Solstice

Jun 23, 2012 Sheri rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed, mc

I received this book as an ARC from the author.

Gavin is a vampire hunter. He hunts humans who have been 'infected' and kills them before they fully turn. Gavin, like any good main character hero sort, has a past that continually haunts him. Gavin's past has made him a bit cynical, but he is overall a good guy. When he meets Solstice, he can't just turn her out on her own, no matter how much he would like to. Gavin is the sort of guy that makes a great main character, and he might just be gettin...more

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Jun 21, 2012 W.h. (Lovetiggi) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: adults-only, arc-for-review, dark-fantasy, first-in-series, e-book, thriller-mystery, vampire, horror, bryan-w-dull

ARC for Review ~ WOW! This is an amazing story. Talk about myterious, dark adult reads, this is a fantastical story which faces one, and even more, of our evils in today's society and offers a paranormal battle to fight against it. The author has created a scary world chock full of danger, mystery, suspense, horror, well placed humor, action-packed from page one to the end. It kept me riveted to my seat. I LOVED IT!!

The main character has lost everything that meant anything to him, causing him t...more

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May 23, 2012 Brandy Michelle rated it 5 of 5 stars

AN ARC REVIEW!

Highly Recommended!!!!!! A MUST READ!!!!
First off let me start by saying that this is the 1st book this author has written and he has done an amazing job. If this is a foreshadowing of whats to come then i am very excited. This story has everything from love, friendship, action , suspense and horror in it. You not only get a healthy dose of vamps but you get to see an amazing relationship form between a man and a little girl he is helping to take care of. It is one of the most unc...more

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May 24, 2012 1000 + rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I was instantly interested in reviewing this ARC when I saw the website dedicated to Solstice and the Moxley Trilogy.

It started out with this really great horrorish scene that in my head was BRILLIANT yet the initial writing was disappointing. It didn't match up to the intensity that the scene deserved. I chalk this up to a first edition of an Authors first book.

While it started off a bit slow, after the initial scene I was pleasantly surprised by the writing that followed. It almost felt like...more I was instantly interested in reviewing this ARC when I saw the website dedicated to Solstice and the Moxley Trilogy.

It started out with this really great horrorish scene that in my head was BRILLIANT yet the initial writing was disappointing. It didn't match up to the intensity that the scene deserved. I chalk this up to a first edition of an Authors first book.

While it started off a bit slow, after the initial scene I was pleasantly surprised by the writing that followed. It almost felt like a different Author.

The most amazing parts of this book was the originality of it. I've never heard of a Vampire with Aids who can infect people with one bite to turn into a Vampire with Aids as well. Truly unique in ways that make the book pop.

Another thing about this book that surprised me was that I was WRONG. That's right, I thought I knew what was going on, thought I knew where it was going and what the ending would be. But I was wrong. I couldn't predict it. The twists and turns that came up were ones I didn't expect.

Solstice is a character in this book that was pivotal in many ways and yet also we are left guessing as to what exactly she is. How does she know she's a half breed? How does she know anything? Given her age (I won't spoil this for you) I can't imagine how, unless she met her half creator, she knows anything about what she is or isn't for that matter. The book is named after her and yet we don't know much about her. I know that's part of creating a series or in this case a trilogy but I did expect more.

In a lot of ways I felt that I was left in paused mode, like the book isn't finished. The story isn't fully told. And that's why I'm anxious for the second book in this trilogy.

My interest is peaked, I enjoyed what I read and I WANT MORE!

If you are looking for something different, something unique and original, something without the current trend of Vampire/Human romance give this book a try. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Melissa

Reviewer for 1000 + Books to Read
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May 23, 2012 Royce Hawkins rated it 5 of 5 stars

ARC REVIEW. This was AWESOME. I loved the humor and wit of Gavin. It was like sitting down with a friend listening to him tell you what just happened. Gavin gets a second chance at fatherhood with Solstice, which is endearing. He is a one man crusade. There is action that will leave you panting as to who will be the victor. I can't say enough about this story or even find the words to do it justice. I will absolutely be picking up more from this new author in the future. Don't miss this read!!!!...more

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May 23, 2012 Lynn Worton rated it 5 of 5 stars

Review 7 out of 5

ARC Review

Gavin Moxley is a vampire hunter, and hunts vampires who have yet to fully transform. These vampires have been infected with the deadly AIDS virus by a vampire who is purposely infecting people and turning them. Whilst on a hunt, he meets Solstice, a half breed vampire child, who asks for his help and protection. Gavin unwillingly takes Solstice into his care, in exchange for information on the infected vampires.
Solstice's existence is rare, and she is wanted by the va...more

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May 23, 2012 Mary Ting rated it 5 of 5 stars

I was hooked from the beginning and I couldn't put it down. Very gripping. This is a fantastic story that does not sugar coat vampires. I loved the father/daughter dynamic between Gavin and Solstice. The ending left me wanting more. ARC review, by the author.

