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Unlucky Charm
Darkness Comes From The Most Unexpected Of Places!
A New Threat Comes to Hopps Town
Following the events of, The Scavenger, we now find Jared a year later, on a two week break from college. He thought this would be a relaxing visit home then it happened, something so dark he felt a strange sense of deja-vu.
Across town we find Reggie Danes and Zane Miller who’ve been friends for over ten years. After Zane purchases an antique pocket-watch, they suddenly find themselves being taunted by past secrets.
Now they must band together to vanquish the demons which plague their lives. Can life ever return to normal?
Will the darkness ever disappear?
A New Threat Comes to Hopps Town
Following the events of, The Scavenger, we now find Jared a year later, on a two week break from college. He thought this would be a relaxing visit home then it happened, something so dark he felt a strange sense of deja-vu.
Across town we find Reggie Danes and Zane Miller who’ve been friends for over ten years. After Zane purchases an antique pocket-watch, they suddenly find themselves being taunted by past secrets.
Now they must band together to vanquish the demons which plague their lives. Can life ever return to normal?
Will the darkness ever disappear?
122 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 4, 2022
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 4, 2022
Unlucky Charm is the second book in the Hopps Town Series by Aiden Lucid, with book one being The Scavenger, which I reviewed in March 2021. Will there be more to come? Yes and I’m glad there is.
The premise brings together a handful of early twenty-somethings. In book one these characters witnessed and battled creepy, evil spirits. Turns out the destruction of the demon was only just the beginning.
I enjoyed the overall plot with secrets and regrets in our past that can come back to haunt you. The author laid these out well, giving us lots of detail. No matter how sorry we are, the pain lingers. Toss in a very angry spirit and you might just end up getting hurt.
Lucid writes some cringeworthy bits. Eeew. He also paints a good picture of movement and threatening foes. There is a small amount of blood and gore which is awesome and necessary.
I did however have difficulty keeping the characters clear whilst reading. They are all about the same age, have similar attitudes, and were involved within the storyline of the last book. I need more distinctive details to separate them.
This is a series that needs to be read in order, so go pick up The Scavenger, then this one, Unlucky Charm for exciting and tense fantasy reads.
The premise brings together a handful of early twenty-somethings. In book one these characters witnessed and battled creepy, evil spirits. Turns out the destruction of the demon was only just the beginning.
I enjoyed the overall plot with secrets and regrets in our past that can come back to haunt you. The author laid these out well, giving us lots of detail. No matter how sorry we are, the pain lingers. Toss in a very angry spirit and you might just end up getting hurt.
Lucid writes some cringeworthy bits. Eeew. He also paints a good picture of movement and threatening foes. There is a small amount of blood and gore which is awesome and necessary.
I did however have difficulty keeping the characters clear whilst reading. They are all about the same age, have similar attitudes, and were involved within the storyline of the last book. I need more distinctive details to separate them.
This is a series that needs to be read in order, so go pick up The Scavenger, then this one, Unlucky Charm for exciting and tense fantasy reads.
January 20, 2022
Aidan Lucid returns to the characters of The Scavenger with a new adventure as Jared, with his growing supernatural talents, is drawn into helping two pretty decent guys survive coming into possession of a cursed object. The book is slow getting started, but roughly one-third of the way in the action gets serious as two ghosts begin to seek vengeance upon the two friends. At times, this was very creepy, and it was always serious.
What this book comes down to is a process for identifying and breaking the curse that I thought worked very well. It was neither impossibly difficult or ridiculously easy—and the ghosts were always out there putting serious time constraints on the effort to save the two would-be victims—a rescue which is by no means certain.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
What this book comes down to is a process for identifying and breaking the curse that I thought worked very well. It was neither impossibly difficult or ridiculously easy—and the ghosts were always out there putting serious time constraints on the effort to save the two would-be victims—a rescue which is by no means certain.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
January 13, 2025
I don't say this about a lot of books, but if i thought I could read a chapter of Aidan's novellas and easily put it down to do housework, I was clearly mistaken. You literally can't sleep on his books, and Unlucky Charm was no exception.
Unlucky charm is book 2 of the Hopps Town Series and if you've read the first book, it picks up a year after the events of The Scavenger, with Jared returning home from college for a break. He soon encounters a dark force that feels eerily familiar. Meanwhile, Reggie Danes and Zane Miller, long-time friends, are haunted by past secrets after Zane buys an antique pocket-watch. Together, they must confront the demons threatening their lives.
