Monique Snyman's Blog, page 6

Abbi Glines’ Field Party Series Promises Hours of Fun!

I’m a bit of a sucker for good young adult series, regardless of the genre. It’s one of those things I’m no longer shy about saying that out loud. I recently found myself with a room full of laundry that needed to be ironed and thought: “Well, you may as well get a book to listen to while you work yourself to death.” Enter Abbi Glines‘ Field Party series …

Did I mean to binge 7 audiobooks in one week? No. My chores had accumulated to about 2 audiobooks’ lengths, maybe 3. Did I find more work to do around the house because I didn’t want to stop listening? Oh, yes! Let’s just say my laundry is up to date, every closet and wardrobe’s been organized, and I started painting my kitchen.

The Field Party SeriesUntil Friday Night

We start off the Field Party series with Maggie Carleton, whose life fell apart two years ago when her father murdered her mother. She hasn’t spoken a word since that night when she relayed the events to the police. Meanwhile, West Ashby is keeping a secret, too, but it’s eating him up on the inside. After a game, West decides to talk to the one girl he knows won’t say anything … Sharing his pain with Maggie, stirs something inside her, and she finally reveals her own heartbreak to him.

Until Friday Night is what got me into the rest of the series. Maggie is such a complex character and her story … Oof! I loved it. West’s growth really made for good listening. I can’t say much more without giving spoilers, so let’s just leave it at that. But I highly recommend trying this one if you’re looking for a quick read (or listen, in this case) to help you get out of a reading slump.

Under the Lights

When Willa returns to Lawton, Alabama, she is not the same girl she used to be. She’s troubled, there’s a darkness inside of her that her childhood best friends, Gunner Lawton and Brady Higgins, won’t ever be able to understand. Gunner has his own pain to deal with, being the bastard son of the richest man in town …

Meanwhile, Brady has it all ��� the good grades, a football scholarship, a great family life, and even a wonderful girlfriend. He’s not happy, though. Will the three of them be able to heal or are they doomed to carry their burdens forever?

Unpopular opinion:��Under the Lights was my favorite book of them all regardless of some of the flaws it has! I loved��the soap opera-ish parts, and I’m a sucker for a good love triangle. Willa was also an intriguing character and I rooted for Gunner all the way.

After the Game

Brady Higgins is Lawton’s golden boy, while Riley Young is shunned for accusing Rhett Lawton (Gunner’s older half-brother) of raping her. When she returns to Lawton after two years, baby in tow, Brady suspects that maybe she wasn’t lying after all. Riley, however, is having a hard time letting go of her anger towards the people of Lawton. Regardless, she’s a great mom and she has plans to get her and Bryony out of there as soon as fate lets her.

This one was a bit of a mixed bag for me. I totally loved that After the Game focused on Riley and Brady, and their stories were rounded off well enough, but something was missing in this one and I don’t know what. Maybe the ending was just a little rushed? I can’t be certain … That being said, I still liked the book and wanted to hear more about what happened next to the kids in Lawton.

Losing the Field

Tallulah Liddell used to be the fat girl at school. It didn’t bother her until Nash Lee, the only person who was ever nice to her, laughed at her expense on the last day of school. From there, she decided to lose the weight during the summer and get her revenge. When school started, everyone noticed her …��Everyone. Even Mr. Dace, the new English teacher and football coach, noticed her.

The summer, however, hadn’t been good to Nash, and his dreams were shattered on Memorial Day. As Tallulah and Nash deal with their own problems, the question is whether they will be able to navigate the lies, heartache, and pain well enough to finally find each other.

Losing the Field started so strong! Unfortunately, this one turned out to be one of my least favorite of the Field Party series for no other reason than the ending. I feel that maybe��it didn’t need to have a happy ending and that Tallulah should have learned some self-respect after her ordeal. That’s just my opinion, though.