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May 23, 2012 Lisa Rayns rated it 5 of 5 stars

Loved the vampire take!

(An ARC Review) One experiment and one vampire’s ploy gone very, very bad for the human race. Infected vampires are much, much worse than regular vampires in this tale. At times the vampires reminded me more of zombies which makes them seem more undead. That is, until Gavin teams up with the object those vamp’s desire. Then it’s an action-packed race to the finish line. Great characters, great storyline. Loved this book and hope to read the next in the trilogy!

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Jun 01, 2012 Kylie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-read, won-giveaway

When I first begun to read Solstice I found it extremely difficult to get into, It didn't really flow. It was almost like the story went off track and got caught up in the details and then jumped back to the task at hand.

A few chapters in and I had caught the jest of what the SL was, which I must say 'It's Fantastic' The SL idea is like none I have ever read before. The transfer of aids and the vampire gene, and then there is Solstice herself... I have become intrigued by her and what may come...more

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Apr 26, 2013 Cameo rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

HOLY HORROR!!!
What can I say…It’s been a long time since I’ve read something that really gripped me, keeping the pages turning, wanting to know what happened next. Well, Solstice did that for me. It was an awesome new take on vampires, and this book had it all…horror, suspense, scary, non-sparkly vampires, mystery, and humor.
Gavin is a vampire hunter, who hunts and kills humans who have been infected, but haven’t turned yet.
He runs into a young Half-breed named Solstice, who needs his help and...more

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Mar 10, 2013 Lunar Haven Reviews and Designs rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Note: Some might recall I did the same review for Paranormal Reads when I was just starting out as an admin with them, however, no longer being apart of the blog I maintain all rights to my review, as such I am using it for this tour. Also note that I have gone back and revised the review a tad bit since when I started out my review skills were not up to par as they are now.

First off I would like to thank Bryan Dull for sending me the book for review. Solstice focuses around a man name Gavin, wh...more

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Feb 11, 2013 Marie DeLaRosa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Note: Some might recall I did the same review for Paranormal Reads when I was just starting out as an admin with them, however, no longer being apart of the blog I maintain all rights to my review, as such I am using it for this tour. Also note that I have gone back and revised the review a tad bit since when I started out my review skills were not up to par as they are now.

First off I would like to thank Bryan Dull for sending me the book for review. Solstice focuses around a man name Gavin, wh...more

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Jan 31, 2013 Crystal Barnard rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I have to say, I rarely get overly excited about a book but this one caught my attention big time. The writing is amazing, very descriptive and catches your attention and holds you till the very end, of which came way too fast for me....lol

Gavin finds himself in a tough situation, he's a vampire hunter who finds himself taking care of a half vampire child who he quickly finds himself becoming attached to.

what happens between these two is both hilarious and emotional. Solstice had a rough start t...more

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Jun 01, 2012 Delphina rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

I was very luck to receive an arc copy of this book before the amazing news that it has been picked up by a publisher and will not be available until it is re-released in January 2013. I have to say this was one of the most creative and dark vampire books I have read in a while and I loved that about it. I read an inordinate amount of vampire books and the "popular" common element lately is the happy good guy vampire. I have no problem with this. I enjoy my vamps however they come, but having th...more

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May 07, 2013 Courtney Lockhart DeLollis rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

***VISIT LOVENBOOKS.COM FOR MORE REVIEWS***

Solstice was nothing like I had anticipated. It was soooo much better!!

Gavin isn't your typical vampire killer like you read about in other paranormal books. He is just a regular guy that has no special powers or weapons that he uses to kill them. And he has no special way of figuring out who is a vampire and who isn't. He just knows that they only come out at night (daylight will kill them) and they haven't completely turned yet, so he knows that he is...more ***VISIT LOVENBOOKS.COM FOR MORE REVIEWS***

Solstice was nothing like I had anticipated. It was soooo much better!!

