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The Paranormal 13
Darkangel by Christine Pope
Twin Souls by K.A. Poe
The Girl by Lola St Vil
Rest For The Wicked by Cate Dean
Drowning Mermaids by Nadia Scrieva
I Bring the Fire: Part I Wolves by C. Gockel
The Witch Hunter by Nicole R Taylor
Beyond the Fortuneteller's Tent by Kristy Tate
Nolander by Becca Mills
The Medium by C.J. Archer
Dream Student by J.J. DiBendetto
Deception by Stacy Claflin
The Black Parade by Kyoko M
The Thought Readers by Dima Zales
Kindle Edition
First published October 12, 2014
7239 people are currently reading
7113 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Archer
96 books5,644 followersC.J. Archer is the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of historical mystery and historical fantasy novels including the GLASS AND STEELE series, the CLEOPATRA FOX MYSTERIES, the MINISTRY OF CURIOSITIES and THE GLASS LIBRARY series.
She has loved history and books for as long as she can remember and feels fortunate that she found a way to combine the two. She has at various times worked as a librarian, IT support person and technical writer but in her heart has always been a fiction writer. She lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her husband, 2 children and Coco the black and white cat.
Subscribe to C.J.'s newsletter to be notified when she releases a new book. Join via her website: www.cjarcher.com
You can follow her on social media to get the latest updates on her books:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CJArcherAuthorPage
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She has loved history and books for as long as she can remember and feels fortunate that she found a way to combine the two. She has at various times worked as a librarian, IT support person and technical writer but in her heart has always been a fiction writer. She lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her husband, 2 children and Coco the black and white cat.
Subscribe to C.J.'s newsletter to be notified when she releases a new book. Join via her website: www.cjarcher.com
You can follow her on social media to get the latest updates on her books:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CJArcherAuthorPage
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorcjarc...
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
February 24, 2018
I love these kind of anthologies because it allows me to get a taste of new-to-me authors for less than a buck. I love all things paranormal and urban fantasy and in this set, there's 14 stories to sink my teeth into. First, here's the stories:
Darkangel by Christine Pope
Twin Souls by K.A. Poe
The Girl by Lola St Vil
More Than a Feeling by Cate Dean
Drowning Mermaids by Nadia Scrieva
Wolves by C. Gockel
The Witch Hunter by Nicole R Taylor
Beyond the Fortuneteller’s Tent by Kristy Tate
Nolander by Becca Mills
The Medium by C.J. Archer
Dream Student by J.J. DiBendetto
Deception by Stacy Claflin
The Black Parade by Kyoko M.
The Thought Readers by Dima Zales
I was already familiar with Kristy Tate, Stacy Claflin and J.J. DiBendetto so it was thrilling to read the others. I liked all the stories with the exception of one (The Black Parade). Each story pretty much ends on a semi-cliffhanger but I was expecting that so no big deal. Each story has plenty of intriguing characters, action-filled scenes and whets the appetite for more.
Highly recommend!
My Rating: 4 stars
Darkangel by Christine Pope
Twin Souls by K.A. Poe
The Girl by Lola St Vil
More Than a Feeling by Cate Dean
Drowning Mermaids by Nadia Scrieva
Wolves by C. Gockel
The Witch Hunter by Nicole R Taylor
Beyond the Fortuneteller’s Tent by Kristy Tate
Nolander by Becca Mills
The Medium by C.J. Archer
Dream Student by J.J. DiBendetto
Deception by Stacy Claflin
The Black Parade by Kyoko M.
The Thought Readers by Dima Zales
I was already familiar with Kristy Tate, Stacy Claflin and J.J. DiBendetto so it was thrilling to read the others. I liked all the stories with the exception of one (The Black Parade). Each story pretty much ends on a semi-cliffhanger but I was expecting that so no big deal. Each story has plenty of intriguing characters, action-filled scenes and whets the appetite for more.
Highly recommend!
My Rating: 4 stars
June 23, 2018
I liked most of the books in this box set. Some were not worth reading g but I did. Overall I would rate this maybe a 4 straightening burdensome some of the stories were poorly written. Storylines are good. Would I recommend this box set?? Answer: maybe..depends on what author you like to read. Just to let you all know these are the first books to series. If you don't like cliffhangers then this is not for you.
March 30, 2019
YAYYYYYY!
*balloons and streamers fly through the air*
I've finally finished! Now, I know it doesn't sound like a chore to have to read a free book with 14 paranormal full-length stories in it, but it felt like one. This book just never ended.... I would read one book and get like 3% of the way into the collection. Still, I can't complain. There were quite a few good books in here (and quite a few more books that I DNF) so I have found some new authors and a few new series' to get into. Though I DNF many of the books, I knew that would happen. I mean, it's a collection of free books. It wasn't going to be Sarah J Maas material. So therefore, I recommend this collection of NOVELS if you're bored and in the need for more paranormal stories, and if you're broke like me so you'll take any free book on Kindle :D
Darkangel - 4 STARS
Twin Souls - 1 STAR (DNF)
The Girl - 1 STAR (DNF)
Rest For The Wicked - 1 STAR (DNF)
Drowning Mermaids - 1 STAR (DNF)
Wolves - 4 STARS
The Witch Hunter - 1 STAR (DNF)
Beyond the Fortuneteller's Tent - 4 STARS
Nolander - 4 STARS
The Medium - 4 STARS
Dream Student - 1 STAR (DNF)
Deception - 1 STAR (DNF)
The Black Parade - 4.5 STARS
The Thought Readers - 3 STARS
I have reviews individually for each of the above books as well :)
Thanks to Amazon Kindle for the free collection!
*balloons and streamers fly through the air*
I've finally finished! Now, I know it doesn't sound like a chore to have to read a free book with 14 paranormal full-length stories in it, but it felt like one. This book just never ended.... I would read one book and get like 3% of the way into the collection. Still, I can't complain. There were quite a few good books in here (and quite a few more books that I DNF) so I have found some new authors and a few new series' to get into. Though I DNF many of the books, I knew that would happen. I mean, it's a collection of free books. It wasn't going to be Sarah J Maas material. So therefore, I recommend this collection of NOVELS if you're bored and in the need for more paranormal stories, and if you're broke like me so you'll take any free book on Kindle :D
Darkangel - 4 STARS
Twin Souls - 1 STAR (DNF)
The Girl - 1 STAR (DNF)
Rest For The Wicked - 1 STAR (DNF)
Drowning Mermaids - 1 STAR (DNF)
Wolves - 4 STARS
The Witch Hunter - 1 STAR (DNF)
Beyond the Fortuneteller's Tent - 4 STARS
Nolander - 4 STARS
The Medium - 4 STARS
Dream Student - 1 STAR (DNF)
Deception - 1 STAR (DNF)
The Black Parade - 4.5 STARS
The Thought Readers - 3 STARS
I have reviews individually for each of the above books as well :)
Thanks to Amazon Kindle for the free collection!
December 8, 2014
I had already read The Black Parade by Kyoko M. and Twin Souls by K.A. Poe
The rest were new authors to me, and I have to say I wasn't all that impressed. Darkangel by Christine Pope was the only new to me author I actually enjoyed.
I wasn't thrilled that nearly all of them ended in cliffhangers. Had I realized that, I would not have bought the bundle at all.
The rest were new authors to me, and I have to say I wasn't all that impressed. Darkangel by Christine Pope was the only new to me author I actually enjoyed.
I wasn't thrilled that nearly all of them ended in cliffhangers. Had I realized that, I would not have bought the bundle at all.
August 3, 2015
Paranormal 13
I downloaded this book for free. It has 14 paranormal books written by various authors. Most of them are paranormal romances but some of them don’t seem to be romances at all.
I tried to read all of the books but I just couldn’t finish some of them either because they were geared toward teenagers or, in one case, the writing was just not up to par. Two of them were excellent and I actually went on to read the next books in the series.
And BEWARE almost all of the books end with cliffhangers. The authors want you to read the next book in the series.
Darkangel by Christine Pope
I liked this one so much that I read some more books of the series before I continued on to the next stories in Paranormal 13
Twin Souls by K.A. Poe
Too young and teeny-bopperish for me. I read a few pages and stopped.
The Girl by Lola St. Vil
Another one too young for me.
Rest for the Wicked by Cate Dean
I finished this book and it was okay.
Drowning Mermaids by Nadia Scrieva
Another book that was just okay.
I Bring the Fire by C. Gockel
The story might have been good but the writing was too amateurish for me. I didn’t finish.
The Witch Hunter by Nicole R. Taylor
A Vampire Diaries ripoff. Not very original. I did finish it though.
Beyond the Fortune Teller’s Tent by Kristy Tate
A pretty good book.
