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Amethyst
REVERENCE AWAITS
Rashell’s brother has vanished. When the local villagers express no concern, she enlists the help of a stranger from a faraway city to find Teth.
Investigator Derrik discovers the people worship a massive stone known as the Amethyst. Even more bizarre, an ancient relic of a mummy fuels their reverence.
Given limited time, Rashell and Derrik confront these mysterious elements at play, all the while striving to uncover what happened to Rashell’s brother.
Rashell’s brother has vanished. When the local villagers express no concern, she enlists the help of a stranger from a faraway city to find Teth.
Investigator Derrik discovers the people worship a massive stone known as the Amethyst. Even more bizarre, an ancient relic of a mummy fuels their reverence.
Given limited time, Rashell and Derrik confront these mysterious elements at play, all the while striving to uncover what happened to Rashell’s brother.
ebook
Published September 24, 2020
18 people want to read
About the author
Jesse Nolan Bailey
8 books73 followersEnthralled by the magic that written stories contain, Jesse Nolan Bailey has always wanted to be an author. With his debut novel, THE JEALOUSY OF JALICE, and his shorter fiction, AMETHYST, released to the masses, he can now claim such title with relief. He lives in Durham, North Carolina, where he has embraced the equally-gratifying lifework of hosting a trio of spoiled cats and two mini-aussies.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 12, 2020
Rashell's brother is missing, and no one is her village is doing anything to help find him. Keer the village leader seems to not ever care that he is gone. So she sends away for an outsider to come investigate. They don't like outsiders in this place
Derrik, is an investigator who arrives but it isn't just the missing brother that he is interest in. Yes it is part of the reason he is there, the other is because stories of this village has reached the organization that he works for. It is the cult like worship that goes on in that village that is the real reason he came.
You see the people of this place worship a large stone called the Amethyst, and it's connection to the oracle, an ancient mummy. Like I said they don't like outsiders, if you are not connected they want to purge you, to keep them safe
This short story was eerie and horrific. A quick horror fantasy that is very Lovecraftian. If Jesse Nolan Bailey ever decides to expand on this tale I would love to read it. Also need to point out the trans rep in this book. ++ for that.
I was given a copy for review for Storytellers on tour book tours.
I Can Has Books?
Derrik, is an investigator who arrives but it isn't just the missing brother that he is interest in. Yes it is part of the reason he is there, the other is because stories of this village has reached the organization that he works for. It is the cult like worship that goes on in that village that is the real reason he came.
You see the people of this place worship a large stone called the Amethyst, and it's connection to the oracle, an ancient mummy. Like I said they don't like outsiders, if you are not connected they want to purge you, to keep them safe
This short story was eerie and horrific. A quick horror fantasy that is very Lovecraftian. If Jesse Nolan Bailey ever decides to expand on this tale I would love to read it. Also need to point out the trans rep in this book. ++ for that.
I was given a copy for review for Storytellers on tour book tours.
I Can Has Books?
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November 9, 2020Amethyst is now live! Visit my author website to get a free copy today!
If you enjoy cosmic horror, dark fantasy, lgbtq characters, weird fiction, then this one if for you.
If you enjoy cosmic horror, dark fantasy, lgbtq characters, weird fiction, then this one if for you.
November 9, 2020
If I can ever resist a book cover with an ominous feel and a skull, hell will freeze over. Thus, with my visual senses tempted, I dove into the story and… well, it definitely was an episode of a creepy kind.
Reverence has a big place at the core of this story. Reverence towards Amethyst and the associated existing supernatural, in this weird village, in this dedicated cult. The whole place boggles the mind, and yet, there are those who would do its bidding. Heck, protect it. Even though it clearly is harmful. It is this place that oozes ominous, that the story takes us.
Teth, brother to Rashell, is missing. And as she gets no answers as to where he has gone, nor any help from any of the villagers to help her locate him, Rashell invites a paranormal investigator in. Through investigator Derrik’s eyes the reader is then introduced to the whole bizarro vibe of the village and its population, and the ways in which they live. A population which in its entirety is a cult, headed by a strict leader. Newcomers aren’t really welcomed and are heavily distrusted until they go through some kind of rituals which are bordering on the otherworldly and completely terrifying.