Gavin isn't your typical vampire killer like you read about in other paranormal books. He is just a regular guy that has no special powers or weapons that he uses to kill them. And he has no special way of figuring out who is a vampire and who isn't. He just knows that they only come out at night (daylight will kill them) and they haven't completely turned yet, so he knows that he is fairly safe.

Solstice isn't a normal vampire and throws Gavin off a bit because she is able to do everything that vampires shouldn't be able to do. However, he doesn't feel the need to kill her off, he feels the need to protect her from others.

Having to protect Solstice definitely throws a wrench in Gavin's plans, if that's what you want to call them. His only goal is to stop these vampires from spreading the AIDS virus and hopefully end it all. He knows that his plans are the best but he has no other ideas as to how to stop this from continuing. He has no family and no friends because this has become his life. And his mind definitely does not let his past rest - will his past forever haunt him???

Solstice may seem like a young child, but she grows rapidly due to being part vampire - a hybrid of sorts. And she is wanted by others to be tested since she is able to walk in the daylight and not be affected. She has many gifts but she is not sure how to control them. She knows how she was created but not sure why or what will happen to her.

Solstice and Gavin are on the run for lives. They can't hide forever and know that they have to fight this "epidemic."

Bryan Dull does a fantastic job of being so original with his writing. He doesn't make up any new ways of killing off a vampire, but he is able to keep everything so entertaining. His writing it what keeps you locked in the story - very original and I love that!!

I can't wait for the next book in this series to see where Solstice and Gavin go from here.

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May 04, 2013 Claire rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-read-in-2013

I can honestly say, ive never read a book like this before!

And that's a good thing.

Mr Dull is a fantastic story teller. I was actually gripped from the first page.

The whole book revolves around a Vampire Slayer -in the first person. He goes out at night to kill prostitutes who arent quite vampire and carrying the AIDS virus. He slays them before they can turn into full vampires.
His reasoning behind the slaying of these particular ones actually makes sense, but during the book he starts to quest...more

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Mar 11, 2013 Autumn rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: own, indie, kindle

I have never used the highlight feature in my kindle so much in my life.. Usually because I forget that its there.. Im working on that.. The other reason is because out of context the zingers or one liners make absolutely no sense.. This time around I completely remembered the highlight feature and the great one liners need little or not explaination.. I have a sick sense of humor so I greatly enjoyed some/all of Dull's jokes..

I havent read anything quite like Solstice in sometime.. There are s...more I have never used the highlight feature in my kindle so much in my life.. Usually because I forget that its there.. Im working on that.. The other reason is because out of context the zingers or one liners make absolutely no sense.. This time around I completely remembered the highlight feature and the great one liners need little or not explaination.. I have a sick sense of humor so I greatly enjoyed some/all of Dull's jokes..

I havent read anything quite like Solstice in sometime.. There are similarities to some books obviously.. I mean this books is about a vampire hunter.. Gavin.. He stumbles across a half breed vampire girl he chooses not to kill her because he can see she is different he goes into this knowing one day he may have to kill her.. one day.. They work together to kill almost vampires.. The explaination of all this ill leave to Dull since he did a wonderful job with it.. I found the vampire lore fascinating... So after the loss of his family Gavin began hunting vampires or almost vampires you see there is a process so yes the loss of his family really takes awhile to get to but its heart wrenching and I can understand why it took so long.. most people dont like dealing with the heartbreak of their past.. It also seems to play apart in his relationship with Solstice.. He acts like a father figure towards her but I slightly wonder if there will be a shift in their relationship later in the series.. If you havent read Solstice yet you may be a little confused.. so just do yourself the favor and pick it up and start reading.. :D

The thing that threw me when I was done reading was there was no current love interest for either Gavin or Solstice.. I mean sure he still loves and mourns his wife years after her death but rarely do I come across a story that has zero love potential.. This is neither good or bad just an observation I had.. because sometimes I notice things...

The back story to both characters is interesting.. And I found Solstice to be a fast read and the ending! OHH the ending definitely left me wanting more.. (less)

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Feb 12, 2013 Autumn rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I received this book to give an honest review.

A very, very different vampire story, and I am glad someone thought outside of the box on this one and made this story different in every way. This is not your average vampire-packed action book this is something more.

It did take me a minute to actually get into the story, but once I did I did not want to put it down. The action was amazing, the characters great, the plot different.
I thought it was amazing that the author Bryan Dull started his nove...more

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May 24, 2012 Jane rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: 1-dire, to-review, kindle

ARC Copy

I was instantly impressed by the cover of Solstice, it was so eye catching and professional looking that I assumed the writing itself would have had the same care taken over it……Sadly not. This book can be put in the ‘desperately needs and editor’ pile.

