Under the Grave (Willie E. Dalton)

 

Under the Grave
Willie E. Dalton
⭐: 4/5

Side-note: I am IN LOVE with the cover!

Pros: more character growth for MC, Helen! I absolutely love that as much as I love how many afterlife options there are. I admire how Dalton entertained mythology in several cultures more than anything, I think.

Fantasy isn't usually my thing, but I devoured these!

The setting shifts and creativity is allowed to flow. I'm trying not to spoil it, so that's a vague sentence, but once you read it, you'll understand!

I really loved how nothing was rushed, either. Everything was natural and I didn't see the end coming until it did.

Cons: as with the others, there is quite a bit of sex. Sex is great, but I personally am just not a fan of reading about it (the actual act takes the cake there). Still, the plot of this and the previous ones leading to it make those scenes bearable, especially for character interaction and development.

There are quite a few typos, so if you're the type to catch them like I am, just try to look over them. There's not enough to ruin anything, but still.

I'm also sad the next book isn't out yet. I was sure this was a completed series!

Conclusion: if you're fascinated with death, afterlife, mythology, and fantasy while keeping parts of your humanity, you really need to read this series. You'll think about the afterlife in ways you probably haven't before, as well as become attached to the characters!

Digging to Hell (Willie E. Dalton)

 

Digging to Hell
Willie E. Dalton
⭐: 4/5

Pros: this is the second book in the series and so far, I'm still hooked! I usually lose interest quickly when it comes to series, but not this one. The intrigue of "are things what they really seem?" haunts my mind, constantly leaving me hungry for more.

Speaking of hungry, new creatures are introduced feeding my appetite, mixing the world with creepy and mythology. I'll be starting book three shortly. Still need to figure out what happened to the earth loves of these dead souls!

Also, I'm a bit obsessed with the Romanov family, which is how I came to know about Rasputin, and even in book one, was humored by that. It's been intriguing to see the old mystic in this new, creative spin.

Cons: I actually can't think of any for this one. My con for the first book doesn't even apply, as there's not as much in this one as there was in that. (Go read my review to know what I'm referring to.)

Conclusion: if you're gunning for a paranormal book with an original take, this is your slice of cake, baby!

Digging Up the Dead (Willie E. Dalton)

 

Digging Up the Dead
Willie E. Dalton

⭐: 4/5

Pros: this is the second book in the series and so far, I'm still hooked! I usually lose interest quickly when it comes to series, but not this one. The intrigue of "are things what they really seem?" haunts my mind, constantly leaving me hungry for more.

Speaking of hungry, new creatures are introduced feeding my appetite, mixing the world with creepy and mythology. I'll be starting book three shortly. Still need to figure out what happened to the earth loves of these dead souls!

Also, I'm a bit obsessed with the Romanov family, which is how I came to know about Rasputin, and even in book one, was humored by that. It's been intriguing to see the old mystic in this new, creative spin.

Cons: I actually can't think of any for this one. My con for the first book doesn't even apply, as there's not as much in this one as there was in that. (Go read my review to know what I'm referring to.)

Conclusion: if you're gunning for a paranormal book with an original take, this is your slice of cake, baby!

The Crowns of Croswald (D.E. Night)

The Crowns of Croswald
D.E. Night
⭐: 5/5

Let me begin with the fact that fantasy is not typically a genre I’m easily drawn into. I knew within two chapters that I absolutely wanted to read and review this book for Night! 

Pros: It’s a bit Harry Potter reminiscent in some ways, but the plot itself is original and captivating. There’s plenty of foreshadowing, but not so obvious that it gives the plot away. Night also is a brilliant wordsmith - I cannot count how many times I giggled or smiled seeing wordplay! I also was intrigued with how well she built not only Coswald, but the characters and even inanimate objects such as quills and bottles (both are very important to the storyline). 

There isn’t a detail in this book that doesn’t belong! Every last description, personification, and scene all work together as a cohesive whole! I especially love that the ending wasn’t rushed, given the enormity of building that went on for the world, characters, their interactions, and plot itself. I truly cannot wait to read the next few books in the series!

Cons: There were a few times I was slightly confused, but those moments were answered in time. I just had to exercise some patience. Otherwise, I really don’t know that there are any cons I can think of, truthfully. 

Conclusion: If whimsy, original, similar to Harry Potter, and magical are your things… this is a book you need to try out. I feel it’s not a story that’s been said before, so open the cover for yourself and see if you agree!

P.S.: There's a bit of an Easter egg with one of the Scrivenist's names. See if you can figure it out! If you haven't by the end, message me and I'll tell you! So clever!

P.S.S.: If you're interested, the author is looking for readers! You can obtain the email addresses to contact from her Instagram if interested!