As with all of the books I've read, Unlucky Charm was another fast-paced edge of your seat, supernatural horror that hooked me from the very first page. With its magnificent blend of suspense, supernatural elements, and eerie tension, it really was a book that I found hard to put down.
This was another simple, easy to read storyline with an uncomplicated narrative, but that PLOT TWIST made we want to hurry up and grab the next book. The dialogue was realistic and natural and assisted with fleshing out the characters’ personalities and their relationships with one another, effectively conveying certain emotions, adding further depth to the narrative.
For a novella, I found the character development (as with the rest of his novellas that I've read) to be well-developed, with characters having their own distinct personalities and backgrounds. Reading about their growth throughout the story was so good as it was evident they needed to work together to overcome the darkness and eventually face their fears.
If you haven't picked up any of Aidan's books in the past, at least give The Hopps Town series a go!
Unlucky Charm was a gripping read with a well-crafted plot, dynamic pacing, engaging dialogue, and strong character development. It will be the perfect read for fans who enjoy a supernatural thriller!
Now, onto Book 3! I'm getting ready to strap myself in! See you on the other side, Aidan!
Unlucky charm is book 2 of the Hopps Town Series and if you've read the first book, it picks up a year after the events of The Scavenger, with Jared returning home from college for a break. He soon encounters a dark force that feels eerily familiar. Meanwhile, Reggie Danes and Zane Miller, long-time friends, are haunted by past secrets after Zane buys an antique pocket-watch. Together, they must confront the demons threatening their lives.
As with all of the books I've read, Unlucky Charm was another fast-paced edge of your seat, supernatural horror that hooked me from the very first page. With its magnificent blend of suspense, supernatural elements, and eerie tension, it really was a book that I found hard to put down.
This was another simple, easy to read storyline with an uncomplicated narrative, but that PLOT TWIST made we want to hurry up and grab the next book. The dialogue was realistic and natural and assisted with fleshing out the characters’ personalities and their relationships with one another, effectively conveying certain emotions, adding further depth to the narrative.
For a novella, I found the character development (as with the rest of his novellas that I've read) to be well-developed, with characters having their own distinct personalities and backgrounds. Reading about their growth throughout the story was so good as it was evident they needed to work together to overcome the darkness and eventually face their fears.
If you haven't picked up any of Aidan's books in the past, at least give The Hopps Town series a go!
Unlucky Charm was a gripping read with a well-crafted plot, dynamic pacing, engaging dialogue, and strong character development. It will be the perfect read for fans who enjoy a supernatural thriller!
Now, onto Book 3! I'm getting ready to strap myself in! See you on the other side, Aidan!
August 20, 2022
3.5* rounded up to 4*
This is the second book in the Hopps Town series. I haven’t read the first one, but the author quickly explains its plot in the opening chapter of this book.
Jared has a special gift: he can see the dead. Ghosts come to him for guidance on how to cross over. In this book, he encounters a ghost of a tall, black lady, speaking with a French accent, and wearing 19th century clothing. She informs him that something has been stolen from her and that Jared must find it before it’s too late.
Meanwhile, Zane Miller walks into a pawn shop and notices an old pocket watch with an unusual engraving. The watch seems to be calling to him and Zane quickly purchases it.
However, soon him and his best friend, Reggie Danes begin experiencing strange and frightening supernatural phenomena. They are hunted by the ghosts of their past.
Jared, with help from his Aunt Maybelle, must race against time to save Reggie and Zane, but also to help the ghost that asked for Jared’s help.
Will they succeed?
You’ll have to find out for yourselves.
This is a novella that can be read in one sitting – preferably in the evening with your curtains drawn and the warm fire going. I paced myself and read it over two evenings as I wanted to enjoy it a bit longer.
There are some grisly descriptions in the book (it is a horror after all!). For me, it was the dog that really freaked me out.
I enjoyed it and I am looking forward to the next instalment of the Hopps Town series.
Thanks to the author, Aidan Lucid for the e-book, in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second book in the Hopps Town series. I haven’t read the first one, but the author quickly explains its plot in the opening chapter of this book.
Jared has a special gift: he can see the dead. Ghosts come to him for guidance on how to cross over. In this book, he encounters a ghost of a tall, black lady, speaking with a French accent, and wearing 19th century clothing. She informs him that something has been stolen from her and that Jared must find it before it’s too late.