Making a Play

In Making a Play, the fifth book in the Field Party series, we follow the story of Ryker Lee ��� Nash Lee’s cousin ��� who’s a real player both on and off the field (if you get what I mean ), and Aurora McClay ��� Hunter McClay’s twin sister ��� who recently moved back to Lawton to live with her father and brother. The moment Ryker and Aurora’s eyes meet, it’s love at first sight, though. I mean, the sparks are palpable! However, there are some challenges for them to overcome before they can truly be together.

I’m not entirely sure if I should go into too much detail about their challenges, because it may contain some spoilers, so I’ll rather just say that��Making a Play dealt with some difficult issues that is very relevant and will have readers on the edge of their seats. The book also ends more on an HFN note, but after reading the sixth book, I suspect it was actually HEA? I’m a bit unsure because this isn’t my usual genre and I don’t know romance rules quite as well as I should.

Game Changer

FINALLY! We came to one of my favorite side-characters’ stories! Asa Griffith may seem like this chill dude who doesn’t get fazed, but it’s all a mask. At home, things are pretty dire and it’s eating away at him. Ezmita Ramos has always lived in Lawton, but due to her being homeschooled, nobody really knew she existed. She’s always had the hots for Asa, though. Their paths cross on a fateful evening when both are struggling with their current situations, and from there it’s a rollercoaster ride that will have you wondering “will they or won’t they” until the last page.

A��lot��happens in Game Changer, which plays off predominantly during Covid, and some of those things feel like unnecessary filler. What truly made me frown, however, was the abrupt ending. I’ll be honest, it left me slightly unsatisfied. That being said, I didn’t hate the book, I was just … surprised. It had all the elements of a fabulous story, but I think I just expected more for Asa’s story. Does that make sense?

The Last Field Party

The final book in the Field Party series,��The Last Field Party, plays off five years after the last one, and all of our favorite couples are on the chopping block. We finally get some closure on what happens between Asa and Ezmita (YAY!). We also learn more about why Tallulah and Nash aren’t together anymore, what Maggie and West are up to, and how Brady and Riley are handling being parents.

Most of the loose ends are tied up nicely. That being said, some of the character growth seemed to have stalled for some reason (I’m looking at you, Gunner and Nash).

I wished for more “soap opera” in this book than we got, but it fell slightly flat in that particular regard. That being said, it was still an excellent series to spend time listening to while I was busy with menial chores around the house. The narrators also did an excellent job throughout, so I definitely applaud all of them for bringing these stories to life.

Am I sad that it’s over? Strangely, yeah. I’m happy I took the time to get lost in Lawton, Alabama’s angst and drama for a little while. Will I be revisiting the Field Party series in the future? Well, stranger things have happened. All in all, if you love romance and you’re in need of something to keep you company while you’re catching up on laundry or working in the garden, I’ll definitely recommend you get your hands on these audiobooks!

Every Parent’s Worst Nightmare Comes to Life in Playground by Aron Beauregard

Full Disclaimer:��Playground��by Aron Beauregard is��not��for the faint of heart!��This book contains graphic content. Reader discretion is advised.

I may have been influenced into buying myself a copy of Playground by Aron Beauregard because most BookTokkers said they couldn’t get past page 46 … Oh, how I love a challenge! I mean, how bad could it be? Well, let’s just say that as someone who isn’t necessarily squeamish, even I struggled at times to continue reading the book. The vivid descriptions of some graphic situations can only be described as nightmare-inducing. At the same time, the creativity involved in this horror-fueled novel is absolutely stellar.

Playground by Aron Beauregard

In a world where horror literature often teeters on the edge of desensitization, Aron Beauregard’s Playground plunges readers headlong into a realm of relentless terror, redefining the boundaries of the splatterpunk genre. What begins as an enticing premise involving low-income families, a cliffside estate, and a revolutionary playground quickly transforms into a harrowing descent into the darkest corners of the human psyche.

Beauregard masterfully constructs a world where the line between good and evil blurs, and the characters’ humanity is laid bare. At the heart of this gut-wrenching tale are three low-income families, thrust into a diabolical experiment orchestrated by the enigmatic Geraldine Borden. As the children are subjected to the sadistic playground, the parents are forced to bear witness to their offspring’s torment. It’s a macabre theater that unfolds with an eerie grace and every parent’s worst nightmare come to life.