Obviously, I cannot say more about the investigation or details surrounding it, because that would just be spoiling the story. But I can say more about the overall feel:
Scenes and moments within the story were described in flourishing detail. This detail amazed me, because it told me that Bailey has some incredible visual material to base his settings on. The descriptions weren’t rushed and their true purpose was indeed to create this weird otherworldly vibe. In fact, the more I let myself truly imagine what author had intended, I was positively creeped.
Due to the shorter nature of this story, we do not get the whole kit and caboodle of all the characters, the world where the village exists but make no mistake, there is something seedy and harmful happening. We will find out some interesting facts about the sibling relationship in between Rashell and Teth – the importance of her finding him, the motivation driving her.
There were a few moments where Rashell and Derrik both aggravated me for various reasons which pushed the dialogue and story flow into repetition or slowness. These being the only setbacks of the story that didn’t gel with my personal preference. It felt like the obvious was staring our investigation in the eye, and yet no dots were connected. But. Having said that, it’s not the process of investigation that is the core of the story. It’s the purpley haze of the village, dragging you into a nightmarish zone pulsating with tons of ominous vibes. And once we realize the fate of Rashell’s brother, something much, much bigger will take place.
The last quarter or so of the story picks up pace in noticeable strides and becomes a sort of frenzy of horrific glimpses of death and survival and future truths. Ultimately, there are winners and losers in this particular village, the surrounding forest and the cult revels in these parts. But who will walk away from the endgame this time- the victim or the monster?
Reverence has a big place at the core of this story. Reverence towards Amethyst and the associated existing supernatural, in this weird village, in this dedicated cult. The whole place boggles the mind, and yet, there are those who would do its bidding. Heck, protect it. Even though it clearly is harmful. It is this place that oozes ominous, that the story takes us.
Teth, brother to Rashell, is missing. And as she gets no answers as to where he has gone, nor any help from any of the villagers to help her locate him, Rashell invites a paranormal investigator in. Through investigator Derrik’s eyes the reader is then introduced to the whole bizarro vibe of the village and its population, and the ways in which they live. A population which in its entirety is a cult, headed by a strict leader. Newcomers aren’t really welcomed and are heavily distrusted until they go through some kind of rituals which are bordering on the otherworldly and completely terrifying.
The forthcoming rite would be a holy pain. A blessing to be one with the Oracle’s mind. A sign of loyalty to the Amethyst.
Obviously, I cannot say more about the investigation or details surrounding it, because that would just be spoiling the story. But I can say more about the overall feel:
Scenes and moments within the story were described in flourishing detail. This detail amazed me, because it told me that Bailey has some incredible visual material to base his settings on. The descriptions weren’t rushed and their true purpose was indeed to create this weird otherworldly vibe. In fact, the more I let myself truly imagine what author had intended, I was positively creeped.
Due to the shorter nature of this story, we do not get the whole kit and caboodle of all the characters, the world where the village exists but make no mistake, there is something seedy and harmful happening. We will find out some interesting facts about the sibling relationship in between Rashell and Teth – the importance of her finding him, the motivation driving her.
There were a few moments where Rashell and Derrik both aggravated me for various reasons which pushed the dialogue and story flow into repetition or slowness. These being the only setbacks of the story that didn’t gel with my personal preference. It felt like the obvious was staring our investigation in the eye, and yet no dots were connected. But. Having said that, it’s not the process of investigation that is the core of the story. It’s the purpley haze of the village, dragging you into a nightmarish zone pulsating with tons of ominous vibes. And once we realize the fate of Rashell’s brother, something much, much bigger will take place.
When nature rages, it often can be a beautiful fury.
The last quarter or so of the story picks up pace in noticeable strides and becomes a sort of frenzy of horrific glimpses of death and survival and future truths. Ultimately, there are winners and losers in this particular village, the surrounding forest and the cult revels in these parts. But who will walk away from the endgame this time- the victim or the monster?
June 7, 2021
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.
I really struggled with how to rate this book.
Rashell’s brother is missing, and when the village elders rest on their laurels, Rashell decides to bring in outside help in the form of Derrik, an investigator of strange phenomenons, to find him. The village elders, however, are not happy that Rashell has brought a stranger into their midst.