Meanwhile, Zane Miller walks into a pawn shop and notices an old pocket watch with an unusual engraving. The watch seems to be calling to him and Zane quickly purchases it.
However, soon him and his best friend, Reggie Danes begin experiencing strange and frightening supernatural phenomena. They are hunted by the ghosts of their past.
Jared, with help from his Aunt Maybelle, must race against time to save Reggie and Zane, but also to help the ghost that asked for Jared’s help.
Will they succeed?
You’ll have to find out for yourselves.
This is a novella that can be read in one sitting – preferably in the evening with your curtains drawn and the warm fire going. I paced myself and read it over two evenings as I wanted to enjoy it a bit longer.
There are some grisly descriptions in the book (it is a horror after all!). For me, it was the dog that really freaked me out.
I enjoyed it and I am looking forward to the next instalment of the Hopps Town series.
Thanks to the author, Aidan Lucid for the e-book, in exchange for an honest review.
February 2, 2022
My Review
A year following the terrifying events that happened in 'The Scavenger', we are now met with Jared who is home from college for a break. Jared is still very much coming to terms with his newfound ability and still finds it overwhelming but when he is confronted by a spirit who warns him that he must find an item, he is at a loss. Jared is clueless as to what item he needs to find, but thankfully his Aunt Maybelle runs to his rescue.
Two new characters are introduced in this story, Reggie and Zane who are close friends which unknowingly come into possession of a cursed object and before they know it, Zane and Reggie are forced to face their past and their guilt. The only worry is that the past is much more real and present than it should be and presents a very real danger to both Zane and Reggie if they do not get the help they so desperately need.
Jared and Maybelle with the appropriate abilities try to convince the young men that they can help, but a big problem presents itself. What happens if it's too late to help?
This is a perfect novella for a young adult, it flows beautifully and is an easy fun read for supernatural or horror lovers.
Another great story from Aidan Lucid, I am eager to read his future work.
Link to my blog review
https://bit.ly/3L7Dxgq
A year following the terrifying events that happened in 'The Scavenger', we are now met with Jared who is home from college for a break. Jared is still very much coming to terms with his newfound ability and still finds it overwhelming but when he is confronted by a spirit who warns him that he must find an item, he is at a loss. Jared is clueless as to what item he needs to find, but thankfully his Aunt Maybelle runs to his rescue.
Two new characters are introduced in this story, Reggie and Zane who are close friends which unknowingly come into possession of a cursed object and before they know it, Zane and Reggie are forced to face their past and their guilt. The only worry is that the past is much more real and present than it should be and presents a very real danger to both Zane and Reggie if they do not get the help they so desperately need.
Jared and Maybelle with the appropriate abilities try to convince the young men that they can help, but a big problem presents itself. What happens if it's too late to help?
This is a perfect novella for a young adult, it flows beautifully and is an easy fun read for supernatural or horror lovers.
Another great story from Aidan Lucid, I am eager to read his future work.
Link to my blog review
https://bit.ly/3L7Dxgq
January 17, 2022
Set a year after the events in Aidan Lucid’s first book in the Hopps Town series ‘The Scavenger’ this continues Jared’s initiation into the supernatural world of psychic powers, ghosts and demons.
The innocent purchase of an old pocket watch plunges best friends Reggie and Zane into a life or death battle that only Jared and his Aunt Maybelle have the required knowledge and powers to prevent.
Written alternately from the points of view of Jared, Reggie and Zane, the plot moves along at a fast pace and is written in a nice flowing style that holds the readers interest throughout.
There are some nice flashback scene setting sections that fit well with the current day narrative and the supernatural elements are scarily written.
This was an enjoyable novella that would suit a Young Adult audience or anyone who enjoys supernatural or horror stories
https://montysbookreviews.blogspot.co...
The innocent purchase of an old pocket watch plunges best friends Reggie and Zane into a life or death battle that only Jared and his Aunt Maybelle have the required knowledge and powers to prevent.
Written alternately from the points of view of Jared, Reggie and Zane, the plot moves along at a fast pace and is written in a nice flowing style that holds the readers interest throughout.
There are some nice flashback scene setting sections that fit well with the current day narrative and the supernatural elements are scarily written.
This was an enjoyable novella that would suit a Young Adult audience or anyone who enjoys supernatural or horror stories
https://montysbookreviews.blogspot.co...