Nolander by Becca Mills
A very original story. Not much on the romance but I enjoyed it anyway. I read the next book in the series and will continue reading them when her next book comes out.
The Medium by C.J. Archer
A pretty good book.
Dream Student by J.J. DiBenedetto
Too young for me.
Deception by Stacy Claflin
Too young for me. I actually tried to read it but the author made it into a Cinderella story where the main character was not treated as well as her sister. I did not finish.
The Black Parade by Kyoko M
A pretty good book.
The Thought Readers by Dima Zales
A pretty good book.
For full reviews go to
www.paranormalromanceslut.com
I downloaded this book for free. It has 14 paranormal books written by various authors. Most of them are paranormal romances but some of them don’t seem to be romances at all.
I tried to read all of the books but I just couldn’t finish some of them either because they were geared toward teenagers or, in one case, the writing was just not up to par. Two of them were excellent and I actually went on to read the next books in the series.
And BEWARE almost all of the books end with cliffhangers. The authors want you to read the next book in the series.
Darkangel by Christine Pope
I liked this one so much that I read some more books of the series before I continued on to the next stories in Paranormal 13
Twin Souls by K.A. Poe
Too young and teeny-bopperish for me. I read a few pages and stopped.
The Girl by Lola St. Vil
Another one too young for me.
Rest for the Wicked by Cate Dean
I finished this book and it was okay.
Drowning Mermaids by Nadia Scrieva
Another book that was just okay.
I Bring the Fire by C. Gockel
The story might have been good but the writing was too amateurish for me. I didn’t finish.
The Witch Hunter by Nicole R. Taylor
A Vampire Diaries ripoff. Not very original. I did finish it though.
Beyond the Fortune Teller’s Tent by Kristy Tate
A pretty good book.
Nolander by Becca Mills
A very original story. Not much on the romance but I enjoyed it anyway. I read the next book in the series and will continue reading them when her next book comes out.
The Medium by C.J. Archer
A pretty good book.
Dream Student by J.J. DiBenedetto
Too young for me.
Deception by Stacy Claflin
Too young for me. I actually tried to read it but the author made it into a Cinderella story where the main character was not treated as well as her sister. I did not finish.
The Black Parade by Kyoko M
A pretty good book.
The Thought Readers by Dima Zales
A pretty good book.
For full reviews go to
www.paranormalromanceslut.com
October 31, 2015
I read the first and second story and I quit. The stories were really nice starting *cough* Christina Pope *cough* 3.5 stars for her *cough* but, after reading the second story with its' umm....how do I word this nicely? Mediocre writing? I liked the concept but, it didn't flow as well as I thought it would. Maybe it's because the first story got me hyped up a bit that I expected even more or maybe I just don't like writing that's choppy but, I did not finish all 13 stories.
If you like the paranormal and romance then you'll like (some of) these stories. The whole anthology as a whole gets 2 stars.
I READ THE STORIES OUT OF ORDER! (So my second choice was one of the others). (Just letting you know lol.)
If you like the paranormal and romance then you'll like (some of) these stories. The whole anthology as a whole gets 2 stars.
I READ THE STORIES OUT OF ORDER! (So my second choice was one of the others). (Just letting you know lol.)
Want to read
November 23, 2017💝 FREE on Amazon today (11/23/2017)! 💝
September 30, 2015
This collection is HUGE & took me forever to read! All these books are full-length & the 1st in a series, so all the stories leave you wanting more. A couple stories had some printing errors, but the stories were all pretty good. Make sure you have plenty of memory on your Kindle for this collection!
December 29, 2015
Great Selection of Stories!!
I would recommend this box set for those who enjoy a variety of para/fantasy type stories!! I will definitely be reading future works of these authors!!
I would recommend this box set for those who enjoy a variety of para/fantasy type stories!! I will definitely be reading future works of these authors!!
August 28, 2025
This was really hard work!!
Some of the books were good and didn't take long to read, but considering they are all short stories, some took an age to plough through!
Not the best free kindle book I've read
Some of the books were good and didn't take long to read, but considering they are all short stories, some took an age to plough through!
Not the best free kindle book I've read
April 20, 2024
4 Stars
The Paranormal 13 is packed full of paranormal morsels to tempt your tastebuds. Fourteen stories that include urban fantasy, witches, vampires, werewolves, shifters, mermaids, psychics, angels, ghosts, demons, elves, time travel, romance, secrets, historical, mystery, the supernatural, drama, intrigue, danger, action, and adventure. There is plenty here to choose from, so find a comfy spot and settle in for a book binge all wrapped up in one neat package.
All these books are the first instalment in a series, a bit of a teaser from the authors to give you a taste of their work…..
The Anthology Contains:
Darkangel (The Witches of Cleopatra Hill Book #1) By: Christine Pope
‘Finding the man of your dreams can be a real nightmare….’
Angela McAllister is a witch with a big future ahead of her as the head of her coven, a position that comes with a lot of expectation and responsibility. But to come into her full power, she will need to bond with her mate before she turns twenty-two- and time is running out. Add in a mysterious ‘dream’ man, sinister forces trying to steal her powers, and the fate of her coven at stake- and things take a bit of a tense turn.
(15 Book Series)
Twin Souls (Nevermore Series Book #1) By: K.A. Poe
What happens when a vampire hunter falls for a vampire? Well in this story you get to find out… Alexis, 17, is about to discover some pretty big secrets about her family which adds a major complication to her budding romance with the new boy at school who has a pretty big secret of his own…
(4 Book Series)
The Girl (Guardians Series/Angels of Omnis Saga Book #1) By: Lola St Vil
Nerdy girl gets saved by some angels, who have been sent to keep her secrets from the demons. Emmy discovers they are special Guardians’ on a quest to locate an ancient relic. In the process, Emmy catches feelings for the leader of the Guardians- but a dire prophecy hangs over their heads.
(11 Book Series)
More Than A Feeling (The Clare Wiche Chronicles Prequel) By: Cate Dean
“The story of Claire Wiche begins...
When Annie Sullivan steps into The Wiche's Broom, all she wants is a crystal, and a distraction from her life.
What she finds is Claire Wiche, owner, witch, and the distraction she never even dreamed of - an encounter with a ghost, and a request that throws them both into a murder mystery stretching back two hundred years.”
A fun start to the series…
(6 Book Series)
Drowning Mermaids (Sacred Breath Book #1) By: Nadia Scrieva
“Left with no other options, the destitute daughter of a murdered king must flee to Alaska. Doing all she can to keep her younger sisters safe, Aazuria tries to assimilate and work among the Americans. She tries to hold her head up high even in the lowest of places, until she meets a somber man in a dark corner with eyes that remind her of home.
Trevain Murphy is a successful crab fisherman who has spent his life building an empire on the sea. When a graceful dancer captures his attention, he becomes fascinated with her…Learning that her father has recently died, he cannot resist extending his kindness in offering to guide and protect her.
As it becomes clear that the dark-haired woman is much more than she seems, Trevain is unprepared to uncover the staggering secrets behind her innocent facade. Neither the captain nor the princess can imagine that their lives will become forcibly entwined as a common enemy threatens both of their worlds...”
Who doesn’t love a great mermaid tale?
(7 Book Series)
Soul Marked (After the Fire Book #1) By: C. Gockel
“Magic is real, but Tara’s life isn’t a fairy tale.
Tara’s managed to work her way into a great job researching Dark Energy, aka “magic,” in Chicago. She has a beautiful house she renovated with her own hands, and a loving extended family, but she hasn’t found her soulmate … Not that she believes in soulmates.
Lionel is a Light Elf. Despite being of dubious heritage and being born a peasant, he’s risen in the ranks to serve the Elf Queen. Like all true elves, Lionel has a soulmark to identify his soulmate … He just hasn’t found her yet.
When Lionel’s and Tara’s lives collide and Dark Elves strike, they’re forced to work together or perish. Friendship and more grows between them, but dangers loom … Tara is more important than she knows, and Lionel is more important than he wants to admit. Both of them have choices to make….”
Intriguing…
(2 Book Series)
The Witch Hunter (The Witch Hunter Saga Book #1) By: Nicole R Taylor
“Zachary Degaud was twenty-three when he died. The problem was, he didn't stay that way.
Present day, he's just another vampire with another unremarkable story. That is, until he manages to provoke a two-thousand-year-old witch named Katrin, who wants to make him pay in the most horrible way imagined.
Along with his brother Sam, newly made vampire Liz and their only witch ally, Gabby, his only chance for survival is to summon the ancient and unpredictable vampire known as the Witch Hunter.
Zac is just looking for a way out of his psychopathic witch problems, but instead will find himself falling headfirst into a blood feud that has stretched thousands of years.”