Derrik soon realizes, however, that there is something more irregular than just a missing person's case afoot in the village. Everyone seems to worship a giant purple stone they call the Amethyst as well as a mummified-type of creature called the Oracle which possesses great power and renders everyone fearful.
As I said, I really struggled here, but in the end, I decided this novella came down on the side of weaker than strong. There was just a dearth of imagery as well as too many unknowns and information holes.
First of all, where and when is all of this taking place? There is no backstory here nor any indication of who these people are. To make things even more confusing, I could not picture anything; not the people, the place, nor the creatures.
New writers often fall into the trap of telling rather than showing, and that’s what happened here. The tale is bereft of visual details. Add to this the fact that I never really understood what the Amethyst and Oracle are and what they did, and you’ve got a less than stellar story.
The author also tossed in some mention of Rashell’s gender and lack of hair growth which caused her to wear wigs. Why? These details played absolutely no part in the story. It’s like the author wanted to be able to say he wrote an LGBTQ-friendly story.
Anyway, color me less than impressed.
I really struggled with how to rate this book.
Rashell’s brother is missing, and when the village elders rest on their laurels, Rashell decides to bring in outside help in the form of Derrik, an investigator of strange phenomenons, to find him. The village elders, however, are not happy that Rashell has brought a stranger into their midst.
Derrik soon realizes, however, that there is something more irregular than just a missing person's case afoot in the village. Everyone seems to worship a giant purple stone they call the Amethyst as well as a mummified-type of creature called the Oracle which possesses great power and renders everyone fearful.
As I said, I really struggled here, but in the end, I decided this novella came down on the side of weaker than strong. There was just a dearth of imagery as well as too many unknowns and information holes.
First of all, where and when is all of this taking place? There is no backstory here nor any indication of who these people are. To make things even more confusing, I could not picture anything; not the people, the place, nor the creatures.
New writers often fall into the trap of telling rather than showing, and that’s what happened here. The tale is bereft of visual details. Add to this the fact that I never really understood what the Amethyst and Oracle are and what they did, and you’ve got a less than stellar story.
The author also tossed in some mention of Rashell’s gender and lack of hair growth which caused her to wear wigs. Why? These details played absolutely no part in the story. It’s like the author wanted to be able to say he wrote an LGBTQ-friendly story.
Anyway, color me less than impressed.
November 11, 2020
Hot on the heels of his debut The Jealousy of Jalice which is one of my favourite books of 2020, comes Amethyst, a fantasy novella that is quite different and yet still showcases Jesse Nolan Bailey’s ability to weave a gripping story, even within the tight confines of 133 pages.
I love stories that explore the idea that humans are just as terrifying or ‘evil’ (depending on your point of view of course) as the monsters lurking in the shadows, I especially loved them when they’re done like this. With one of the most malevolent atmospheres I’ve felt from a book in a while, this wasn’t just a creepy backdrop to the story and characters, it was practically a present in and of itself, and it was absolutely fantastic. Especially, when it was crafted and held on a razor edge in a shorter book where everything had to be focused within a short space, and Amethyst packs a lot into that space while maintaining that atmosphere and the careful balance between breadth of story and the limitations of a novella (and leaving you both satisfied and wanting way more, of this book and of the author’s writing).
The worldbuilding and characterisation are a little more limited by the length of the book, and yet it still shines through, and while we may not spend enough time with the characters – I want to spend more time with Kerr even if he makes my skin crawl – the time we have with them is well spent. This is a beautifully realised world, that feels real and weird and creepy in equal measure and pulls you well and truly into its pace. Everything from the characters, to the village and the cult, is woven together so that each one is part of the other, strengthening the atmosphere – because the villagers are as ominous as the world they inhabit, and the interactions with them, only helped to build the tension and the atmosphere.
Once again, I find myself in love with Jesse Nolan Bailey’s writing, it’s visceral and beautiful, and really lifts Amethyst to a whole other level, and a couple of scenes had me well and truly on edge because of that, and there were twists that I didn’t see coming, but were perfectly executed for maximum impact. Amethyst was a brilliant, horrifying read that I would recommend to anyone who loves fantasy/horror, especially if they’re looking for a shorter read that packs a punch. This book has well and truly cemented that he will be an instant buy author for me for the foreseeable future.