Villains, Victims, and Violence …

The brilliance of Playground by Aron Beauregard lies in its characters. The victims, both young and old, elicit empathy effortlessly. The reader is drawn into their despair, feeling every ounce of their anguish. The parents’ helplessness and the children’s struggle for survival are palpable, making it impossible not to invest emotionally in their plight.

Yet, where Beauregard truly shines is in the creation of his villains. Geraldine Borden and her henchmen comprise a rogues’ gallery that is nothing short of diabolical. Their malevolent intentions, twisted motivations, and ruthless actions make them exceptionally easy to despise. You may find yourself seething with anger at the sheer repulsiveness of their characters, a testament to Beauregard’s skill in crafting morally complex antagonists.

The violence and gore, while undeniably present, do not overshadow the emotional intensity of the story, though. Beauregard expertly balances the brutality with the characters’ psychological and emotional journeys.

Amidst the bloodshed and chaos, there exists a scene of “intimacy” so grotesque it challenges the boundaries of depravity. Beauregard’s unflinching descriptions evoke visceral reactions, eliciting shock and fascination in equal measure. It’s a testament to his mastery of the genre and his willingness to push its limits …

In Conclusion

Playground is an exhilarating and, at times, revolting literary experience that defies easy categorization. Aron Beauregard crafts a tale that delves into the darkest recesses of the human condition, challenging readers to confront their own moral boundaries. While the subject matter may be taboo, the reward for venturing into this horrifying world is a beautifully written narrative that grips you from start to finish.

The characters, both victims and villains, are the backbone of the narrative. From Rock’s journey of revenge to the resilience of Isaac, Donnie, CJ, Tanya, Tom, Molly, and Rock, each character is meticulously crafted. Geraldine Borden emerges as a formidable and detestable antagonist, her twisted motivations and repulsive actions casting a long shadow over the narrative.

In the end, Playground by Aron Beauregard��delivers a satisfying conclusion, tying up loose ends and offering glimpses into the remaining children’s fates. The emotional impact of the story is felt most deeply in the closing chapters, as the reader witnesses the ultimate reckoning for the characters, both good and evil.

Gardening Can Be Murder by Marta McDowell

Nestled within the pages of Gardening Can Be Murder: How Poisonous Poppies, Sinister Shovels, and Grim Gardens Have Inspired Mystery Writers by Marta McDowell lies a captivating exploration that intertwines the allure of gardens with the appeal of mystery. As someone who might be more inclined to commit ‘planticide’ than nurture a thriving garden, I found myself ensnared by the relatable title and the enchanting premise that this book presents. So, whether you’re a green-thumbed horticultural virtuoso or a mere enthusiast, this book promises to transport you to a world where sinister secrets are buried amidst the petals and leaves.

Gardening Can Be Murder by Marta McDowell

Gardening Can Be Murder��masterfully grafts together two seemingly disparate worlds ��� the serenity of gardens and the gripping intrigue of mystery novels. This unlikely pairing, expertly curated by Marta McDowell, offers readers a unique lens through which to view both. McDowell’s deft penmanship charts a journey into the historical tapestry where gardens have played a pivotal role in inspiring mystery writers and their tantalizing narratives.

It’s not just the concept that thrills; it’s the execution that truly flourishes. The wonderful illustrations by Yolanda V. Fundora that punctuate the chapters are like dewdrops on petals ��� they add a layer of elegance and visual splendor that resonates harmoniously with the book’s essence. The slow-paced rhythm of the book mirrors the gentle pace of tending to a garden, making it a perfect companion for a rainy afternoon accompanied by the soothing companionship of herbal tea.

One of the most delightful aspects of Gardening Can Be Murder is how it becomes a garden of literary recommendations, where each chapter unfurls like a new varietal waiting to be explored. McDowell deftly introduces a catalog of books that embody the intricate dance between gardens and mysteries. As I turned each page, I felt like a curious visitor wandering through an expansive garden, discovering hidden nooks of stories waiting to be unraveled.