A journey of discovery…
I will definitely be continuing with this series.
(7 Book Series)
Beyond the Fortuneteller's Tent (Beyond Trilogy Book #1) By: Kristy Tate
“When Petra Baron goes into the fortuneteller’s tent at a Renaissance fair, she expects to leave with a date to prom. Instead, she walks out into Elizabethan England, where she meets gypsies, a demon dog and a kindred spirit in Emory Ravenswood.
Emory must thwart the plans of religious zealots. His mission is dangerous, his enemies are fanatical, and Petra Baron is a complication that Heaven only knows he does not need. Or does he? Although Emory is on Heaven’s errand, he learned long ago that Heaven does not always play fair.
As Petra slowly falls for Emory, she wonders if he really is who he seems, or if he is just as lost as she is. How can they have a future while trapped in the past? Or is anything possible Beyond the Fortuneteller’s Tent?”
A time travel adventure…
(3 Book Series)
NOLANDER (Emanations, Book #1) By: Becca Mills
“Nice girls don't believe in monsters. They're wrong. Amateur photographer Beth Ryder is in trouble. She's taking pictures of things she can't see, things that aren't human. Beth has her own dreams, but people like her don't get to go free. She's seized by a dangerous organization dedicated to keeping Earth's shadow world—and its frightening inhabitants—a secret. Forced into otherworldly politics and uncertain whom to trust, Beth must come to terms with a radically altered future—one in which her own humanity seems to be slipping away…”
A great start to the series and I look forward to continuing on with the rest of the books.
(3 Book Series)
The Medium (Emily Chambers, Spirit Medium Book #1) By: C.J. Archer
“Seventeen-year-old spirit medium Emily Chambers has a problem. Actually, she has several. As if seeing dead people isn't a big enough social disadvantage, she also has to contend with an escaped demon and a handsome ghost with a secret past. And then there's the question of her parentage. Being born an entire year after her father's death (yes, a year) and without the pale skin of other respectable English ladies, Emily is as much a mystery as the dead boy assigned to her.
Jacob Beaufort's spirit has been unable to crossover since his death. It might have something to do with the fact he was murdered. Or it might not. All he knows is, he has been assigned by the Otherworld's administrators to a girl named Emily. A girl who can see and touch him. A girl who released a shape-shifting demon into the mortal realm. Together they must send the demon back before it wreaks havoc on London. It should be a simple assignment, but they soon learn there's nothing simple when a live girl and a dead boy fall in love.”
A great paranormal adventure.
(# Book Series)
Dream Student (Dream Series Book #1) By: J.J. DiBendetto
“What would you do if you could see other people’s dreams? If you could watch their hidden fantasies and uncover their deepest, darkest secrets…without them ever knowing?
Sara Barnes is about to find out. She thought that all she had to worry about was final exams, Christmas shopping and deciding whether she likes the cute freshman in the next dorm who’s got a crush on her.
But when she starts seeing dreams that aren’t hers, she learns more than she ever wanted to know about her friends, her classmates…and a strange, terrifying man whose dreams could get Sara killed.”
This is the interesting start to a YA series…
(11 Book Series)
Deception (The Transformed Book #1) By: Stacy Claflin
“What if your whole life was a lie?
Alexis Ferguson wasn't blessed with social graces, but the ambitious high school junior has used her book smarts to get her where she is today. It's too bad that everything she knows is wrong.
After meeting a gorgeous stranger on a blind date, Alexis feels like she's known him her entire life. Suddenly, dark long-forgotten memories swirl in her mind. She realizes she's powerful, stunningly beautiful, and marked for death.
As she faces the one who ordered her execution years ago, Alexis must learn her strange new powers and trust in unlikely allies to keep herself alive.”
A intriguing YA urban fantasy….
(19 Book Series)
The Black Parade (The Black Parade Book #1) By: Kyoko M
“Jordan Amador. 21. New Yorker. Waitress. Mild alcoholic. Murderer.
Two years ago, Jordan accidentally shot and killed a Seer: a person who can see, hear, and talk to ghosts with unfinished business. Her crime came with a hefty price, too. She has two years to help a hundred souls cross over to the afterlife or her soul is bound for hell. Tough break.
As if that weren’t bad enough, two days before her deadline a handsome pain-in-the-ass poltergeist named Michael strolls into her life. His soul is the key to her salvation, but the cost just might be more than she can handle. Solving his death puts her right in the crosshairs of Belial: a vain, bloodthirsty archdemon who won’t rest until she’s his slave. Can she rescue Michael and save her own soul, or will they both be dragged down into the clutches of the eternal black parade?”
Well worth the read to find out.
(5 Book Series)
The Thought Readers (Mind Dimensions Book #1) By: Dima Zales
“Everyone thinks I’m a genius.
Everyone is wrong.
Sure, I finished Harvard at eighteen and now make crazy money at a hedge fund. But that’s not because I’m unusually smart or hard-working.
It’s because I cheat.
You see, I have a unique ability. I can go outside time into my own personal version of reality—the place I call “the Quiet”—where I can explore my surroundings while the rest of the world stands still.
I thought I was the only one who could do this—until I met her.
My name is Darren, and this is how I became entangled with all the Russians and learned that I’m a Reader.”
A great paranormal adventure with all the ingredients to keep you immersed.
(6 Book Series)
As you can see, there’s quite a lot to choose from. Read them all, or pick and choose… it’s up to you. But you can’t really beat 14 books for the price of one.
Happy Reading…
Thank you to all the contributing authors!
The Paranormal 13 is packed full of paranormal morsels to tempt your tastebuds. Fourteen stories that include urban fantasy, witches, vampires, werewolves, shifters, mermaids, psychics, angels, ghosts, demons, elves, time travel, romance, secrets, historical, mystery, the supernatural, drama, intrigue, danger, action, and adventure. There is plenty here to choose from, so find a comfy spot and settle in for a book binge all wrapped up in one neat package.
All these books are the first instalment in a series, a bit of a teaser from the authors to give you a taste of their work…..
The Anthology Contains:
Darkangel (The Witches of Cleopatra Hill Book #1) By: Christine Pope
‘Finding the man of your dreams can be a real nightmare….’
Angela McAllister is a witch with a big future ahead of her as the head of her coven, a position that comes with a lot of expectation and responsibility. But to come into her full power, she will need to bond with her mate before she turns twenty-two- and time is running out. Add in a mysterious ‘dream’ man, sinister forces trying to steal her powers, and the fate of her coven at stake- and things take a bit of a tense turn.
(15 Book Series)
Twin Souls (Nevermore Series Book #1) By: K.A. Poe
What happens when a vampire hunter falls for a vampire? Well in this story you get to find out… Alexis, 17, is about to discover some pretty big secrets about her family which adds a major complication to her budding romance with the new boy at school who has a pretty big secret of his own…
(4 Book Series)
The Girl (Guardians Series/Angels of Omnis Saga Book #1) By: Lola St Vil
Nerdy girl gets saved by some angels, who have been sent to keep her secrets from the demons. Emmy discovers they are special Guardians’ on a quest to locate an ancient relic. In the process, Emmy catches feelings for the leader of the Guardians- but a dire prophecy hangs over their heads.
(11 Book Series)
More Than A Feeling (The Clare Wiche Chronicles Prequel) By: Cate Dean
“The story of Claire Wiche begins...
When Annie Sullivan steps into The Wiche's Broom, all she wants is a crystal, and a distraction from her life.
What she finds is Claire Wiche, owner, witch, and the distraction she never even dreamed of - an encounter with a ghost, and a request that throws them both into a murder mystery stretching back two hundred years.”
A fun start to the series…
(6 Book Series)
Drowning Mermaids (Sacred Breath Book #1) By: Nadia Scrieva
“Left with no other options, the destitute daughter of a murdered king must flee to Alaska. Doing all she can to keep her younger sisters safe, Aazuria tries to assimilate and work among the Americans. She tries to hold her head up high even in the lowest of places, until she meets a somber man in a dark corner with eyes that remind her of home.
Trevain Murphy is a successful crab fisherman who has spent his life building an empire on the sea. When a graceful dancer captures his attention, he becomes fascinated with her…Learning that her father has recently died, he cannot resist extending his kindness in offering to guide and protect her.
As it becomes clear that the dark-haired woman is much more than she seems, Trevain is unprepared to uncover the staggering secrets behind her innocent facade. Neither the captain nor the princess can imagine that their lives will become forcibly entwined as a common enemy threatens both of their worlds...”
Who doesn’t love a great mermaid tale?
(7 Book Series)
Soul Marked (After the Fire Book #1) By: C. Gockel
“Magic is real, but Tara’s life isn’t a fairy tale.