I love stories that explore the idea that humans are just as terrifying or ‘evil’ (depending on your point of view of course) as the monsters lurking in the shadows, I especially loved them when they’re done like this. With one of the most malevolent atmospheres I’ve felt from a book in a while, this wasn’t just a creepy backdrop to the story and characters, it was practically a present in and of itself, and it was absolutely fantastic. Especially, when it was crafted and held on a razor edge in a shorter book where everything had to be focused within a short space, and Amethyst packs a lot into that space while maintaining that atmosphere and the careful balance between breadth of story and the limitations of a novella (and leaving you both satisfied and wanting way more, of this book and of the author’s writing).
The worldbuilding and characterisation are a little more limited by the length of the book, and yet it still shines through, and while we may not spend enough time with the characters – I want to spend more time with Kerr even if he makes my skin crawl – the time we have with them is well spent. This is a beautifully realised world, that feels real and weird and creepy in equal measure and pulls you well and truly into its pace. Everything from the characters, to the village and the cult, is woven together so that each one is part of the other, strengthening the atmosphere – because the villagers are as ominous as the world they inhabit, and the interactions with them, only helped to build the tension and the atmosphere.
Once again, I find myself in love with Jesse Nolan Bailey’s writing, it’s visceral and beautiful, and really lifts Amethyst to a whole other level, and a couple of scenes had me well and truly on edge because of that, and there were twists that I didn’t see coming, but were perfectly executed for maximum impact. Amethyst was a brilliant, horrifying read that I would recommend to anyone who loves fantasy/horror, especially if they’re looking for a shorter read that packs a punch. This book has well and truly cemented that he will be an instant buy author for me for the foreseeable future.
October 20, 2021
I really enjoyed this short story, as it was both eerie and horrific. A quick horror fantasy that is very Lovecraftian. If Bailey ever decides to expand on this tale I would really enjoy his expansion on this story. I felt that the scenes within the story were described with fantastic attention to detail. This amazed me because I took from that that Bailey had some amazing visual material on which he based his setting. I thought this story wasn't rushed at all, even though it was shorter than the YA I usually write, and this otherworldly vibe stuck with me throughout the tale.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 4, 2021
The first thing that hooked me into this book was the cover....yes I am one of those people that do judge a book by its cover!
This book features characters that all add something too the storyline (with this being a short story this adds great depth) , Rashell, Teth and Derrik, the author describes them in a way that you can picture them.
You follow them on their journey , uncovering mysteries while trying to find out what happened to Rashell's brother. I think this is a great short story to read and found it very easy to devour !
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
This book features characters that all add something too the storyline (with this being a short story this adds great depth) , Rashell, Teth and Derrik, the author describes them in a way that you can picture them.
You follow them on their journey , uncovering mysteries while trying to find out what happened to Rashell's brother. I think this is a great short story to read and found it very easy to devour !
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
November 24, 2020
Amethyst 💀 by Jesse Nolan Bailey
I’ve signed up for BookSirens, and I get a free copy of a book for an honest review. I got an electronic copy of this book and read it on my phone.
Within the first two pages I’m questioning whether or not I like the way the Bailey writes. It’s descriptive, but absolutely convoluted. But I realised I can actually read and understand it a hell of a lot better when my full attention is on the book (I’ve tried getting into it at work, wasn’t happening).
I particularly like how the main character is NOT a teenager - it explicitly states she’s a mature lady, and I’m so here for more novels with mature leads!
The town is ostracised from the general population. They worship a massive stone that has magical properties. They don’t like outsiders. Yep, for sure, Amethyst is a cult.
Why does Rashell stay in this place?? I’d love to get more backstory (hopefully it’s explained later in the novel). She has general disdain for the Village Head and the rituals. So why does she stay? (Which yes, was explained - read the book!)
This book REALLY isn’t one that I’ve been able to plow through- I’ve read small bits, then put it back down, then another snippet. But as I got about a third of the way through, it’s ramped up and I can’t stop reading. I’ve finished the last two thirds in a matter of hours.