The Perfect Gift for Gardeners and Readers

While the book pays homage to classic literature where the whispers of poison-laden petals and ominous topiaries have stirred the imagination of generations, it also unearths contemporary gems that seamlessly weave modern garden elements into their tales. The chapter on poisonous plants serves as both a guide and a warning, revealing the eerie beauty of these botanical villains and their literary exploits.

McDowell’s prowess in research is obvious, her dedication evident in the seamless transitions between the historical origins of this narrative tradition and the modern renditions that keep it alive. She shines a light on the intimate relationship between authors and their gardens, from Agatha Christie’s Japanese garden musings to Sherlock Holmes’ scientific flirtations with poisonous flora.

As I delved into the rich soil of this book, I found myself echoing the sentiment of the reader who confessed, “How many should I buy for Christmas presents?” This is indeed the ideal gift for bibliophiles who cultivate gardens and gardens that cultivate mysteries. Just as a well-tended garden brings forth vibrant blossoms, Gardening Can Be Murder yields an abundance of literary blooms, each one waiting to be plucked and cherished.

Final Thoughts

In a world where narratives are often compartmentalized, McDowell’s creation is a harmonious fusion ��� a tale of two worlds converging to create something wholly enchanting. So, whether you possess a green thumb or a penchant for puzzling mysteries, Gardening Can Be Murder promises a reading experience that is as exciting as the title suggests, leaving you with a flourishing garden of books to explore and a newfound appreciation for the mysteries that lurk amid the leaves.

Gardening Can Be Murder is set to Publish September 13, 2023!

Rebrand, Reinvent, Revamp

There’s nothing quite as fun as a good ol’ fashioned rebranding. I absolutely love��reinventing myself to keep things fresh and exciting. Considering how fast the world is moving ��� fast food, fast fashion, and now A.I. ��� and how attention spans are getting shorter … well, it’s probably for the best to adapt and make things more compelling on my website.

Rebranding …

So, chances are you haven’t had a moment to poke around yet. That’s cool. You can do that later … In the meantime, let me quickly tell you what’s changed:

Streamline – My website used to be a bit difficult to navigate but not anymore. Initially, I had hoped to make it interactive with a lot of extras for readers to discover, however, it was just too difficult to maintain and was slowing down the site.Consistent branding – My previous “look” left me uninspired and, truth be told, it wasn’t me. Don’t get me wrong, it’s nobody’s fault but my own (I am, after all, running my own website). This new “look”, however, is Monique Snyman in all her glory. The colors are true to who I am (a brightly colored horror show that can pass in the real world as “normal”) and the way the site is set up is a better representation of how I hope my brain will function in the future.

I am also well aware that many readers may wonder how often this blog will be added to … Look, life happens and I can’t promise consistent posting X amount of times a week because I am a mom, wife, and I have a 9 to 5 job. What I can promise you is that I will keep this website A.I. free no matter what. What you see on my website is a representation of who I am throughout the years ��� the good, the bad, and the ugly. And the only things I ever took off were pictures of my daughter when it became apparent what people use A.I. for nowadays. So, yeah … You’re welcome to take that however you want.

Reinventing Myself on a Larger Scale

It’s not just the website that’s gotten an overhaul. I’m busy revamping my social media profiles too and although it’s a working progress, I have a vision (and a long to-do list) that’s slowly being implemented. Thank God for my insomnia, scheduling apps, and my very supportive husband, otherwise none of this would have happened. LOL!

On a more personal level, I have been doing a lot of inner-healing and soul-searching lately. Whether I’ll ever be able to open up about the hell these past 3 years have been, I don’t know, but I’m working through it and I’m starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Yay! As for the outside … Well, I’m a little older, (hopefully) a little wiser, but I’m still the one and only silly, dark-humored, slightly odd and often scary Monique Snyman.