Tara’s managed to work her way into a great job researching Dark Energy, aka “magic,” in Chicago. She has a beautiful house she renovated with her own hands, and a loving extended family, but she hasn’t found her soulmate … Not that she believes in soulmates.
Lionel is a Light Elf. Despite being of dubious heritage and being born a peasant, he’s risen in the ranks to serve the Elf Queen. Like all true elves, Lionel has a soulmark to identify his soulmate … He just hasn’t found her yet.
When Lionel’s and Tara’s lives collide and Dark Elves strike, they’re forced to work together or perish. Friendship and more grows between them, but dangers loom … Tara is more important than she knows, and Lionel is more important than he wants to admit. Both of them have choices to make….”
Intriguing…
(2 Book Series)
The Witch Hunter (The Witch Hunter Saga Book #1) By: Nicole R Taylor
“Zachary Degaud was twenty-three when he died. The problem was, he didn't stay that way.
Present day, he's just another vampire with another unremarkable story. That is, until he manages to provoke a two-thousand-year-old witch named Katrin, who wants to make him pay in the most horrible way imagined.
Along with his brother Sam, newly made vampire Liz and their only witch ally, Gabby, his only chance for survival is to summon the ancient and unpredictable vampire known as the Witch Hunter.
Zac is just looking for a way out of his psychopathic witch problems, but instead will find himself falling headfirst into a blood feud that has stretched thousands of years.”
A journey of discovery…
I will definitely be continuing with this series.
(7 Book Series)
Beyond the Fortuneteller's Tent (Beyond Trilogy Book #1) By: Kristy Tate
“When Petra Baron goes into the fortuneteller’s tent at a Renaissance fair, she expects to leave with a date to prom. Instead, she walks out into Elizabethan England, where she meets gypsies, a demon dog and a kindred spirit in Emory Ravenswood.
Emory must thwart the plans of religious zealots. His mission is dangerous, his enemies are fanatical, and Petra Baron is a complication that Heaven only knows he does not need. Or does he? Although Emory is on Heaven’s errand, he learned long ago that Heaven does not always play fair.
As Petra slowly falls for Emory, she wonders if he really is who he seems, or if he is just as lost as she is. How can they have a future while trapped in the past? Or is anything possible Beyond the Fortuneteller’s Tent?”
A time travel adventure…
(3 Book Series)
NOLANDER (Emanations, Book #1) By: Becca Mills
“Nice girls don't believe in monsters. They're wrong. Amateur photographer Beth Ryder is in trouble. She's taking pictures of things she can't see, things that aren't human. Beth has her own dreams, but people like her don't get to go free. She's seized by a dangerous organization dedicated to keeping Earth's shadow world—and its frightening inhabitants—a secret. Forced into otherworldly politics and uncertain whom to trust, Beth must come to terms with a radically altered future—one in which her own humanity seems to be slipping away…”
A great start to the series and I look forward to continuing on with the rest of the books.
(3 Book Series)
The Medium (Emily Chambers, Spirit Medium Book #1) By: C.J. Archer
“Seventeen-year-old spirit medium Emily Chambers has a problem. Actually, she has several. As if seeing dead people isn't a big enough social disadvantage, she also has to contend with an escaped demon and a handsome ghost with a secret past. And then there's the question of her parentage. Being born an entire year after her father's death (yes, a year) and without the pale skin of other respectable English ladies, Emily is as much a mystery as the dead boy assigned to her.
Jacob Beaufort's spirit has been unable to crossover since his death. It might have something to do with the fact he was murdered. Or it might not. All he knows is, he has been assigned by the Otherworld's administrators to a girl named Emily. A girl who can see and touch him. A girl who released a shape-shifting demon into the mortal realm. Together they must send the demon back before it wreaks havoc on London. It should be a simple assignment, but they soon learn there's nothing simple when a live girl and a dead boy fall in love.”
A great paranormal adventure.
(# Book Series)
Dream Student (Dream Series Book #1) By: J.J. DiBendetto
“What would you do if you could see other people’s dreams? If you could watch their hidden fantasies and uncover their deepest, darkest secrets…without them ever knowing?
Sara Barnes is about to find out. She thought that all she had to worry about was final exams, Christmas shopping and deciding whether she likes the cute freshman in the next dorm who’s got a crush on her.
But when she starts seeing dreams that aren’t hers, she learns more than she ever wanted to know about her friends, her classmates…and a strange, terrifying man whose dreams could get Sara killed.”
This is the interesting start to a YA series…
(11 Book Series)
Deception (The Transformed Book #1) By: Stacy Claflin
“What if your whole life was a lie?
Alexis Ferguson wasn't blessed with social graces, but the ambitious high school junior has used her book smarts to get her where she is today. It's too bad that everything she knows is wrong.
After meeting a gorgeous stranger on a blind date, Alexis feels like she's known him her entire life. Suddenly, dark long-forgotten memories swirl in her mind. She realizes she's powerful, stunningly beautiful, and marked for death.
As she faces the one who ordered her execution years ago, Alexis must learn her strange new powers and trust in unlikely allies to keep herself alive.”
A intriguing YA urban fantasy….
(19 Book Series)
The Black Parade (The Black Parade Book #1) By: Kyoko M
“Jordan Amador. 21. New Yorker. Waitress. Mild alcoholic. Murderer.
Two years ago, Jordan accidentally shot and killed a Seer: a person who can see, hear, and talk to ghosts with unfinished business. Her crime came with a hefty price, too. She has two years to help a hundred souls cross over to the afterlife or her soul is bound for hell. Tough break.
As if that weren’t bad enough, two days before her deadline a handsome pain-in-the-ass poltergeist named Michael strolls into her life. His soul is the key to her salvation, but the cost just might be more than she can handle. Solving his death puts her right in the crosshairs of Belial: a vain, bloodthirsty archdemon who won’t rest until she’s his slave. Can she rescue Michael and save her own soul, or will they both be dragged down into the clutches of the eternal black parade?”
Well worth the read to find out.
(5 Book Series)
The Thought Readers (Mind Dimensions Book #1) By: Dima Zales
“Everyone thinks I’m a genius.
Everyone is wrong.
Sure, I finished Harvard at eighteen and now make crazy money at a hedge fund. But that’s not because I’m unusually smart or hard-working.
It’s because I cheat.
You see, I have a unique ability. I can go outside time into my own personal version of reality—the place I call “the Quiet”—where I can explore my surroundings while the rest of the world stands still.
I thought I was the only one who could do this—until I met her.
My name is Darren, and this is how I became entangled with all the Russians and learned that I’m a Reader.”
A great paranormal adventure with all the ingredients to keep you immersed.
(6 Book Series)
As you can see, there’s quite a lot to choose from. Read them all, or pick and choose… it’s up to you. But you can’t really beat 14 books for the price of one.
Happy Reading…
Thank you to all the contributing authors!
April 18, 2018
You cannot beat it for the price!
Check out indie authors for free! I have reviewed each individually here on my website www.carlycompass.com/Goodreads for all my reviews and more.
Check out indie authors for free! I have reviewed each individually here on my website www.carlycompass.com/Goodreads for all my reviews and more.
February 1, 2016
I RECOMMEND THIS COLLECTION! sure a few of the books were not to my taste but still read them. even found a few new authors I really like. with 13 books, just skip ones if you don't like one.
Book 1 - DarkAngel witches of Cleopatra Hill by Christine Pope- 4.5* - really liked this one... want to continue with her series... cliffhanger though loses half a star for that
Book 2- Twin Souls nevermore by K.A. Poe - 4*s - for a vampire story with high school characters I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this story. was nervous right of the bat I didn't like the writing style but really liked the book and would absolutely read the next... huge bonus it WASN'T a cliffhanger! 4*s
Book 3 - The Girl (Guardians) by Lola St Vil - 3*'s Angel book, so it was a nice break from all the vampire books. YA not a typical read for me, just find them to be all the same. Really liked the ideas behind this book just wish they would have been developed better. Not sure it's a cliffhanger exactly but it doesn't have an ending which is annoying
Book 4 - Rest for the Wicked (Claire Wiche chronicles) by Cate Dean- 3.5*'s a witch possessed by a decent demon pitted against a bad demon paired with a Jinn, a good witch and a once possessed man.... sure why not. I enjoyed this book. no cliffhanger
Book 5 - Drowning Mermaids (Sacred Breath) by Nadia Scrieva- 5*'s! favorite in this 13 book compilation so far. well written... obviously about mermaids.. great love story between an Alaskan crab boat captain in his 50's and a 600 year old yet 18 looking mermaid princess. loved it!
