Sage Nestler's Blog, page 20
February 17, 2019
Book Review: Fireside Chat with a Grammar Nazi Serial Killer by Ryan Suvaal
[image error]
Synopsis
Seventeen gruesome killings across the United States, within a span of six months and there is one clear connection among victims. They were all writers.
While media is decorating the murders with sensationalist stories, and law enforcement is playing catch-up, the homicidal maniac remains elusive and secretive.
Things get very interesting, when one day she decides to appear on an internet talk show for an honest fireside chat.
Rating: 5/5
Badges
[image error]
Short Review
Fireside Chat with a Grammar Nazi Serial Killer is a witty and satirical glimpse into a world where even the smallest grammatical error can get you killed.
Full Review
I must admit that I have not come across a story quite as original as Fireside Chat with a Grammar Nazi Serial Killer in quite some time. I am fond of serial murder thrillers, and I was instantly drawn to this novella. Due to the short length, I hoped that the story would pack a punch in only a few pages, and I was not let down!
Suvaal’s writing is haunting, and the easy flow of the story made me feel as though I was watching a movie. Despite the satirical writing that complimented the story, I was on the edge of my seat due to the violence and eeriness of the plot. I could not put this book down, and I ended up finishing the story in one sitting. In a world where most of our lives are based on digital platforms, the concept of a grammar nazi as a killer cracked me up. This story could have easily come off as cheesy, but it became so realistic as I read on that it haunted me.
If you are a fan of serial killer thrillers, you will love Fireside Chat with a Grammar Nazi Serial Killer! This story is 100% original and so realistic that it will haunt you long after reading it. I give this story a well deserved 5/5 stars, and it is now on my must-read list.
February 16, 2019
OWSCyCon 2019 Recruitment
I am excited to announce that this year I am continuing my role as the Romance Genre Manager for the Our Write Side Cyber Convention (previously known as the Brain to Books Cyber Convention)! This convention is wonderful because it takes place online and authors, bloggers, and other members of the book community across the globe are able to participate. The convention is completely free for all participants, and it is an excellent way to meet new authors, readers, and professionals in the book industry!
That being said, I want YOU to join us! Whether you are an author, blogger, or reader, you have a place at the OWSCyCon 2019. Let’s all come together and make the event the strongest it has ever been!
[image error]
If you are a romance author or blogger interested in participating, join my facebook group! I will help to get you settled.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2197311720492870/
[image error]
[image error]
What the heck is OWSCyCon?
From http://owscycon.ourwriteside.com
“OWS CyCon was born from B2B CyCon. Angela B. Chrysler had a vision in 2013 of a cyber convention for books. She hosted B2B CyCon for four years, and then in 2019 due to personal issues she could not continue.
However, her work in the indie community sharing this amazing event every year had created a special family, one that actually led to and fed other creative families like OWS Ink, LLC.
You see, Heidi, Rebekah, and Amanda all met at CyCon. If it had not been for CyCon, OWS Ink would not exist as it is today.
So when we heard that Angela couldn’t continue, we knew that we had to take up her mantle and continue her tradition of providing an exceptional online event that helped train new authors in marketing their books to readers, provided an exciting venue for readers to meet new authors, and would become a cornerstone in the book world.
We are so glad you’ve chosen to join us. Please be sure to take a look around and find your next favorite author.”
[image error]
How Do I Join?
If you are an author, blogger, or book industry professional, fill out our participation form to get started.
https://goo.gl/forms/Eh90cdgOSTcOLjg73
If you are a reader, visit our site and join our mailing list to stay up to date on the event.
http://owscycon.ourwriteside.com/about-ows-cycon/
[image error]
If you have any questions, please let me know in the comments or email me at peachykeenreviews@gmail.com! I will be happy to help. Stay tuned for more cycon info in the coming weeks. 
February 4, 2019
Book Review: After the Fire by Will Hill
5/5
[image error]
Synopsis
The things I’ve seen are burned into me, like scars that refuse to fade.
Before, she lived inside the fence. Before, she was never allowed to leave the property, never allowed to talk to Outsiders, never allowed to speak her mind. Because Father John controlled everything―and Father John liked rules. Disobeying Father John came with terrible consequences.
But there are lies behind Father John’s words. Outside, there are different truths.
Then came the fire.
Badges
[image error][image error]
Quick Review
After the Fire is a chilling look inside the workings of a dangerous cult through a young woman’s perspective. I have not read a book that has affected me as much as After the Fire has, and it will be on my mind for quite a long time.
Complete Review
I am an avid reader of young adult novels. I love the risks so many authors take in the genre, and how the portrayal of young people is so profound. However, when I came across After the Fire I knew that this novel would be particularly special. I have never come across young adult novels that focus on cults, and After the Fire immediately caught my eye.