I get so frustrated when this happens, some of the mistakes are so silly………’the’ instead of ‘that’, ‘to’ instead of ‘too’, missing words and extra words, ‘per say’ instead of ‘per se’. They are all unnecessary errors that could easily have...more

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May 26, 2012 Bex 'n' Books rated it 4 of 5 stars

***ARC REVIEW***
**Expected release January 2013**

Solstice! Wow, this book is so very different from other paranormal, particularly vampire books that I have read. And in a good way! From the opening of the novel, it is clear that this story breaks the paranormal conventions that have been laid out over last 10 years or so.

What is so very different, apart from the lack of sparkling vamps, is the element of reality that Bryan Dull brings to the novel. His writing is so very visual; it was like wa...more ***ARC REVIEW***
**Expected release January 2013**

Solstice! Wow, this book is so very different from other paranormal, particularly vampire books that I have read. And in a good way! From the opening of the novel, it is clear that this story breaks the paranormal conventions that have been laid out over last 10 years or so.

What is so very different, apart from the lack of sparkling vamps, is the element of reality that Bryan Dull brings to the novel. His writing is so very visual; it was like watching a film. Admittedly, I am a very visual reader, and when I do watch a film adaptation, I get confused as it feels like I’ve already watched it when I was reading the book, but Solstice is something else.

I explored Bryan Dull’s thoughts and response to Solstice in a recent interview, and he comments on how his novel started off as a screenplay; I really see this! There are still elements that are crafted like a screenplay. The language and way that Bryan describes the detail of the setting, and provides very explicit character detail is still very much like a screenplay. Please, do not misunderstand me however, Solstice is most definitely a novel, and a fascinating one at that, but the way that Bryan Dull crafted the novel blew me away.

Admittedly, it did take me a while to get into synch, or even the momentum of the book as it is a pretty unique read. However, once I accepted the stylistic lilt of Solstice, I really began to appreciate the novel for its action, plot and superb characters.

The novel opens with the introduction of Gavin, a man full of mystery and quite a heavy past. It is then that we are introduced to Solstice, a young girl who can only be described as unique (obviously because I don’t want to give away any spoilers!). Their relationship is effectively created and developed, with a thought-provoking father/daughter like connection developing. I really liked this angle and appreciated the freshness for the genre.

Throughout the novel, there were many examples of well-crafted wit developed that successfully helped to make Solstice an entertaining read. This, in addition to the creation of suspense, was very well crafted, so much so that it had me on the edge of my seat in anticipation.

Bryan Dull has produced a very successful debut novel, on that I would most definitely recommend to paranormal and horror lovers. A well-deserved 4 stars.
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Jan 16, 2013 Brandy Michelle rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

First off let me start by saying that this is the 1st book this author has written and he has done an amazing job. If this is a foreshadowing of whats to come then i am very excited. This story has everything from love, friendship, action , suspense and horror in it. You not only get a healthy dose of vamps but you get to see an amazing relationship form between a man and a little girl he is helping to take care of. It is one of the most unconventional relationship i have ever encountered but i...more

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Feb 21, 2013 Brandy Michelle rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

First off let me start by saying that this is the 1st book this author has written and he has done an amazing job. If this is a foreshadowing of whats to come then i am very excited. This story has everything from love, friendship, action , suspense and horror in it. You not only get a healthy dose of vamps but you get to see an amazing relationship form between a man and a little girl he is helping to take care of. It is one of the most unconventional relationship i have ever encountered but it...more

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May 05, 2013 Black Words-White Pages rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Adults

Recommended to Black Words-White Pages by: Brandy Michelle

10*s. I received an eARC copy of this book directly from the author in return for an honest review.
WOW. What an amazing read and I can't believe that this is the author's first book written. I was hooked from beginning to end. This book is full of adventure, suspense, action, and a little bit of humor. This a MUST read for adults that have a love for dark paranormal. I love the writing style that this author produces and if the rest of his books are this good, then I see this author reaching the...more

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May 09, 2013 Kristin Kim rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Disclaimer: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

Gavin Moxley hunts vampires. Well, soon-to-be-turned vampires, those who haven't officially made the change, and never will if he has anything to do with it. He hunts a particular type, and for good reason: they're spreading AIDS. He feels as those his cause is noble; he's protecting innocents and keeping the vamp population from increasing. Win-win, right? That is, until he happens upon a pre-teen girl, stashed in the car of one...more

