigh Reynolds very kindly sent me this book after I won a copy of another of her books, Chromosomes in a giveaway, and there was a problem with shipping and getting Chromosomes to me. I was pleasantly surprised that she contacted me directly to apologise for the issue and offered to send me this ebook. She was very nice and I'm so glad she did send this book, because I loved it. This is definitely an underrated horror and more people need to read this book!

[SA · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not expecting this book to be a horror novel but what a great horror book it was! There was also a great combination of romance and mystery which sucked me right into the book and the characters the moment Teagan entered her hometown. Questions kept coming: Who was she, why didn't she remember anything? What was weird about the town? I didn't see the end coming, the twist was just superbly done.

[J C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating Thrills & Chills.
This was a creepy story with a strong romance element, but it was definitely not a romance novel. I found Teagan’s journey to be an interesting one, especially her trip to her hometown. It’s clear that people are hiding things from her, and it takes her a long while to get answers. The characters are great, and the details make the story come to life. The ending wasn’t what I expected. Recommended for readers of horror or dark paranormal – thrills and chills.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

A book that will really make you scratch your head. A mental thrill that will leave you with chills. With a detailed environment and deep characters, readers feel like they are there. I was let down by the ending but the author made the right choice.

[Mickie Bernier Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a hard time rating this book. I loved the suspense! I had a hard time putting it down, although there are so many typos it was a bit aggravating. And as much as I loved reading this book, I HATED the ending!!!!!

[Scherrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed this book. Great storyline and well written.

[Lizz (Beer, Books and Boos) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am going to have to write up a review once I let me settle down.

[madeline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of grammatical errors and very creepy.