Will Hill’s writing is haunting and drags you into the story within the first few pages. Even though this book could be considered controversial because it doesn’t portray cults in a positive light and involves religion, Hill’s writing was unbiased and realistic. Even though the cult and circumstances surrounding it were fictional, I read the novel as though it was a true crime.
After the Fire is split into chapters labeled as “Before” or “After” the fire. The layout allows the reader to enter the mind of Moonbeam, the novel’s protagonist, while also immersing them in the cult’s clutches. The mental portrayal of how a young woman was permanently affected by a cult that had become her entire life was astounding, and it helped me to better understand the mental control that is associated with cults. Due to Hill’s mature writing, I soon forgot that I was reading a young adult novel. After the Fire is a novel that I would have loved to read when I was a young adult. It is raw and brutal, but the pain is so exquisite.
Each of the characters in After the Fire had a purpose, and I appreciated how each of them evolved to further explain the story. Usually in novels with packed storylines, plot holes can occur; however, this was not the case with Hill’s writing. He approached the topic of the cult with a sensitive hand, and his portrayal of cult members demonstrated the diverse reactions that individuals experience in cults or in a situation of control. Some characters made me hate the cult, while others helped me to understand how the cult had become their salvation.
After the Fire is a graphic portrayal of a young woman’s association with a cult, and how the cult became her family, but also her demon. The mental portrayal of grief and control is astounding, and I was proud to find such an intense young adult novel. After the Fire is a book that changes you, and readers of all ages should pick up this book now!
February 1, 2019
International Book Fairs 2019 – Courtesy of kotobee blog
Kotobee blog reached out to me the other day about a list they have created of international book fairs for 2019, and I would love to share it with you! The book fairs included are in various parts of the world, but you can separate the list by country to find the book fairs that are closest to you. I am providing the infographics of the book fairs for you below, but please feel free to visit kotobee to learn more! Kotobee has some wonderful information on publishing, ebooks, and the book world as well.
[image error]
Worldwide
[image error]
North America
[image error]
South America
[image error]
Europe
[image error]
Africa
[image error]
Asia
[image error]
Australia
[image error]
January 21, 2019
New Year, New Goals
I want to apologize for not being as active as I usually am on my blog! I am currently in grad school, and that is taking up the majority of my time. However, I graduate in May and I am hoping to pick back up again with my reviews and ramblings.
If you are waiting for a review from me, don’t fear! I have not forgotten about you. My goal for 2019 is to catch up on all of my reviews and create a more consistent schedule for posting. Please stay tuned!
In the meantime, if you have any questions or comments for me please feel free to reply to this post and I will be sure to get back to you ASAP.
January 18, 2019
Literary Vacation Club: February Destination Reveal
I am excited to announce our February destination at Literary Vacation Club! This February we are taking you to Italy! This literary vacation will be rustic and romantic for Valentine’s Day. Treat yourself to some bookish self-love this Valentine’s Day, or treat someone you love!
[image error]
Boxes Include:
1 Novel Based in Italy
A Custom Reading Travel Guide
3 – 5 Italy Inspired Accessories
December 19, 2018
Book Review: #fashionvictim by Amina Akhtar
Book Title: #fashionvictim
Author: Amina Akhtar
Rating: 5/5
Synopsis:
Fashion editor Anya St. Clair is on the verge of greatness. Her wardrobe is to die for. Her social media is killer. And her career path is littered with the bodies of anyone who got in her way. She’s worked hard to get where she is, but she doesn’t have everything.
Not like Sarah Taft. Anya’s obsession sits one desk away. Beautiful, stylish, and rich, she was born to be a fashion world icon. From her beach-wave blonde hair to her on-trend nail art, she’s a walking editorial spread. And Anya wants to be her friend. Her best friend. Her only friend.
But when Sarah becomes her top competition for a promotion, Anya’s plan to win her friendship goes into overdrive. In order to beat Sarah…she’ll have to become her. Friendly competition may turn fatal, but as they say in fashion: One day you’re in, and the next day you’re dead.
Short Review
#fashionvictim is chic horror at its best! If you like your horror ladies fashionable and vicious, then look no further.
Full Review
I am a huge fan of The Devil Wears Prada, and horror is my favorite genre, so I was immediately drawn to #fashionvictim. #fashionvictim illustrates the cutthroat fashion world as an 80s-esque slasher film, and I ate the book up in one sitting.
I don’t often find horror novels that focus solely on the viewpoint of the killer, but the way that #fashionvictim portrayed the story through Anya’s eyes made me feel as though I was inside of her head. Her rationale for killing various characters throughout the book began to make sense to me since I was seeing the story from her viewpoint, and it made the reading experience one of a kind.
