*Guest book review contributed by Bill Mackela*

 

The NightShade Forensic Files Book 1:
Under Dark Skies

 

Bill’s review:

This book was a very pleasant surprise. I didn’t know what to expect when I read the blurb about Under Dark Skies. After seeing the cover, I thought that there might be some sort of werewolf or dark fantasy sort of thing going on, but figured that I would give it a shot anyway. (I really don’t like most werewolf books.) Well, this wasn’t what I expected at all.

A.J. Scudiere is a very talented writer. She grabbed me right away. She had me interested from the Pre-Introduction, The Science of Myth. Her scientific analyses of witches, vampires, zombies, and werewolves got me interested and drew me right in. Then the Introduction proved that Ms. Scudiere knew what she was doing. She had an idea and the skill to bring that idea to fruition.

Even though this book has fantasy elements, it feels more like the X-Men rather than Twilight. These characters feel more like mutants instead of paranormal creatures. And just like the X-Men, these are people with some added enhancements who struggle to deal with the guilt from their past, and how to accept, and use their talents in the present. Ms. Scudiere has taken an outstanding premise and turned it into an exciting first book in a new series. This is one series that I am looking forward to following. If there is a way to become a fan of NightShade, put me on the list.

Even though Under Dark Skies will never be mistaken for “Great Literature,” I loved it! I had a great time reading it. A.J Scudiere know what she is doing. Therefore, I’m giving Under Dark Skies 5 Stars out of 5 and Two Big Thumbs Up! I hope that you like it as much as I did.

I was sent a Digital Review Copy by the publisher.

 

Book Description:

In NightShade, nothing is as it seems . . .

As a former medical examiner, Donovan Heath is a natural investigator, but he’s not really comfortable working with live people. So he’s shocked to be offered a spot in the FBI’s secretive division, NightShade. Even more interesting: his new partner, Eleri, is generating some pivotal intel, seemingly out of nowhere and refuses to reveal her sources.

After the disaster of her last case, Eleri Eames sees NightShade as her salvation in the Bureau, but something is seriously off about the whole division. And she’s growing more and more convinced that her new partner may not be completely . . . human.

In case their first assignment—finding a charismatic cult leader and his true believers—isn’t difficult enough, Donovan and Eleri are also charged with finding another Agent’s missing daughter. The stakes may be too high. It seems they can’t save the innocent without sacrificing something of themselves.

Will their secrets save them . . . or destroy them?

Book Details
Release: April 2, 2015
Publisher: Griffyn Ink
ISBN: 978-1-937996-36-9
Pages: 366

 

 

 

This guest post was contributed by Bill Mackela. A retired construction Steamfitter, Bill is a member of NetGalley, Edelweiss, and GoodReads, and he loves to review the books and stories that he comes across. Check out more of his reviews and posts on his blog.