The visuals in this books are vividly creepy. It’s gross and haunted and very very well written. But this Rashell does NOT have a strong stomach. She’s vomiting and/or gagging every second page. She’s a tough cookie though.
‼️SPOILER ALERT‼️
Sweet justice and revenge! I was so THRILLED when Keer was killed. He was an absolute MAGGOT 🤮
Overall, I highly enjoyed this book. It was sick and twisted and dark and thrilling. The cover was what drew me in first, but absolutely the book lives up to it. Four stars! 🌟🌟🌟🌟
I’ve signed up for BookSirens, and I get a free copy of a book for an honest review. I got an electronic copy of this book and read it on my phone.
Within the first two pages I’m questioning whether or not I like the way the Bailey writes. It’s descriptive, but absolutely convoluted. But I realised I can actually read and understand it a hell of a lot better when my full attention is on the book (I’ve tried getting into it at work, wasn’t happening).
I particularly like how the main character is NOT a teenager - it explicitly states she’s a mature lady, and I’m so here for more novels with mature leads!
The town is ostracised from the general population. They worship a massive stone that has magical properties. They don’t like outsiders. Yep, for sure, Amethyst is a cult.
Why does Rashell stay in this place?? I’d love to get more backstory (hopefully it’s explained later in the novel). She has general disdain for the Village Head and the rituals. So why does she stay? (Which yes, was explained - read the book!)
This book REALLY isn’t one that I’ve been able to plow through- I’ve read small bits, then put it back down, then another snippet. But as I got about a third of the way through, it’s ramped up and I can’t stop reading. I’ve finished the last two thirds in a matter of hours.
The visuals in this books are vividly creepy. It’s gross and haunted and very very well written. But this Rashell does NOT have a strong stomach. She’s vomiting and/or gagging every second page. She’s a tough cookie though.
‼️SPOILER ALERT‼️
Sweet justice and revenge! I was so THRILLED when Keer was killed. He was an absolute MAGGOT 🤮
Overall, I highly enjoyed this book. It was sick and twisted and dark and thrilling. The cover was what drew me in first, but absolutely the book lives up to it. Four stars! 🌟🌟🌟🌟
March 26, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
So. It was quite the story. Where do I begin? There's so much to talk about, especially considering its a short story.
Okay, okay, I know. Let's start from the very first thing we do when reading a book. What a great cover! You didn't see that coming, did you? Judging a story from its cover, be it a book or a movie/series is terribly wrong - we all know that, yet we all do it. This time, however, you are free to assume that this stunning package includes an equally beautiful story. Depending on what you call beautiful I guess, because this is a horror story.
The Amethyst is a stone, worshipped by a whole village along with a mummy they call the oracle. And wouldn't visit a relative living there even if they paid me with an underwater library where I could read with while a shark would try to break the glass and say hello. You really thought I'd say an X amount of money right? Nah, give me the library right away. My money goes to books anyway, why wait for delievery? Back to the story, these people take the 'We don't like strangers' thing to another level. And Derrick had a first hand experience when our protagonist, Rashell, calls for his help. See, her brother is missing and no one in town seems to give a penny about it. What happened? Is he alive? Did someone hurt him? I loved it! There isn't a great amount of characters and that helped alot with the reader meeting and knowing everyone. Bonus points for trans representation. The story as a whole is consistent and captivating, not letting you put it down till you are done with it and leaving you wanting more.
At the beginning of the year, I set a goal of reading more genres and I am glad I did, because I wouldn't have read this one otherwise.
So. It was quite the story. Where do I begin? There's so much to talk about, especially considering its a short story.
Okay, okay, I know. Let's start from the very first thing we do when reading a book. What a great cover! You didn't see that coming, did you? Judging a story from its cover, be it a book or a movie/series is terribly wrong - we all know that, yet we all do it. This time, however, you are free to assume that this stunning package includes an equally beautiful story. Depending on what you call beautiful I guess, because this is a horror story.