February 9, 2022
3.5 Rounded to 3
The next installment in the Hopps Town Series brings Jared and Maybelle together to help a couple of people experiencing separate hauntings. A ghost gives Jared hints but he isn't sure what they mean. How are these hauntings related? Can he and Maybelle figure it out and save Reggie & Zane in time?
Another fast-paced, and thrilling supernatural read. Perfect for those that like spooky but still want to be able to sleep 🤣. This was perfect for my dark morning while I sipped coffee.
I sincerely appreciate the publisher for providing me with a review copy. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.
The next installment in the Hopps Town Series brings Jared and Maybelle together to help a couple of people experiencing separate hauntings. A ghost gives Jared hints but he isn't sure what they mean. How are these hauntings related? Can he and Maybelle figure it out and save Reggie & Zane in time?
Another fast-paced, and thrilling supernatural read. Perfect for those that like spooky but still want to be able to sleep 🤣. This was perfect for my dark morning while I sipped coffee.
I sincerely appreciate the publisher for providing me with a review copy. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.
January 26, 2022
Unlucky Charm by Aidan Lucid
Jared and Maybelle are back helping others once again. Two friends are haunted by past experiences provoked by the inadvertent acquisition of a voodoo charm. Cursed they find themselves spiraling into despair.
Lucid, again, bares characters to their soul and then offers them a chance at redemption. Less than innocent acts lead to fatal consequences.
Jared learns to accept that there will be failure in his interaction with the supernatural.
I enjoyed the book and recommend it.
Jared and Maybelle are back helping others once again. Two friends are haunted by past experiences provoked by the inadvertent acquisition of a voodoo charm. Cursed they find themselves spiraling into despair.
Lucid, again, bares characters to their soul and then offers them a chance at redemption. Less than innocent acts lead to fatal consequences.
Jared learns to accept that there will be failure in his interaction with the supernatural.
I enjoyed the book and recommend it.
January 27, 2022
Written review to be posted on Whispering Stories accounts and blog
February 1, 2022
Crisp and engaging plot
This book has yet another unique presenting style. It is a horror story that proceeds in Parts. Each part peels the layer of mystery around haunting events taking place in Hopps Town.
Jared and his Aunt Maybelle perform the needed action to put the melancholy to break. However, it is not without loss!
Every character in the story wheels on the reader’s emotions. The narrative opens with a warning by a spirit of imminent death in the offing. From that point to when this ominous foretelling casts a shadow on Hopps town, to when Jared teams up with his aunt to bring the roused spirit to rest, it is a journey that every horror lover would dig.
Characters like Zane and Reggie keep the interest alive with their stories. It is their past that intertwines with the current terror. The author hops from now to the past timeline to give valuable insights.
The ending is, of course, with a cliffhanger for part two. It outlines Zane’s girlfriend Jessica’s background and relationship with her estranged mother. Leaving you to wonder what more is in store!
If you are a horror story enthusiast, grab your copy now!
This book has yet another unique presenting style. It is a horror story that proceeds in Parts. Each part peels the layer of mystery around haunting events taking place in Hopps Town.
Jared and his Aunt Maybelle perform the needed action to put the melancholy to break. However, it is not without loss!
Every character in the story wheels on the reader’s emotions. The narrative opens with a warning by a spirit of imminent death in the offing. From that point to when this ominous foretelling casts a shadow on Hopps town, to when Jared teams up with his aunt to bring the roused spirit to rest, it is a journey that every horror lover would dig.
Characters like Zane and Reggie keep the interest alive with their stories. It is their past that intertwines with the current terror. The author hops from now to the past timeline to give valuable insights.
The ending is, of course, with a cliffhanger for part two. It outlines Zane’s girlfriend Jessica’s background and relationship with her estranged mother. Leaving you to wonder what more is in store!
If you are a horror story enthusiast, grab your copy now!
March 1, 2022
It is one year after the events of The Scavenger and Jared seems to have come to terms with his gift, even helping lost spirits to cross over. Things are going along well enough when he receives a disturbing visit. Something bad is coming ... soon, and Jared has been tapped to use his gifts once again. This was a great second novella to the duology which started in The Scavenger. Again, Aiden Lucid has a way of drawing you in and keeping you reading till the end. Some intense visual moments along the way have you glued to the page. I was rather pleased to read that another in this series is on the horizon as I was hoping that he did not end with just the two. Looking forward to the third.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest and unbiased review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest and unbiased review.