Book 6 - I Bring the Fire (A Loki Story) by C. Gockel - 3.5*'s... Would have been a 4* if it wasn't a CLIFFHANGER! grrrrrr WHY! Detest cliffhanger authors! Would have continued this series had I not been FORCED to.
Loki, Norse "God" come to our world. great story, well written, fun... shame:(
Book 7 - The Witch Hunter by Nicole R. Taylor -2.5*'s ... least favorite so far out of all the books. story about civil war turned vampires still living in their same town, same house, yet no one notices. so many inconsistencies
Book 8 - Beyond the Fortunetellers Tent - by Kristy Tate - 4*'s ... I really liked this story, just wasn't "paranormally" enough, in my opinion. Really the only paranormal thing about this book was the original time travel incident which happens right away and the lead male, Emory, is some kind of immortal (never disclosed what kind) that has 2 small budgeted brushes with death paragraphs where he heals himself. That being said I really liked the story and had it been a historical romance instead of paranormal I probably wouldn't have been left with the feeling of wanting more out of the story.
Book 9 - Nolander (Emanations #1) by Becca Mills - 4*’s for a cliffhanger ending. challenging story, unique... terminology was confusing at times (workings, emanations,...)
Book 10 - The Medium (Emily Chambers, Spirit Medium #1) by CJ Archer- 5*'s - I thoroughly enjoyed this book. the story of Emily the medium and her ghost Jacob as they track a demon that has been unleased in London while also trying to solve the mystery of Jacobs death
Book 11 - Dream Student (Dream Series) by JJ DiBenedetto - 4*'s - liked this book well enough. something different than I typically read. would continue with the series if it was cheap. Sara the antagonist shares the dreams of a serial killer on her college campus. she also shares the dreams of her dormmates, roommate and soon to be boyfriend. she leads her bf& best friend on a quest to find and stop the killer before he strikes again
Book 12 - Deception (The Transformed) by Stacy Claflin -
Book 13 - The Black Parade by Kyoko M. - 5*'s angels and demons and seerers... love story between the archangel Michael and a seer (helps ghosts pass onto the afterlife) Jordan... engaging, Jordan's sass is refreshing. loved this book
Book 14 - The Thought Readers (Mind Dimensions 1) by Dima Zales - 3*'s - start of with I HATE CLIFFHANGER'S! based on that alone I won't be reading the next book. but if this was a stand alone in a series I might consider reading the next one. I liked it because it was a new concept in this genre which is refreshing. other than that not much I can say good because the cliffhanger ruined it
Book 1 - DarkAngel witches of Cleopatra Hill by Christine Pope- 4.5* - really liked this one... want to continue with her series... cliffhanger though loses half a star for that
Book 2- Twin Souls nevermore by K.A. Poe - 4*s - for a vampire story with high school characters I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this story. was nervous right of the bat I didn't like the writing style but really liked the book and would absolutely read the next... huge bonus it WASN'T a cliffhanger! 4*s
Book 3 - The Girl (Guardians) by Lola St Vil - 3*'s Angel book, so it was a nice break from all the vampire books. YA not a typical read for me, just find them to be all the same. Really liked the ideas behind this book just wish they would have been developed better. Not sure it's a cliffhanger exactly but it doesn't have an ending which is annoying
Book 4 - Rest for the Wicked (Claire Wiche chronicles) by Cate Dean- 3.5*'s a witch possessed by a decent demon pitted against a bad demon paired with a Jinn, a good witch and a once possessed man.... sure why not. I enjoyed this book. no cliffhanger
Book 5 - Drowning Mermaids (Sacred Breath) by Nadia Scrieva- 5*'s! favorite in this 13 book compilation so far. well written... obviously about mermaids.. great love story between an Alaskan crab boat captain in his 50's and a 600 year old yet 18 looking mermaid princess. loved it!
Book 6 - I Bring the Fire (A Loki Story) by C. Gockel - 3.5*'s... Would have been a 4* if it wasn't a CLIFFHANGER! grrrrrr WHY! Detest cliffhanger authors! Would have continued this series had I not been FORCED to.
Loki, Norse "God" come to our world. great story, well written, fun... shame:(
Book 7 - The Witch Hunter by Nicole R. Taylor -2.5*'s ... least favorite so far out of all the books. story about civil war turned vampires still living in their same town, same house, yet no one notices. so many inconsistencies
Book 8 - Beyond the Fortunetellers Tent - by Kristy Tate - 4*'s ... I really liked this story, just wasn't "paranormally" enough, in my opinion. Really the only paranormal thing about this book was the original time travel incident which happens right away and the lead male, Emory, is some kind of immortal (never disclosed what kind) that has 2 small budgeted brushes with death paragraphs where he heals himself. That being said I really liked the story and had it been a historical romance instead of paranormal I probably wouldn't have been left with the feeling of wanting more out of the story.
Book 9 - Nolander (Emanations #1) by Becca Mills - 4*’s for a cliffhanger ending. challenging story, unique... terminology was confusing at times (workings, emanations,...)
Book 10 - The Medium (Emily Chambers, Spirit Medium #1) by CJ Archer- 5*'s - I thoroughly enjoyed this book. the story of Emily the medium and her ghost Jacob as they track a demon that has been unleased in London while also trying to solve the mystery of Jacobs death
Book 11 - Dream Student (Dream Series) by JJ DiBenedetto - 4*'s - liked this book well enough. something different than I typically read. would continue with the series if it was cheap. Sara the antagonist shares the dreams of a serial killer on her college campus. she also shares the dreams of her dormmates, roommate and soon to be boyfriend. she leads her bf& best friend on a quest to find and stop the killer before he strikes again
Book 12 - Deception (The Transformed) by Stacy Claflin -
Book 13 - The Black Parade by Kyoko M. - 5*'s angels and demons and seerers... love story between the archangel Michael and a seer (helps ghosts pass onto the afterlife) Jordan... engaging, Jordan's sass is refreshing. loved this book
Book 14 - The Thought Readers (Mind Dimensions 1) by Dima Zales - 3*'s - start of with I HATE CLIFFHANGER'S! based on that alone I won't be reading the next book. but if this was a stand alone in a series I might consider reading the next one. I liked it because it was a new concept in this genre which is refreshing. other than that not much I can say good because the cliffhanger ruined it
January 8, 2015
First Book Darkangel by Christine Pope
It was a good start, the first book hooks you and i think i may buy the next one.
The characters were interesting, and the storyline was nice if a little bit the same as others, however I did enjoy it and I do think I'll read the next book if it isn't anywhere near a pound in price, that would be an overspend.
Second Twin Souls by K.A. Poe
I hate the second. Barely got a quarter through.
Can say very little about this but the characters were just disturbing. Not what I want to read. It was just so ergh! The typical the woman you thought was your mum wasn't! OH MY GOD REALLY? *Puke* what crap.
Third book The Girl by Lola St Vil
The third I must admit made me want to slit my wrists. Soooo depressing! And a little boring
I hate the characters, I felt sorry for 'Emmy' and then it just got boring. Shes 15 it felt like I was reading a child abuse story. YUCK. The main love interest is boring, hes rude and nasty. Her friends are just horrible. What the heck?
Fourth book, Rest For The Wicked by Cate Dean
4th book is just damn confusing. Picks up near the end but then the ending is disappointing and pointless. It also made very little sense, but it went away from the grain (ish) but then it went right back to it again haha. SHOCKER.
Will not be reading more
It was a good start, the first book hooks you and i think i may buy the next one.
The characters were interesting, and the storyline was nice if a little bit the same as others, however I did enjoy it and I do think I'll read the next book if it isn't anywhere near a pound in price, that would be an overspend.
Second Twin Souls by K.A. Poe
I hate the second. Barely got a quarter through.
Can say very little about this but the characters were just disturbing. Not what I want to read. It was just so ergh! The typical the woman you thought was your mum wasn't! OH MY GOD REALLY? *Puke* what crap.
Third book The Girl by Lola St Vil
The third I must admit made me want to slit my wrists. Soooo depressing! And a little boring
I hate the characters, I felt sorry for 'Emmy' and then it just got boring. Shes 15 it felt like I was reading a child abuse story. YUCK. The main love interest is boring, hes rude and nasty. Her friends are just horrible. What the heck?
Fourth book, Rest For The Wicked by Cate Dean
4th book is just damn confusing. Picks up near the end but then the ending is disappointing and pointless. It also made very little sense, but it went away from the grain (ish) but then it went right back to it again haha. SHOCKER.
Will not be reading more
August 6, 2016
The author has skills which are not my cup of tea. There's too much minutiae for my taste. I spent way too much time looking for some kind of closure. It never came. I was rewarded with a link. I was going to give this the lowest rating, but some people actually love extended teasers.