Revamping My Writing

Not to jinx myself, but I’m writing again. I have been for the past few months, actually. It’s going slow, but it’s going and I’m thankful for that. What am I working on? Well, after a not-so-lovely situation where my laptop literally burned out and I couldn’t save anything on my hard drive, I lost several half-finished manuscripts. Amongst them was the third book in The Night Weaver series, which I’ve finally rewritten to where it was. At the end of the day, everything happens for a reason, and I think the new version of that story is��so��much better than the previously version. I’m hoping to finish it by the end of the year.

I haven’t restarted on Dark Country’s sequel (yet), but it will be written soon.

I’m hoping that this new, improved me will be apparent in my writing, too. I’ve grown a lot as a person since the last time I wrote, so here’s to showing you what I’ve learned during my absence.

And that’s it for now. Let me know what you think about the new look of the site!

Enjoy the rest of your day!

Learning Easy Tarot Combinations

Full disclaimer: I’m in no way a professional tarot reader. I like to dabble … Correction. I like to keep my hands busy. Shuffling cards is one of the ways I keep my anxiety at an acceptable level and it just so happens that I enjoy the pretty art on tarot decks or oracle cards. I don’t know enough about tarot to read my own future, let alone someone else’s, but that doesn’t keep me from trying to understand the elusive meanings whenever a card “jumps”.

LEARNING EASY TAROT COMBINATIONS

When I picked up Easy Tarot Combinations: How to Connect the Cards for Insightful Readings by Josephine Ellershaw, my only expectation was to get a bit of insight into what my cards meant in certain combinations. I mean, tarot can be a bit intimidating to read when they are in full spreads. Instead, I received an in-depth tutorial that took my extremely-basic understanding of tarot combinations to the next level. What’s more, the author provided me with practical advice that was easy to understand and apply immediately.

AN EXCELLENT REFERENCE GUIDE FOR NEWBIES

The author also made it��Easy Tarot Combinations: How to Connect the Cards for Insightful Readings��an excellent reference guide, especially if you haven’t memorized what each card represents yet. For someone who merely dabbles in astrology or tarot for personal entertainment, finding the time to memorize each card is a luxury I can’t afford quite yet. However, with this book I am able to quickly look something up without spending too much of my free time searching through dozens of websites or TikToks. The book makes things equally simple if you would like to interpret combination spreads.

IN CONCLUSION

This book is a great learning tool for beginners who would like to see what their tarot cards mean in combinations and a useful book to have in their library. Definitely purchase this book if you’re looking for a quick, useful reference guide to take your tarot card interpretations to the next level!

Learning To Read The Cards Fate Has Dealt You

Full disclaimer: I’m in no way a professional tarot reader. I like to dabble … Correction. I like to keep my hands busy. Shuffling cards is one of the ways I keep my anxiety at an acceptable level and it just so happens that I enjoy the pretty art on tarot decks or oracle cards. I don’t know enough about tarot to read my own future, let alone someone else’s, but that doesn’t keep me from trying to understand the elusive meanings whenever a card “jumps”.

LEARNING THE CARDS

When I picked up Easy Tarot Combinations: How to Connect the Cards for Insightful Readings by Josephine Ellershaw, my only expectation was to get a bit of insight into what my cards meant in certain combinations. I mean, tarot can be a bit intimidating to read when they are in full spreads. Instead, I received an in-depth tutorial that took my extremely-basic understanding of tarot combinations to the next level. What’s more, the author provided me with practical advice that was easy to understand and apply immediately.

AN EXCELLENT REFERENCE GUIDE FOR NEWBIES

The author also made it��Easy Tarot Combinations: How to Connect the Cards for Insightful Readings��an excellent reference guide, especially if you haven’t memorized what each card represents yet. For someone who merely dabbles in astrology or tarot for personal entertainment, finding the time to memorize each card is a luxury I can’t afford quite yet. However, with this book I am able to quickly look something up without spending too much of my free time searching through dozens of websites or TikToks. The book makes things equally simple if you would like to interpret combination spreads.