Amina Akhtar clearly understands what it is like to work in fashion based on her personal experiences, and her insights made the novel a realistic experience for readers who may not be as knowledgeable of the fashion world. I loved to hate the majority of the characters in the novel, and the gory scenes were written in a way that was almost comedic.
If you are looking for a comedic slasher novel to get you through the stress of the holiday season, look no further than #fashionvictim.
September 18, 2018
Pre-Order: Not So Wicked by T.A. Moorman
I have a 99 cent pre-order novel to share with you today! Not So Wicked is perfect for you vampire lovers out there. 
September 9, 2018
New Release: Topaz by Jenna Lee
I apologize for not posting recently! I just started grad school to get my Masters of Social Work, so I have been a bit overwhelmed. However, I am excited to share with you a new release that I hope you will enjoy! Have a great week!
Much love,
Ashley
*´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•` TOPAZ
[image error]
The world of magic is beautiful and enchanting, but there is darkness here too.
Dara has been to hell and back trying to discover her destiny. Thrown into a world she didn’t know she belonged to, she’s completed the first task of claiming Emerald, but lost someone she cares about in the process.
She finds her thoughts divided between finding the second stone—Topaz—and rescuing one of her warriors who was captured in battle. More now than ever, she’s determined to put her power-hungry uncle and his plans for complete domination down once and for all.
Intensifying relationships with her other three warriors test her as they prepare for their most important mission yet. The one thing they don’t count on is their enemy becoming stronger than ever before.
BUY LINKS
US – https://goo.gl/VJEHhY
AUS – https://goo.gl/9aBjQn
July 28, 2018
Book Review: Pretty Is by Maggie Mitchell
Title: Pretty Is
Author: Maggie Mitchell
Rating: 4/5
[image error]
Synopsis:
The summer precocious Lois and pretty Carly May were twelve years old, they were kidnapped, driven across the country, and held in a cabin in the woods for two months by a charismatic stranger. Nearly twenty years later, Lois has become a professor, teaching British literature at a small college in upstate New York, and Carly May is an actress in Los Angeles, drinking too much and struggling to revive her career. When a movie script with a shockingly familiar plot draws the two women together once more, they must face the public exposure of their secret history and confront the dark longings and unspeakable truths that haunt them still. Pretty Is by Maggie Mitchell beautifully defies ripped-from-the-headlines crime story expectations and announces the debut of a masterful new storytelling talent.
Short Review
Pretty Is is a riveting thriller about the afterlives of two abduction victims. Apart from the anti-climactic ending, Maggie Mitchell kept me glued throughout the novel.
Full Review
My weakness is thrillers surrounding abduction situations, and I couldn’t help but snatch up Pretty Is when I found out that it fell under that category. The short chapters helped with switching the perspective of the story between the two female protagonists, and I found that they made the novel easier to read. I swallowed this book like candy due to the fast-paced storyline, but it ended up leaving a bitter taste in my mouth. The resolution to the main plot point in the novel was understated and rushed. I like my books to end with a bang, but Pretty Is fizzled out.
Chloe and Lois were abducted when they were preteens by a man who had been stalking them and planned their abductions due to Chloe being a beauty queen and Lois being a spelling bee champion. He took them to a cabin in the woods and provided them with clothing, food, and shelter before he ended up killing himself and the girls returned home. No abuse took place, and Lois and Chloe spent a good portion of the novel contemplating what his motives were.
Fast forward into the future, and Lois is the best selling author of a book based on the abduction while Chloe is an actress. Both seem superficial from the start, and even though the reader learns more about the characters’ personal lives as the novel goes on, I found it hard to relate to either Lois or Chloe. Since each chapter consists of their inner thoughts, we experience how they feel conflicted about their abductor. Sometimes they think of him fondly, and at other times they are more confused about him. The fact that the abductor did not abuse the girls does fight the classic plotline of abduction novels that involve sexual and physical abuse. I understood how the girls felt more confused about their situation since they were used to hearing about abduction cases where abuse ensued, and since both girls came from families where they did not feel accepted, their abductor was a savior in some way.
Now, let’s talk about the ending. Throughout the novel, Lois has a stalker interested in her abduction; however, his motives keep changing. At the end of the novel, the stalker becomes an issue, but it wasn’t a surprise ending since too much information about him was presented early on in the novel. The only way Pretty Is could have been better would have been if less information was given about the stalker until the end of the novel. Less information could have led to a more impactful ending.
Pretty Is is a novel that challenges classic abduction novels. It presents a situation that changes two girls in a profound way that makes them question their own lives and the actions of others. Despite the anti-climactic ending, Pretty Is kept me glued throughout. I recommend this novel to anyone who likes abduction novels. It may not be the most suspenseful novel, but it will make you think about society’s fascination with crime in a new way.