The Amethyst is a stone, worshipped by a whole village along with a mummy they call the oracle. And wouldn't visit a relative living there even if they paid me with an underwater library where I could read with while a shark would try to break the glass and say hello. You really thought I'd say an X amount of money right? Nah, give me the library right away. My money goes to books anyway, why wait for delievery? Back to the story, these people take the 'We don't like strangers' thing to another level. And Derrick had a first hand experience when our protagonist, Rashell, calls for his help. See, her brother is missing and no one in town seems to give a penny about it. What happened? Is he alive? Did someone hurt him? I loved it! There isn't a great amount of characters and that helped alot with the reader meeting and knowing everyone. Bonus points for trans representation. The story as a whole is consistent and captivating, not letting you put it down till you are done with it and leaving you wanting more.
At the beginning of the year, I set a goal of reading more genres and I am glad I did, because I wouldn't have read this one otherwise.
September 12, 2021
Thank you Book Sirens and Jesse Nolan Bailey for giving me an ARC copy of the book in exchange for a fair review!
In Amethyst, Rashell's brother is missing, and no one seems to care except her. She sends out a letter for help but is still surprised when help does come to her town—one that hates outsiders.
The town has its own beliefs and traditions that are far from normal, including worshiping a stone called the Amethyst. The investigator who comes to help—Derrik—cannot wrap his head around the oddity that is this town but does think the Amethyst may be connected to Rashell's brother's disappearance.
Rashell is a well-written character who I could follow along with. Her doubts lined up with mine at first. Derrik also is a good contrast against her with some great dialogue lines. He reminded me a bit of Sherlock and Professor Layton.
I figured out the story itself faster than Rashell, which did get a tad frustrating when she kept putting her trust in the wrong place. On the other hand, I liked the story's imagery and their adventures. The description of certain spots was enough to make me cringe. The ending was also great and not too predictable. I didn't get scared really at all, but the horror genre itself doesn't scare me often.
Overall, I enjoyed this good, quick read and would recommend it.
In Amethyst, Rashell's brother is missing, and no one seems to care except her. She sends out a letter for help but is still surprised when help does come to her town—one that hates outsiders.
The town has its own beliefs and traditions that are far from normal, including worshiping a stone called the Amethyst. The investigator who comes to help—Derrik—cannot wrap his head around the oddity that is this town but does think the Amethyst may be connected to Rashell's brother's disappearance.
Rashell is a well-written character who I could follow along with. Her doubts lined up with mine at first. Derrik also is a good contrast against her with some great dialogue lines. He reminded me a bit of Sherlock and Professor Layton.
I figured out the story itself faster than Rashell, which did get a tad frustrating when she kept putting her trust in the wrong place. On the other hand, I liked the story's imagery and their adventures. The description of certain spots was enough to make me cringe. The ending was also great and not too predictable. I didn't get scared really at all, but the horror genre itself doesn't scare me often.
Overall, I enjoyed this good, quick read and would recommend it.
February 21, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Rashell lives in a small, secluded village and enlists the help of an 'outsider', Derrik, to help her investigate the disappearance of her brother Teth.
The entire village seems to be under the compulsion and influence of the village priest, Keer. The village feels very much like a secluded cult, and wary of strangers. Something called Reverence is observed fanatically, whereby a glowing, mysterious stone called the Amethyst is worshipped.
Quite early on Nolan Bailey gives us a clue that the Amethyst is not just a stone, but something more, as even Rashell seems swayed by being in its proximity.
Despite the brevity of this title, the action moves at a respectable pace, and then rushes you along into an almost frantic ending. I would like to say that I was kept guessing until the end, but I saw the end coming before it happened.
Regardless of this I did thoroughly enjoy reading this and will definitely look out for more titles by Jesse Nolan Bailey
Rashell lives in a small, secluded village and enlists the help of an 'outsider', Derrik, to help her investigate the disappearance of her brother Teth.
The entire village seems to be under the compulsion and influence of the village priest, Keer. The village feels very much like a secluded cult, and wary of strangers. Something called Reverence is observed fanatically, whereby a glowing, mysterious stone called the Amethyst is worshipped.
Quite early on Nolan Bailey gives us a clue that the Amethyst is not just a stone, but something more, as even Rashell seems swayed by being in its proximity.
Despite the brevity of this title, the action moves at a respectable pace, and then rushes you along into an almost frantic ending. I would like to say that I was kept guessing until the end, but I saw the end coming before it happened.