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May 12, 2013 Julie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Ebook: Solstice (The Solstice Chronicles)

Author: Bryan W. Dull

Fiction, Paranormal,

This review may contain spoilers

I was given this by the author for an honest review

Summary: In Gavin Moxley's world, there is no thin line between right and wrong. In a personal crusade to help sever a line of disease carried by a clan of vampires; Gavin has no choice to be ruthless. The Vampires are purposely infecting the human population…waiting for humans to actively pass it on to each other. Gavin takes no cha...more

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May 28, 2012 Heather Badgwell rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is an ARC review---This story is gripping, it holds you and never lets go. But definitely NOT for younger readers, or the faint of heart. But maybe that is what grabbed me. Its very detailed, and a whole different look at vampires than I am used to seeing. I would recommend it to adults only, but definitely worth the read. Gavin has a very important job. To protect the world from the rare infection that is spreading thru vampires. He knows how to spot them, then he has to kill the vampire....more

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May 09, 2013 Katie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

One I started this book i could not put it down, I had to know what happen next. Gavin Moxley's life never change until he met a young half breed vampire with special abilities. Solstice's ask's Gavin for his help. Gavin want's to save people from being turn into a vamp. Solstice's want's to help Gavin all she is asking in return is a place to stay and food.Gavin and Solstice's looks for vamps who has a disease so they can be stop and won't turn humans. I could go on about this awesome book, but...more

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May 18, 2013 Alana ~ The Book Pimp rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, ebooks, owned-books, to-review

Well, isn't this a pickle? I have to admit, this book ended up being far different than I anticipated. I found the opening chapters to be dark and intense, but some unidentifiable thing just seemed off. The kind of stark intensity I think could have been taken to an '11' to really just make it start off with such a *BOOM* that the reader wouldn't stop from being entranced. While it was a kind of shock value that grabbed me (there was some vivid scenes that left me squirming), I wish it had moved...more Well, isn't this a pickle? I have to admit, this book ended up being far different than I anticipated. I found the opening chapters to be dark and intense, but some unidentifiable thing just seemed off. The kind of stark intensity I think could have been taken to an '11' to really just make it start off with such a *BOOM* that the reader wouldn't stop from being entranced. While it was a kind of shock value that grabbed me (there was some vivid scenes that left me squirming), I wish it had moved a little faster or something during the beginning. It seemed a little different and set apart from the rest of the book.

I will say, I think I underestimated this book before I read it. I didn't anticipate how dark the horror was, or how funny the well-placed snark was. I was even taken by surprise with all the ways I thought this book would go, but then *presto chango* a whole different route than I expected.

I also found the underlying mythology to be unique compared to many books out there with the same theme. Bryan Dull really took vampires by the fangs and made them into something I haven't read before. That is really so refreshing to see someone take an age-old horror and put a new spin on it while still not glossing over the fact that they are, indeed, horrors and monsters.

My biggest reservations that lead to a 4♥ review, is the beginning scene, and the myriad of questions the reader are left with. I have to admit, those first pages were so shocking, and just downright bloody, I worried the entire book was going to be like the beginning. Initially, I put it down for a while, because I was worried about the entire book making me squirm while reading. I'm glad I was able to pick it back up and continue on.

So, if you like dark stories, vivid and sometimes bloody descriptions, vampires, and something just a little different, check this out. But please, continue past that first section to get a true taste of the book. It's definitely worth it.

I received a free eBook from the author in exchange for a review.(less)

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Jul 27, 2012 Beth Wright rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wow, this adult vampire read really blew me away. Solstice was born in a very unigue way. Poor thing, she losses her mother and has to learn to survive on her own. This story had me laughing, crying, and gripping my seat every inch of the way. I honestly loved every moment of it and could not put it down. I sure hope the ending is not real, meaning i hope it is all a dream for our hero, if it's not 0.o I honestly don't know how I would be reacting in his place. So.... can't wait to read book two...more

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May 19, 2013 Christy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I love the kind of book that pulls me in and makes me not want to put it down until I finish it. Bryan. W. Dull's books do just that. His writing technique is different, but in a good way. I love how descriptive he is. I could literally play the scenes out in my mind. I felt as though I was sitting in a movie theater, watching the book play, on a big screen, in my mind. I would recommend "Solstice" to everyone!

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Solstice (Solstice Chronicles #1)

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