March 1, 2022
This was a great short story. Easy to read in a sitting, which is great because you won’t want to put it down. Very interesting plot and characters. It was suspenseful until the end! I will have to go back and read the first novel while I am waiting for more!
February 17, 2022
Book Two of the exciting Paranormal HOPPS TOWN Series, UNLUCKY CHARM commences a year after the terrifying events of THE SCAVENGER, during which Jessica, Jared, Zane, and Reggie, along with Jared's Sight-Gifted Aunt Maybelle battle down a deceased racist and a cursed Well. Life seems to be on track, except that trauma never really dies. Then Zane spies an unusual antique pocket watch and purchases it for his mother. It's not an ordinary antique: it carries a deadly 19th century curse.
This Series is classified YA, but I think it works well as NA, since the characters are college-aged [although not all in college] and the themes in both novels are quite deep.
This Series is classified YA, but I think it works well as NA, since the characters are college-aged [although not all in college] and the themes in both novels are quite deep.
June 3, 2022
UNLUCKY CHARM-Book 2 of the Hopps Town Series
Aidan Lucid
January 5, 2022
Jongleur Books
Reviewed by Brian "Skull" Lewis
Howdy readers! It’s your old pal Skull, with another great book for you to check out. Unlucky Charm by Aidan Lucid is book number two of the Hopps Town series, and it picks up where The Scavenger left off. The main characters have gone off to college and better lives, but that’s not the end of the story. Especially for freshly minted demon fighter, Jared. Someone from the spirit world keeps trying to get his attention, but why?
Meanwhile, across town, Richie and Zane find themselves in hot water thanks to a mysterious pawnshop pocket watch. Since Zane purchased the watch, they’ve been having a miserable time being chased down by specters from the past. Not only are these things scary, they’re also deadly. If Richie and Zane don’t get some help quick, it could be curtains for them! Fortunately, Jared is visiting home during a break from college and is available to help. But it takes a hand from his spiritual mentor, Aunt Maybelle to get things moving in the right direction. That’s a good thing, because they’re dealing with an evil demon bent on carrying out a voodoo curse and things get scary fast. Every hour that passes means that Zane and Richie’s lives are getting shorter. Will Jared and Belle succeed or will the demon win? Only one way to find out, head to your favorite bookseller and get a copy of Unlucky Charm by Aidan Lucid!
Damaged Skull Writer and Reviewer gives Unlucky Charm A FIVE STAR RATING of EXCELLENT! It’s a gripping read with plenty of positive messages about life, the value of friendship, kindness, and the fact that nobody is perfect. We all make mistakes, and some of them are pretty awful, but everyone deserves a second chance. Well, except for that creepy demon! Your old pal Skull actually recommends starting with The Scavenger book one of the Hopps Town series to get all the background on Jared and his pals for the best reading experience. But Unlucky Charm by Aidan Lucid is also strong enough to stand on its own. This series of books delivers thrills and chills while keeping the language clean and family friendly. Give them a shot, I think you’ll really enjoy them!
For more information about Aidan Lucid and his books. Did I mention that The Scavenger is being made into a movie? Go to: www.aidanlucidauthor.com
Thanks for stopping by the Skullcave! For more news and reviews, check out your old pal Skull at: www.damagedskullwriterandreviewer.com See you soon.
Aidan Lucid
January 5, 2022
Jongleur Books
Reviewed by Brian "Skull" Lewis
Howdy readers! It’s your old pal Skull, with another great book for you to check out. Unlucky Charm by Aidan Lucid is book number two of the Hopps Town series, and it picks up where The Scavenger left off. The main characters have gone off to college and better lives, but that’s not the end of the story. Especially for freshly minted demon fighter, Jared. Someone from the spirit world keeps trying to get his attention, but why?
Meanwhile, across town, Richie and Zane find themselves in hot water thanks to a mysterious pawnshop pocket watch. Since Zane purchased the watch, they’ve been having a miserable time being chased down by specters from the past. Not only are these things scary, they’re also deadly. If Richie and Zane don’t get some help quick, it could be curtains for them! Fortunately, Jared is visiting home during a break from college and is available to help. But it takes a hand from his spiritual mentor, Aunt Maybelle to get things moving in the right direction. That’s a good thing, because they’re dealing with an evil demon bent on carrying out a voodoo curse and things get scary fast. Every hour that passes means that Zane and Richie’s lives are getting shorter. Will Jared and Belle succeed or will the demon win? Only one way to find out, head to your favorite bookseller and get a copy of Unlucky Charm by Aidan Lucid!