So, I made up my own ending and vowed never to read the author again. For example, my ending to the first story is as follows:
Maisie (the ghost) recruits Adam and the ghost of Jeremiah Wilcox's Navajo wife to rescue Angela. They can't get through the doors, so they go through the walls. Angela knocks on Conner Wilcox bedroom door and stabs him in the heart. She takes his power and then kills Damon Wilcox. Then she and Adam live happily ever after. Now I have closure.
So, I made up my own ending and vowed never to read the author again. For example, my ending to the first story is as follows:
Maisie (the ghost) recruits Adam and the ghost of Jeremiah Wilcox's Navajo wife to rescue Angela. They can't get through the doors, so they go through the walls. Angela knocks on Conner Wilcox bedroom door and stabs him in the heart. She takes his power and then kills Damon Wilcox. Then she and Adam live happily ever after. Now I have closure.
May 10, 2017
One of the best
Out of all of the collections of paranormal novels that I have purchased, I have to rate this as one of the best. First, the novels were actually all novels not just short stories. Second, most of the authors had more than a passing acquaintance with either the English language or a decent editor. And finally, there were books I actually wanted to follow up on, and for which I have purchased sequels! Those are rare events in my experience, so I have no hesitation in recommending this collection to anyone with an interest in paranormal novels who may be looking for new authors. As long as you aren't expecting the polished grace of professionally published authors, I don't think you will be disappointed.
Out of all of the collections of paranormal novels that I have purchased, I have to rate this as one of the best. First, the novels were actually all novels not just short stories. Second, most of the authors had more than a passing acquaintance with either the English language or a decent editor. And finally, there were books I actually wanted to follow up on, and for which I have purchased sequels! Those are rare events in my experience, so I have no hesitation in recommending this collection to anyone with an interest in paranormal novels who may be looking for new authors. As long as you aren't expecting the polished grace of professionally published authors, I don't think you will be disappointed.
August 28, 2015
some books I would give a 4, other books I had a hard time pushing through. overall, a 3.
October 8, 2015
Good Read
The Paranormal 13 is a collection of quick easy reading. I recommend for teens. My only complaint is poor editing.
The Paranormal 13 is a collection of quick easy reading. I recommend for teens. My only complaint is poor editing.
February 5, 2017
I Want More !!
Nothing more to write...
I LOVE this SERIES !!!
OMG ... Eleven more words required to explain how great this book was??
READ IT !!!
Nothing more to write...
I LOVE this SERIES !!!
OMG ... Eleven more words required to explain how great this book was??
READ IT !!!
September 19, 2017
Good Read
November 4, 2017
it is a great book to read
November 6, 2017
i have to hunt down the rest of the books in these series they were awesome
April 10, 2017
1. Darkangel (Witches of Cleopatra Hill 1) by Christine Pope ***3 Stars
Angela is the next Prima of the McCallister clan of witches. Sometime during her 21st year she is supposed to meet her consort who will be her partner and enhance her powers. As her birthday gets closer and closer she starts to lose hope her consort will show up and looks for another option to avoid the evil Wilcox clan that seem determined to bind her to them. This was ok. A pretty interesting story, I liked Angela a lot but it just took forever for anything to happen. I will give the next book a try to see if it has a better pace.
2. Twin Souls (Nevermore 1) by K.A. Poe *1 Star (PR)
I got through Chapter 5 and just couldn't go on. Just sooo many issues...What kind of friend upon hearing of their friends abandonment by her remaining parent decides to throw a party...maybe if they were younger I could buy it a little more. Can someone please be proficient at some instrument besides the piano?! Sheesh And in general the story was choppy, the dialogue awkward and ridiculous, the main character vain and snobby but in the guise of sweet and innocent...Just no.
3. The Girl (Guardians 1) Lola St Vil *1 Star (PR)
Ok Emmy was ridiculously annoying. Marcus was way too worried about his love life when he is on an end of the world mission. Mimi is made out to be this cold person who's only concern is the mission, but if that were the case she wouldn't be all crazy jealous all the time. Miku was ok, Jay and Reese were ok but they're slang talk was way over the top. Rio was actually pretty awesome and the book should have revolved around him. But it didn't and I just wasn't a fan of this one.
4. Rest for the Wicked (Claire Wiche 1) by Cate Dean **2 Stars
Claire is some sort of magical being and has a best friend who is a witch but doesn't have full control of her powers. Now her evil cousin is after Claire and hurting innocent people to get to her. And then there is Marcus, a Jinn who senses Claire is in trouble and wants to help her. As the danger escalates Claire needs to admit that she isn't exactly who they think she is. This was ok, and could have been really good. There just was not any emphasis on explaining anything. Things just happened and reasons and history were just glossed over. This was frustrating because I felt the story had a lot of potential.
5. Drowning Mermaids (Sacred Breath 1) by Nadia Scrieva *1 DNF Star
Aazuria is some kind of mermaid princess who killed her father and now lives on land with her 2 sisters and 2 body guards trying to earn money. They do this by working at a strip club, where she meets Captain Trevain Murphy. He hears her adapted story of 3 orphaned girls and offers them use of his home and finances. That's about as far as it got for me, I couldn't stand the way everyone spoke. It sounds like a silly reason to not finish a book but it made any interesting parts of the story just annoying.
6. Wolves (I Bring the Fire 1) by C. Gockel ****4 Stars (PR)
Loki finds himself on Midgard, and he needs to search for his sons who may have been lost because of Odin. Loki is very jaded in this book but it backs up his attitude with cutaway stories from his past. Amy, is pretty sure everything that's happening is real even if it is insane...and despite her best efforts she feels for Loki and does want to help him.
7. The Witch Hunter (1) by Nicole R. Taylor *1 DNF Star
I was hoping the comparisons to The Vampire Diaries were exaggerated...they were not. The gist of it is that Zac (the Damon of this story) kills some old vampire that comes to town and upsets some ancient witch. So he and his brother Sam (Stefan) ask their witch friend Gabby (Bonnie) to summon some ancient witch hunter to help them. And that's about all I got out of this, I couldn't get past the similarities and the writing style could not distract me enough to finish this one.
8. Beyond the Fortune Teller's Tent by Kristy Tate * DNF Star
I'm not a big fan of time travel and I don't think this particular story was told very well and the characters were very shallow and didn't add much emotion.
9. Nolander (Emanations 1) by Becca Mills ***3 Stars (PR)
I'm a little torn on this one. I did enjoy it overall but I'm sure I don't understand everything that went on. Beth has had panic attacks her whole life and she ends up meeting some people with "gifts" to see otherworldly things. And these new friends tell her that her panic attacks are probably because she is one of them but has no training. There was a lot of distrust among all of the characters and you don't really know who's good or who is lying, and it just seemed like every chapter had a new facet to the story but none of them were whole. I think I will continue this series just to see where it goes.
10. The Medium (Emily Chambers 1) by C.J. Archer ***3 Stars
So, Emily can see ghosts. She conducts séances for people along with her sister Celia. While at one of these séances Celia unwittingly releases a shape shifting demon. Jacob, a special more solid ghost, has been assigned to help Rid the world of this demon. As they investigate further they find that there are many things in play and they're not sure who is pulling the strings or what the ultimate goal is. This was ok. I liked Emily for the most part, though she was a tad immature for my tastes. Jacob, Celia and George were ok characters but I don't feel like there was enough development of them or the relationships. Jacob and Emily being "in love" after 2 days kind of killed things for me, I wish there were more information about the afterlife, the summoned demon, even who Emily's father might be. The romance was just forced and I would have preferred a slower development, especially with 2 other books in this series.
11. Dream Student (Dream 1) by J.J. DiBenedetto *1 DNF Star
Sara has been having strange dreams and terrible nightmares. The strange seems to bring her into someone elses dream and it happens to be about her. Things get more strange when she sees this dreamboy in real life. This encounter is when I decided this book wasn't for me. Sara is really aggressive towards Brian for some reason and basically emasculates him because he is weirded out about the shared dream thing. I think his reaction was reasonable and she was being a complete biatch.
12. Deception (Transformed 1) by Stacy Claflin *1 DNF Star
Alexis is overlooked because of her beautiful and talented younger sister. Lately light bulbs have been exploding when she gets angry and crows have started to follow her around. When she runs into her childhood best friend who had previously moved away (across town) she is suddenly going to a dance with Brookes cousin. When she gets up everyone is completely taken aback by how beautiful she looks all the while telling her that they already thought she was pretty (then why are you so shocked?) Then she meets her date, throws herself into his arms and tells him she missed him and he reply's the same. And she doesn't really think twice about it. The story didn't seem like it was so bad but the character interaction was just awkward and I couldn't deal with it.