IN CONCLUSION

This book is a great learning tool for beginners who would like to see what their tarot cards mean in combinations and a useful book to have in their library. Definitely purchase this book if you’re looking for a quick, useful reference guide to take your tarot card interpretations to the next level!

Queens: Women in Power Through History

Female rulers tend to be remembered throughout history, whether attempts were made to scrub their names from memory or not. Some were benevolent leaders, others were warriors in their own right. Each queen from around the world, throughout the ages, were unique rulers���individuals that were determined to be remembered. And they should be celebrated as a result.

Queens: Women in Power Through History by Phyllis G. Jestice is a glorious overview of the queens we all know and love (or love to hate), but it’s also much more than that …

Queens: Women in Power Through History

The introduction of Queens: Women in Power Through History begins with terminology that is essential to know about the various types of “queens” there are and why the term “queen” is problematic. It’s an incredibly important part of the book, and relevant to us even now. Why? After Queen Elizabeth II of England’s recent passing, a sovereign, the collective now struggles to identify the role of Queen Camilla, the wife of King Charles III of England. She is a Queen Consort (although, she is not referred to as such), which is very different to a sovereign … Regardless of the differences, though, one thing all queens share is their duty to produce a heir. Motherhood is a crucial part of keeping a monarchy alive, which is beautifully explained in this book.

Once you’re familiar with what a queen is, Queens: Women in Power Through History takes us on a magnificent journey through the ages. Introducing readers to the powerful women in the Ancient World, taking us through the Middle Ages, toward the Age of Exploration and into the Modern World. It’s a fantastic, informative adventure into learning about the women who ruled and influenced kingdoms!

FEATURING FAN FAVORITES AND VILLAINS

Some of the queens we learn about are not at all unfamiliar: The Queen of Sheba, Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Victoria, Nefertiti, and so forth. However, there are many more influential women you may have never heard of before … Olimpias, the mother of Alexander the Great, for example. There’s a bit about my all-time favorite queen, Boudica. We travel far and wide to be introduced to almost every influential royal woman who had made an appearance in power, and what a thrilling ride it is!

To make things even better, the book is visually appealing with gorgeous photographs and paintings to put a face to the names.

A NIFTY REFERENCE GUIDE

What I enjoyed the most about this book is how quickly I came to think of it as a must-have reference guide. As an author that enjoys writing strong female characters, it’s always handy to have a glance at women in power and imagine how they would have handled a situation. As an amateur historian who may enjoy learning about royalty a tad too much, Queens: Women in Power Through History tickled all the right spots. It’s merely one of the reasons I’ve decided I need��to get a hardback copy (and you should too)!

IN CONCLUSION

I can’t recommend this book enough to readers who enjoy learning about powerful women, discovering exciting facts about female rulers throughout history, and history buffs. It’s an absolutely gorgeous book, well-researched, and timely, too.

Get to Know the Most Powerful Women in Human History!

Female rulers tend to be remembered throughout history, whether attempts were made to scrub their names from memory or not. Some were benevolent leaders, others were warriors in their own right. Each queen from around the world, throughout the ages, were unique rulers���individuals that were determined to be remembered. And they should be celebrated as a result.

Queens: Women in Power Through History by Phyllis G. Jestice is a glorious overview of the queens we all know and love (or love to hate), but it’s also much more than that …

FEMALE POWERHOUSES

The introduction of Queens: Women in Power Through History begins with terminology that is essential to know about the various types of “queens” there are and why the term “queen” is problematic. It’s an incredibly important part of the book, and relevant to us even now. Why? After Queen Elizabeth II of England’s recent passing, a sovereign, the collective now struggles to identify the role of Queen Camilla, the wife of King Charles III of England. She is a Queen Consort (although, she is not referred to as such), which is very different to a sovereign … Regardless of the differences, though, one thing all queens share is their duty to produce a heir. Motherhood is a crucial part of keeping a monarchy alive, which is beautifully explained in this book.