Damaged Skull Writer and Reviewer gives Unlucky Charm A FIVE STAR RATING of EXCELLENT! It’s a gripping read with plenty of positive messages about life, the value of friendship, kindness, and the fact that nobody is perfect. We all make mistakes, and some of them are pretty awful, but everyone deserves a second chance. Well, except for that creepy demon! Your old pal Skull actually recommends starting with The Scavenger book one of the Hopps Town series to get all the background on Jared and his pals for the best reading experience. But Unlucky Charm by Aidan Lucid is also strong enough to stand on its own. This series of books delivers thrills and chills while keeping the language clean and family friendly. Give them a shot, I think you’ll really enjoy them!
For more information about Aidan Lucid and his books. Did I mention that The Scavenger is being made into a movie? Go to: www.aidanlucidauthor.com
Thanks for stopping by the Skullcave! For more news and reviews, check out your old pal Skull at: www.damagedskullwriterandreviewer.com See you soon.
March 19, 2023
‘“Sins from the past always come back to haunt you. Don’t do wrong to nobody because karma...well, you know what they call that.”’
UNLUCKY CHARM, Book Two Of The Hopps Town Series, by Aidan Lucid, takes place a year later, wherein we follow Jared Duval, home from college for two weeks, who is visited by a specter with a dark message.
On the other side of Hopps Town, we follow Zane Miller and his best friend of ten years, Reggie Danes. After purchasing an antique watch for his mother, Zane and Reggie’s world begins to unravel as darkness enters their lives.
With the help of his Aunt Maybelle, will Jared decipher the message in time?!?
You have to read the book and find out. ;)
As a fellow SUPERNATURAL fan, this part made me laugh:
‘“You gotta admit, though, it’s cool riding shotgun with me, solving cases like Dean and Sam Winchester.” “Yeah, it’s cool. I’m Dean, though.” “Pfft. You wish, homeboy,” Maybelle scoffed. They shared a brief laugh.’
Based on the ending, I can’t wait to read Book Three!
Thank you, Aidan Lucid and Jongleur Publishing, for providing me with an eBook of UNLUCKY CHARM at the request of an honest review.
Category: YA Horror
UNLUCKY CHARM, Book Two Of The Hopps Town Series, by Aidan Lucid, takes place a year later, wherein we follow Jared Duval, home from college for two weeks, who is visited by a specter with a dark message.
On the other side of Hopps Town, we follow Zane Miller and his best friend of ten years, Reggie Danes. After purchasing an antique watch for his mother, Zane and Reggie’s world begins to unravel as darkness enters their lives.
With the help of his Aunt Maybelle, will Jared decipher the message in time?!?
You have to read the book and find out. ;)
As a fellow SUPERNATURAL fan, this part made me laugh:
‘“You gotta admit, though, it’s cool riding shotgun with me, solving cases like Dean and Sam Winchester.” “Yeah, it’s cool. I’m Dean, though.” “Pfft. You wish, homeboy,” Maybelle scoffed. They shared a brief laugh.’
Based on the ending, I can’t wait to read Book Three!
Thank you, Aidan Lucid and Jongleur Publishing, for providing me with an eBook of UNLUCKY CHARM at the request of an honest review.
Category: YA Horror
March 17, 2025
This is the follow-up to The Scavenger. I enjoyed reading more about Jared's paranormal adventures, and also checking in with some of the other characters from the first book and seeing what they're doing now. That being said, I think you could pick up this book without having read the first book. It starts when Jared is home from college, and all you definitely need to know from Book 1 is that he has some paranormal abilities and his aunt is working with him and teaching him how to use them.
This time around, Jared meets a ghost in his kitchen. She needs his help, but he's not exactly sure with what. Meanwhile, a new character accidentally acquires a cursed object that will have deadly consequences if he doesn't figure out what to do, and fast.
Both storylines are interesting. Jared's ghost is a bit spooky, but the cursed object storyline is downright terrifying! Jared and his aunt will try their best to help with both.
The author tells a great story with plenty of scary moments, plus some nice personal/family moments with Jared as well. I enjoyed reading it, and am looking forward to Book 3!
This time around, Jared meets a ghost in his kitchen. She needs his help, but he's not exactly sure with what. Meanwhile, a new character accidentally acquires a cursed object that will have deadly consequences if he doesn't figure out what to do, and fast.