13. The Black Parade (1) by Kyoko M **2 DNF Stars
I did not finish reading this but I thought the idea behind the story was very interesting, hence the 2 Stars. Jordan has to help souls cross over as penance for accidentally shooting a Seer (Someone who did what she is doing now)...she has a quota and a deadline being tracked by the archangel Gabriel. The last soul she is helping is a poltergeist named Michael and his case is proving to be difficult to solve. I didn't get far into Michael's story, I couldn't stand the 2 of them together; the forced banter, awkward spouting of movie quotes...I just couldn't get myself to care what happened to Michael so all of their sleuthing just fell flat for me.
14. The Thought Readers (Mind Dimensions 1) by Dima Zales _Not Interested
Based on the blurb and the 1st chapter, I have no desire to read this book. Being inside the main character's head for a few pages made me hope for his demise in any way possible....so, not for me.
Angela is the next Prima of the McCallister clan of witches. Sometime during her 21st year she is supposed to meet her consort who will be her partner and enhance her powers. As her birthday gets closer and closer she starts to lose hope her consort will show up and looks for another option to avoid the evil Wilcox clan that seem determined to bind her to them. This was ok. A pretty interesting story, I liked Angela a lot but it just took forever for anything to happen. I will give the next book a try to see if it has a better pace.
2. Twin Souls (Nevermore 1) by K.A. Poe *1 Star (PR)
I got through Chapter 5 and just couldn't go on. Just sooo many issues...What kind of friend upon hearing of their friends abandonment by her remaining parent decides to throw a party...maybe if they were younger I could buy it a little more. Can someone please be proficient at some instrument besides the piano?! Sheesh And in general the story was choppy, the dialogue awkward and ridiculous, the main character vain and snobby but in the guise of sweet and innocent...Just no.
3. The Girl (Guardians 1) Lola St Vil *1 Star (PR)
Ok Emmy was ridiculously annoying. Marcus was way too worried about his love life when he is on an end of the world mission. Mimi is made out to be this cold person who's only concern is the mission, but if that were the case she wouldn't be all crazy jealous all the time. Miku was ok, Jay and Reese were ok but they're slang talk was way over the top. Rio was actually pretty awesome and the book should have revolved around him. But it didn't and I just wasn't a fan of this one.
4. Rest for the Wicked (Claire Wiche 1) by Cate Dean **2 Stars
Claire is some sort of magical being and has a best friend who is a witch but doesn't have full control of her powers. Now her evil cousin is after Claire and hurting innocent people to get to her. And then there is Marcus, a Jinn who senses Claire is in trouble and wants to help her. As the danger escalates Claire needs to admit that she isn't exactly who they think she is. This was ok, and could have been really good. There just was not any emphasis on explaining anything. Things just happened and reasons and history were just glossed over. This was frustrating because I felt the story had a lot of potential.
5. Drowning Mermaids (Sacred Breath 1) by Nadia Scrieva *1 DNF Star
Aazuria is some kind of mermaid princess who killed her father and now lives on land with her 2 sisters and 2 body guards trying to earn money. They do this by working at a strip club, where she meets Captain Trevain Murphy. He hears her adapted story of 3 orphaned girls and offers them use of his home and finances. That's about as far as it got for me, I couldn't stand the way everyone spoke. It sounds like a silly reason to not finish a book but it made any interesting parts of the story just annoying.
6. Wolves (I Bring the Fire 1) by C. Gockel ****4 Stars (PR)
Loki finds himself on Midgard, and he needs to search for his sons who may have been lost because of Odin. Loki is very jaded in this book but it backs up his attitude with cutaway stories from his past. Amy, is pretty sure everything that's happening is real even if it is insane...and despite her best efforts she feels for Loki and does want to help him.
7. The Witch Hunter (1) by Nicole R. Taylor *1 DNF Star
I was hoping the comparisons to The Vampire Diaries were exaggerated...they were not. The gist of it is that Zac (the Damon of this story) kills some old vampire that comes to town and upsets some ancient witch. So he and his brother Sam (Stefan) ask their witch friend Gabby (Bonnie) to summon some ancient witch hunter to help them. And that's about all I got out of this, I couldn't get past the similarities and the writing style could not distract me enough to finish this one.
8. Beyond the Fortune Teller's Tent by Kristy Tate * DNF Star
I'm not a big fan of time travel and I don't think this particular story was told very well and the characters were very shallow and didn't add much emotion.
9. Nolander (Emanations 1) by Becca Mills ***3 Stars (PR)
I'm a little torn on this one. I did enjoy it overall but I'm sure I don't understand everything that went on. Beth has had panic attacks her whole life and she ends up meeting some people with "gifts" to see otherworldly things. And these new friends tell her that her panic attacks are probably because she is one of them but has no training. There was a lot of distrust among all of the characters and you don't really know who's good or who is lying, and it just seemed like every chapter had a new facet to the story but none of them were whole. I think I will continue this series just to see where it goes.
10. The Medium (Emily Chambers 1) by C.J. Archer ***3 Stars
So, Emily can see ghosts. She conducts séances for people along with her sister Celia. While at one of these séances Celia unwittingly releases a shape shifting demon. Jacob, a special more solid ghost, has been assigned to help Rid the world of this demon. As they investigate further they find that there are many things in play and they're not sure who is pulling the strings or what the ultimate goal is. This was ok. I liked Emily for the most part, though she was a tad immature for my tastes. Jacob, Celia and George were ok characters but I don't feel like there was enough development of them or the relationships. Jacob and Emily being "in love" after 2 days kind of killed things for me, I wish there were more information about the afterlife, the summoned demon, even who Emily's father might be. The romance was just forced and I would have preferred a slower development, especially with 2 other books in this series.
11. Dream Student (Dream 1) by J.J. DiBenedetto *1 DNF Star
Sara has been having strange dreams and terrible nightmares. The strange seems to bring her into someone elses dream and it happens to be about her. Things get more strange when she sees this dreamboy in real life. This encounter is when I decided this book wasn't for me. Sara is really aggressive towards Brian for some reason and basically emasculates him because he is weirded out about the shared dream thing. I think his reaction was reasonable and she was being a complete biatch.
12. Deception (Transformed 1) by Stacy Claflin *1 DNF Star
Alexis is overlooked because of her beautiful and talented younger sister. Lately light bulbs have been exploding when she gets angry and crows have started to follow her around. When she runs into her childhood best friend who had previously moved away (across town) she is suddenly going to a dance with Brookes cousin. When she gets up everyone is completely taken aback by how beautiful she looks all the while telling her that they already thought she was pretty (then why are you so shocked?) Then she meets her date, throws herself into his arms and tells him she missed him and he reply's the same. And she doesn't really think twice about it. The story didn't seem like it was so bad but the character interaction was just awkward and I couldn't deal with it.
13. The Black Parade (1) by Kyoko M **2 DNF Stars
I did not finish reading this but I thought the idea behind the story was very interesting, hence the 2 Stars. Jordan has to help souls cross over as penance for accidentally shooting a Seer (Someone who did what she is doing now)...she has a quota and a deadline being tracked by the archangel Gabriel. The last soul she is helping is a poltergeist named Michael and his case is proving to be difficult to solve. I didn't get far into Michael's story, I couldn't stand the 2 of them together; the forced banter, awkward spouting of movie quotes...I just couldn't get myself to care what happened to Michael so all of their sleuthing just fell flat for me.
14. The Thought Readers (Mind Dimensions 1) by Dima Zales _Not Interested
Based on the blurb and the 1st chapter, I have no desire to read this book. Being inside the main character's head for a few pages made me hope for his demise in any way possible....so, not for me.
June 23, 2020
I knew when I started reading this anthology that the books were all firsts in series. It became quickly apparent that the quality of some wasn't brilliant and that book two wasn't a download option for me for all but one book. In fact, some of the series were so badly written and juvenile that it was difficult to finish them. But I'm ever the optimist and believe the next book is going to be different. And I did find one gem in the anthology, one gem that made me download the next book and want to download the third as well, only to discover it hasn't been finished yet. Becca Mills' Nolander was that book, and a nice piece of imaginative writing it was.
There were a couple of stories that deserved an honourable mention. The last book, The Thought Readers by Dima Zales (the only male writer in the anthology, I think) was a good entertaining read. The Black Parade by Kyoko M was pretty good too but I found it a little lacking in imagination and relied on the romantic stuff for its interest.
There were a couple of stories that deserved an honourable mention. The last book, The Thought Readers by Dima Zales (the only male writer in the anthology, I think) was a good entertaining read. The Black Parade by Kyoko M was pretty good too but I found it a little lacking in imagination and relied on the romantic stuff for its interest.