Once you’re familiar with what a queen is, Queens: Women in Power Through History takes us on a magnificent journey through the ages. Introducing readers to the powerful women in the Ancient World, taking us through the Middle Ages, toward the Age of Exploration and into the Modern World. It’s a fantastic, informative adventure into learning about the women who ruled and influenced kingdoms!

FEATURING FAN FAVORITES AND VILLAINS

Some of the queens we learn about are not at all unfamiliar: The Queen of Sheba, Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Victoria, Nefertiti, and so forth. However, there are many more influential women you may have never heard of before … Olimpias, the mother of Alexander the Great, for example. There’s a bit about my all-time favorite queen, Boudica. We travel far and wide to be introduced to almost every influential royal woman who had made an appearance in power, and what a thrilling ride it is!

To make things even better, the book is visually appealing with gorgeous photographs and paintings to put a face to the names.

A NIFTY REFERENCE GUIDE

What I enjoyed the most about this book is how quickly I came to think of it as a must-have reference guide. As an author that enjoys writing strong female characters, it’s always handy to have a glance at women in power and imagine how they would have handled a situation. As an amateur historian who may enjoy learning about royalty a tad too much, Queens: Women in Power Through History tickled all the right spots. It’s merely one of the reasons I’ve decided I need��to get a hardback copy (and you should too)!

IN CONCLUSION

I can’t recommend this book enough to readers who enjoy learning about powerful women, discovering exciting facts about female rulers throughout history, and history buffs. It’s an absolutely gorgeous book, well-researched, and timely, too.

Wicked Women Throughout History That’ll Enchant Readers

Women have been demonized throughout the ages for things they’ve allegedly done or not done���depending on the general mood of society at the time. They have been used as cautionary tales, scapegoats, and worse … Are women truly so terrible, though? In Wicked Women of Yore by D. Lawrence-Young, readers are presented with the tales and facts of some of history’s most infamous women, from Eve and Lilith all the way to Ilse Koch and everyone in between.

A Quick Overview

Wicked Women of Yore by D. Lawrence-Young starts off strong with a whole chapter dedicated to the infamous ladies from the Bible. We’re talking Eve, Lot’s Wife, Salome, Delilah, and so on. Interesting facts are presented and some thought-provoking questions are asked in such a subtle way that you cannot help but wonder whether there may have actually been some prejudice when these tales were written. We move on from the Bible to learn about Messalina, the supposed nymphomaniac and serial killer wife of Emperor Claudius in Ancient Rome, who was the victim of smear tactics. Attempts were made to rewrite history and to tarnish her reputation way back when, but did it work? We skip over a thousand years and readers are transported to the other side of the world to meet Alice Kyteler, dubbed the Irish Witch. Why? Because she was unfortunate enough to marry well a few times and inherit small fortunes, of course.

An Interesting Exploration of Historical Women

Throughout this book, we are presented with interesting women who were deemed wicked because they were supposedly manipulators, conniving, adulterous, witches, or even murderers … However, if most of them were alive today, they’d probably not have been labeled any of those things. They would be doctors, businesswomen, “good investors”, maybe just lucky. I’m not entirely sure the same would be said about Elizabeth Bathory, regardless of what modern scholars say, but with an excellent PR team, she might have been able to save her reputation. Of course, one of my favorite “wicked women” also makes an appearance in Wicked Women of Yore … Guilia Tofana, the Italian mass poisoner, who helped abused women across Italy dispose of their husbands … Wicked? Not in my opinion. Actions have consequences, after all, and as Velma Kelly from Chicago said: “He had it coming.”

Wicked or Powerful?

The question I continued asking myself was whether any of these women were actually wicked or only deemed so because people were intimidated by the power they possessed. On the one hand, women are still demonized today for a variety of reasons���and truth be told, nobody would be surprised if a modern witch hunt occurs that targets women in particular on a global scale … On the other hand, the saying “where there’s smoke, there’s fire” comes to mind. Perhaps, the history writers were exaggerating to some degree, but there may still be proof of these women’s alleged wrongdoings to be found.