Regardless of this I did thoroughly enjoy reading this and will definitely look out for more titles by Jesse Nolan Bailey
August 3, 2021
Rashell’s brother has disappeared and no one in her village seems at all interested in finding our what has happened to him. Rashell seems help form a stranger, and investigator name Derrik. Derrik discovers that the villagers worship a huge stone. The story unravels to unearth what has happened to her brother. This was my first read from this author. I found the work to be somewhat unsettling. I think this is a great read for someone who might be more into horror than I am. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 17, 2020
This short work was really well-written, from the setting to the characters to the overall suspense. The characters were varied and interesting, making me quickly invested in what happened to them. The mysteries and suspense that surrounded the story and its characters were also extremely well-written and engaging. I highly recommend this story!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 31, 2020
I received this ARC from BookSirens in exchange for an honest review.
While this is not the type of book I would normally pick up I was intrigued by the story.
A sister bringing an outsider into her small town to help look for her missing brother. The outsider delves into the intricate workings of this town and discovers secrets that are truly hard to believe.
If you’re looking for a twisted dark story this is a great one. Nice quick read with lots of darkness to it.
While this is not the type of book I would normally pick up I was intrigued by the story.
A sister bringing an outsider into her small town to help look for her missing brother. The outsider delves into the intricate workings of this town and discovers secrets that are truly hard to believe.
If you’re looking for a twisted dark story this is a great one. Nice quick read with lots of darkness to it.
November 10, 2020
Review posting sometime tomorrow. I can say that I liked this even more than I like the authors debut novel, The Jealousy Of Jalice, which was a great book.
October 8, 2020
This is a great example as to why I do not trust the people in standalone villages.
An investigator is contacted by a member of a village seeking help to find her missing brother. Only for him to turn up to a village who worship a mysterious purple glowing stone called the amethyst and further investigation leads to some secrets that get more and more sinister.
Rashell who contacts this man is pretty taken aback by him at first and thinks he’s not that interested in helping her but soon realises he treats her with acknowledgement unlike the village who treat her as an outsider as we soon find out why she is different to what is considered as ‘normal’
It may seem abit all over the place as you read it, but then it all ties together in the end which is exactly what I love when reading.
An investigator is contacted by a member of a village seeking help to find her missing brother. Only for him to turn up to a village who worship a mysterious purple glowing stone called the amethyst and further investigation leads to some secrets that get more and more sinister.
Rashell who contacts this man is pretty taken aback by him at first and thinks he’s not that interested in helping her but soon realises he treats her with acknowledgement unlike the village who treat her as an outsider as we soon find out why she is different to what is considered as ‘normal’
It may seem abit all over the place as you read it, but then it all ties together in the end which is exactly what I love when reading.
February 2, 2021
Thank you to BookSirens for allowing me to read this book for free. This is my review: A town worships beneath a large hanging boulder of amethyst. Their leader, Keer, leads their worship. They are a cult, except for one woman, Rashell, who is somewhat of an outcast in the town. Rashell’s brother, Teth, has gone missing and no one, including Keer, seems to care. She writes to the Organized Association of Phenomenon Study in a nearby city to see if they can send someone. They sent a young man, Derrik Fletterman, but he came to study the cult, not necessarily to look for Teth. He stays in Rashell’s shed and they start gathering all the facts that they know and Derrik believes everything is connected. He believes something is poisoning the land around the town. They start searching and find out more than they really want to know. This was a short story, about 160 pages long and I read it over a couple of nights. It was okay and did have a couple of scary moments, but wasn’t a story I felt I could recommend to any readers I know. One thing I couldn’t understand was why the subject of Rashell’s gender came up. I couldn’t figure out what that had to do with the story. I don’t feel like it added anything and felt that Rashell had enough problems already.
August 25, 2022
I enjoyed reading the book. The description of the place was very vivid. The characters were well thought out. The storyline was fluid. A sister looking for her missing brother enlists outside help to find him. This is frowned upon by the local chief who harasses the outsider by forcing him to undergo a bizarre ritual. Will the outsider survive the machinations of the chief? What are the secrets he is hiding? A gripping story which will give you the chills
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