September 19, 2018
To be fair, this was a free kindle book. Some of the stories were good. I even paid for some of the sequels (well, not over $2.00). On the other hand, one of the stories in this book almost made me give up reading for ever. I wanted to bang my head against the wall and scream that they should have hired an editor and not let their eight year old write it. Of course, I had to plod along and finish said story because I try to finish all books. But be warned, The Dream Student is up there as one of the worst stories I've read. I is written about as well as some of my 3rd grade students stories. It has just as much plodding detail that goes nowhere and adds nothing to the story. The characters are not likable and nothing is even this least bit interesting and relates to solving the story.
April 19, 2020
Overall, I was not impressed. I only completely read 5 out of the 14.
Twin Souls, The Girl, The Witch Hunter and Deception I only read enough to quickly discard.
Darkangel, Drowning Mermaids,The Black Parade and Soul Marked grabbed my interest and then lost it somewhere along either the middle or middle end in which I then DNF.
The Medium, and The Thought Readers I half read half skimmed but got to the end.
More Than A Feeling and Beyond The Fortuneteller's Tent were kind of mediocre but oddly enough I rather enjoyed them. I might even say 3 stars enjoyed them.
Dream Student was good. Very good. Solid 3 maybe even 4 stars.
Nolander was da bomb in this collection. I LOVED it! Worth 4 stars and am looking to read the rest in the series.
Twin Souls, The Girl, The Witch Hunter and Deception I only read enough to quickly discard.
Darkangel, Drowning Mermaids,The Black Parade and Soul Marked grabbed my interest and then lost it somewhere along either the middle or middle end in which I then DNF.
The Medium, and The Thought Readers I half read half skimmed but got to the end.
More Than A Feeling and Beyond The Fortuneteller's Tent were kind of mediocre but oddly enough I rather enjoyed them. I might even say 3 stars enjoyed them.
Dream Student was good. Very good. Solid 3 maybe even 4 stars.
Nolander was da bomb in this collection. I LOVED it! Worth 4 stars and am looking to read the rest in the series.
October 1, 2017
The Paranormal 13 was a long and lengthy read. It took me two years to get through it at a leisurely pace. As for the books content some of the stories were riviting and others so-so. Yes, I would read some of the sequels but not all. There was one book I would never read the sequel to but I will leave that one a mystery because my taste isn't someone else's and I'd hate to mention an author who otherwise might not get his/her sequel read just because I said something. Over all the books weren't to bad more of a between age group for today.
Would I recommend another person reading it, yes, but if you don't care for a book skip it there are plenty to choose from. I start something I have to see it through. I'm compulsive that way. Happy reading!
Would I recommend another person reading it, yes, but if you don't care for a book skip it there are plenty to choose from. I start something I have to see it through. I'm compulsive that way. Happy reading!
February 18, 2018
Did not finish at 24% (four books in)
I was originally going to attempt to read all these books and make little descriptions of my opinions, but after four books, I have to cave and throw it on my did not finish shelf. It's just... it wasn't good. The first book was alright, but everything after that was just bad. The quality just wasn't high enough for me to want to read through another nine books.
Anyways, my opinions of the first four books are below.
Darkangel (The Witches of Cleopatra Hill #1) by Christine Pope (Finished Jan 27/18) This book opened the collection and I actually ended up liking it. Angela wasn't as annoying as some protagonists in the genre, and I ended up liking her. The plot interested me as well as the lore, which I thought was fairly cool. The ending's a bit irksome because it kind of ends on a cliffhanger, though it was also predictable. The plot twist wasn't much of a plot twist because I saw it coming at least half way through the book. Other than that, it wasn't bad.
Twin Souls (Nevermore #1) by K.A. Pope (Dropped Jan 29/18, somewhere in chapter 12) So uh, this book wasn't edited, was it? Because it didn't seem like it was. That's not even counting the jarring and unnatural dialogue throughout it (plus ridiculous shit like Paul shouting in shock only for Alexis to reply casually). This was aTwilight rip-off story about a girl who finds out she's not ordinary but a vampire hunter and she falls in love (in like three days?) with a vampire who her uncle-dad doesn't like and it turns out their soulmates. Or something. I don't know. I quit.
The Girl (Guardians #1) by Lola St. Vil (Dropped Jan 31/18, seven chapters in) If I thought Alexis was awful as a protagonist, she's got nothing on Emmy. This book immediately opens with the two Japanese kids looking like anime characters and Emmy having purple eyes and being a social outcast and I feel I'm in an anime fanfic circa 2005. Emmy literally falls in love with and obsesses over Marcus from the moment she meets him and the book devolves into her obsessing over the guy. For some reason, it switched POVs to Marcus so we can backtrack and go over shit from before they meet but we also get to see that Marcus is going to obsess over her too. That was it for me. I can't care anymore. I quit x2.
Rest For The Wicked (Claire Wiche Chronicles #1) by Cate Dean (Finished Feb 1/18) Maybe it was because it was short but this book was so wham bam thank you ma'am that I couldn't honestly enjoy it. The plot just shoots right in with no explanation. There's no proper back story and the characters have no defining characteristics. They meet and ten minutes later they're planning exorcisms together. For what it was, it was alright. But was it good? Nah.
I was originally going to attempt to read all these books and make little descriptions of my opinions, but after four books, I have to cave and throw it on my did not finish shelf. It's just... it wasn't good. The first book was alright, but everything after that was just bad. The quality just wasn't high enough for me to want to read through another nine books.
Anyways, my opinions of the first four books are below.
Darkangel (The Witches of Cleopatra Hill #1) by Christine Pope (Finished Jan 27/18) This book opened the collection and I actually ended up liking it. Angela wasn't as annoying as some protagonists in the genre, and I ended up liking her. The plot interested me as well as the lore, which I thought was fairly cool. The ending's a bit irksome because it kind of ends on a cliffhanger, though it was also predictable. The plot twist wasn't much of a plot twist because I saw it coming at least half way through the book. Other than that, it wasn't bad.
Twin Souls (Nevermore #1) by K.A. Pope (Dropped Jan 29/18, somewhere in chapter 12) So uh, this book wasn't edited, was it? Because it didn't seem like it was. That's not even counting the jarring and unnatural dialogue throughout it (plus ridiculous shit like Paul shouting in shock only for Alexis to reply casually). This was a
The Girl (Guardians #1) by Lola St. Vil (Dropped Jan 31/18, seven chapters in) If I thought Alexis was awful as a protagonist, she's got nothing on Emmy. This book immediately opens with the two Japanese kids looking like anime characters and Emmy having purple eyes and being a social outcast and I feel I'm in an anime fanfic circa 2005. Emmy literally falls in love with and obsesses over Marcus from the moment she meets him and the book devolves into her obsessing over the guy. For some reason, it switched POVs to Marcus so we can backtrack and go over shit from before they meet but we also get to see that Marcus is going to obsess over her too. That was it for me. I can't care anymore. I quit x2.
Rest For The Wicked (Claire Wiche Chronicles #1) by Cate Dean (Finished Feb 1/18) Maybe it was because it was short but this book was so wham bam thank you ma'am that I couldn't honestly enjoy it. The plot just shoots right in with no explanation. There's no proper back story and the characters have no defining characteristics. They meet and ten minutes later they're planning exorcisms together. For what it was, it was alright. But was it good? Nah.
November 29, 2018
What an absolute bounty of reading entertainment, this collection is.
While doing research for my own book, I chanced across this free - who doesn't love a freebie - collection and not only did it force me to buy (some) of the books in the set for other people, (as gifts) but I then had to buy subsequent books for myself, and further novels after that!
It introduced me to some great writers (no name, no foul) and I hope it does for you too.
What a brilliant way to meet new authors without the worry of money down the drain.
I kept having to stop and read more books in *that* series and then return to the set, which is why it took me some 3+ months to finish it.
Now I just have to buy some more (MORE) bookshelves...
While doing research for my own book, I chanced across this free - who doesn't love a freebie - collection and not only did it force me to buy (some) of the books in the set for other people, (as gifts) but I then had to buy subsequent books for myself, and further novels after that!
It introduced me to some great writers (no name, no foul) and I hope it does for you too.
What a brilliant way to meet new authors without the worry of money down the drain.
I kept having to stop and read more books in *that* series and then return to the set, which is why it took me some 3+ months to finish it.
Now I just have to buy some more (MORE) bookshelves...
February 13, 2018
I actually really liked some of the stories, but most of them were mediocre. The only one I really enjoyed was the one with the medium (can't remember the name lol), set back in the early 1900's or thereabouts. Most of the rest bored me, to be honest, and it seemed to me like the authors were trying too hard to seem realistic, but couldn't pull it off. There were times when I'd think "People don't really talk like that", etc.
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