All in All …

I found this book an enticing read, filled with facts and interesting commentary that remained unbiased. The images within were also a nice surprise that added faces to the names of the women in question. Readers who are looking for a thought-provoking nonfiction read that discusses women and their so-called wickedness in days gone by will find this book utterly gripping. Horror fans will also enjoy it! All in all, I loved Wicked Women of Yore by D. Lawrence-Young and would highly recommend it.

ABOUT D. LAWRENCE-YOUNG

David Lawrence-Young is a retired English teacher and lecturer who has specialized in English and military history & Shakespeare for many years.

He is also a published (USA) and exhibited (UK & Jerusalem) photographer. He plays the clarinet (badly) and is a committee member of the local History Society. He was the Chairman of the local Shakespeare Society (2008-14) and a regular contributor to “Forum,” a magazine for English teachers, and “Skirmish,” a military history journal. He is married and has two children and three grandchildren. He loves writing and researching and loves to travel.

Dark Country Launch Day: Take a Walk on the Wild Side …

Today is the Dark Country launch day, and I couldn’t be happier. Of course, those release day nerves are still there and the little voice of worry doesn’t disappear, but I’m also so excited for the world to read this book. Writing this book was, after all, a labor of love. Well, okay, maybe not��love��per se. It was a story that I��needed��to write, and through all the blood, sweat, and tears, I grew surprisingly fond of it.

Perhaps it’s because the story is set in South Africa? Maybe it’s because Dark Country plays off in the same location where I grew up? Who knows why it has such a special place in my heart, all I care about now is sharing this terrifying tale with everyone.

And yes, it is a terrifying tale to me.

What seems, at times, like completely made-up horrors���because how can anything so heinous be true?���is real. It happens here in South Africa. We just don’t talk about it … Well, we don’t talk about it��often or in public. But I’m a rebel, so I wrote all about it in Dark Country. *evil laugh*

What’s��“it”?

Ritual murders, of course. The type that seems so farfetched, so graphic, it borders on shock horror. I didn’t write this book for shocks, by the way. It’s not because of some urge to step into the “exploitation horror” subgenre either. Yes, okay, there may have been some fictitious murders that made even my stomach twist, but that was purely because the killer in the book is cruel. But here’s the thing: Ritualistic murders in South Africa is cruel. I’ve seen photographs of actual crime scenes that I still have nightmares about. Some people are more prone to being victims, yes, but in general nobody’s safe.

Dark Country, in my personal opinion, is more of a modern folk horror than anything else. Yet, it’s so much more …

It’s an exploration of life in South Africa, of the people and variety of cultures, the things that makes this country so unique in comparison to others. It’s anger and love and confusion and questioning one’s place in a society that constantly changes. Is there still room for superstitions in this day and age? What if those superstitions aren’t superstitions at all? Is good and evil still easily distinguished from one another?

Whether I’ve succeeded in answering all those questions, I don’t know. Luckily, there will be more books in this series, so I can truly rake my brain for answers in the sequels.

Dark Country (Dark Country #1)

 

Too often people mistake monsters for gods.

When a ravaged corpse is discovered in Pretoria, South Africa, Esm�� Snyder���an occult-crime expert���is called in to investigate. But she doesn���t know the scope of what she���s up against. Esm�� is the target of a cat-and-mouse game with a serial killer who uses the paranormal to do his bidding, with the intent of becoming a god on Earth.

With assistance from her team���a brusque detective, eccentric millionaire, stoic priest, hawkeyed secretary, and handsome British forensic criminologist���Esm�� hopes to find the killer before he strikes again.

But the clock isn���t all that���s working against them. The media catches wind of the threat against the citizens of Pretoria, and their reported speculations promise a post-Apartheid Satanic Panic.

As the body count grows, Esm�� must figure out who is behind the heinous crimes before she ends up the final sacrifice.

Dark Country highlights the multicultural mythologies, magic, histories, beauty, and horror of living in pseudo-modern South Africa.

NOW AVAILABLE