Both storylines are interesting. Jared's ghost is a bit spooky, but the cursed object storyline is downright terrifying! Jared and his aunt will try their best to help with both.
The author tells a great story with plenty of scary moments, plus some nice personal/family moments with Jared as well. I enjoyed reading it, and am looking forward to Book 3!
February 23, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I did not enjoy this book, it was a poor 2nd book in the series, there was no character growth like one would expect in a 2nd book. I understand that they had to have a story with Reggie and Zane, however, as Jared is the theme of the book, there should have been some focus on him, his growth, but there wasn't much. A few chapters in the beginning and a few in the end.
I also did not really enjoy Zane and Reggie, they were also very 1 dimensional characters, and where the first book was quite scary, this one wasn't even mildly scary.
Perhaps this was more about my personal expectations of the book - having read the first one and really enjoying it, rather than and failing on the part of the author, which the one of the reasons I am giving it three stars, the other is that I finished the book.
I did not enjoy this book, it was a poor 2nd book in the series, there was no character growth like one would expect in a 2nd book. I understand that they had to have a story with Reggie and Zane, however, as Jared is the theme of the book, there should have been some focus on him, his growth, but there wasn't much. A few chapters in the beginning and a few in the end.
I also did not really enjoy Zane and Reggie, they were also very 1 dimensional characters, and where the first book was quite scary, this one wasn't even mildly scary.
Perhaps this was more about my personal expectations of the book - having read the first one and really enjoying it, rather than and failing on the part of the author, which the one of the reasons I am giving it three stars, the other is that I finished the book.
March 5, 2025
This was the first book I have read in the Hopps town Quadrillogy, but it will not be my last. I enjoyed the characters and the plot. Jared and Belle can communicate with ghosts and receive a dire warning from a voodoo priestess to return to her what was taken a century before or the current owners of the item will die. Assisted with information from a deceased relative, they reach out to the current owner of the item and race to return it before the unleashed demon kills them. Definitely ordering the previous volume in this series as my next read.
July 3, 2022
This is the second book in a series, and while I had not read the first book, I was still able to enjoy the story. I enjoyed the characters, and the story. It had great tension and good pacing. If you are looking for a fast-reading horror, you'll enjoy this. I look forward to reading more by this author.
October 4, 2025
Death is coming!!
I have a great time with this book 2 and it was again a quick read, great plot and a little gory than the last book.
The time is running out for both Zane and Reggie. Two best friends, each with a dark secret that unfortunately, is coming to haunt them. Jared, with the help from his aunt need to act fast before the demon came and claiming their souls.
I have a great time with this book 2 and it was again a quick read, great plot and a little gory than the last book.
The time is running out for both Zane and Reggie. Two best friends, each with a dark secret that unfortunately, is coming to haunt them. Jared, with the help from his aunt need to act fast before the demon came and claiming their souls.
July 20, 2022
I received a copy of Unlucky Charm from the author in return for an honest review. Thank you so much for this opportunity!
This was an interesting and unique novella! Though technically a sequel, this novella can be read as a standalone. But reading it’s predecessor would be helpful for some of the backstory on our main character. However, the plot of this one is able to stand on its own. And after reading this one, I want to go back and read the first one!
It kept me captivated all the way through. I wanted to know what was going to happen. The premise is very intriguing, a haunted pocketwatch? You’ve got my attention.
I do wish it was a little bit longer, I could easily see this premise flushed out to a full length novel. There were just some sections that felt rushed through. I would have loved some more details and just more haunts from the demons we see.
Overall, this is a quick paced paranormal horror that will keep your attention from start to finish. I’d recommend this to any horror lover.
This was an interesting and unique novella! Though technically a sequel, this novella can be read as a standalone. But reading it’s predecessor would be helpful for some of the backstory on our main character. However, the plot of this one is able to stand on its own. And after reading this one, I want to go back and read the first one!
It kept me captivated all the way through. I wanted to know what was going to happen. The premise is very intriguing, a haunted pocketwatch? You’ve got my attention.
I do wish it was a little bit longer, I could easily see this premise flushed out to a full length novel. There were just some sections that felt rushed through. I would have loved some more details and just more haunts from the demons we see.
Overall, this is a quick paced paranormal horror that will keep your attention from start to finish. I’d recommend this to any horror lover.
partially-read
August 29, 2024Trigger Warnings: explicit language; bullying; sexual content; violence and death; demonic/supernatural activity
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