Bookstagram Has Discovered My Books (Part II)

In this second and final part of a blog I began weeks ago, I’m back to cite the recent rave reviews of my books by Bookstagrammers. Some may consider this overkill, but I used to write a blog when there was only one or two reviews of my books, not a whole block like this. Also, I’m hoping to goad (guilt?) more people into picking up one of my books on Amazon or Barnes & Noble online. (Again, attendees of last month’s Masticon who signed up for this blog but didn’t purchase any of my books, I’m looking in your direction.) Finally, like last time, you’ll see there wasn’t much (or any) love for Déjà View. What can I say? Bookstagrammers just weren’t as interested in reading this one. Anyway, no more stalling. As Jackie Gleason famously said, “And awaaaay we go!”

For Danger Peak:

From the first page, Danger Peak hits you right in the nostalgia! …The opening scene with Robert racing through town on his bike felt like The Goonies meets E.T.—pure retro adventure energy! …While it’s an adventure story, it’s also about grief, healing, and family. Robert’s relationship with his late brother Danny is heartfelt and beautifully written. From bullies to a rocky relationship with his dad, Robert’s journey feels authentic and relatable. Perone’s style is crisp, vivid, and filled with humor and heart. Every chapter delivers emotion and momentum. There’s a hint of mystery and magic woven in—just enough to make you wonder what’s real and what’s not. Robert is brave, vulnerable, and easy to root for. You’ll find yourself cheering him on the whole way up that mountain. The final chapters leave you with a warm, reflective feeling—a reminder to keep chasing your dreams, no matter how steep the climb. (This is) a heartwarming, adventurous, and emotionally rich read for anyone who loves classic coming-of-age stories with depth and soul.

—Books by Hanna

Danger Peak is a fast-paced, heartfelt adventure that blends humor, action, and touching nostalgia into a compact, memorable read. While the thrilling quest grabs your attention, it’s the emotional depth—especially the family dynamics—that resonates most powerfully. Set in a world reminiscent of 1980s classics like The Goonies, the story taps into the spirit of youthful exploration, when kids roamed freely, chasing both danger and dreams. What makes this book stand out is its genuine warmth. Amid the humor and excitement, Danger Peak delivers a moving message about courage, loss, and the determination it takes to achieve one’s dreams. It’s short, yes—but in the best way: concise, engaging, and never dragging. The characters are lovable, their friendships real, and the narrative’s heart beats strong throughout. Ultimately, this isn’t just a story of adventure—Danger Peak is a story about what it means to truly feel alive.

—Tales of a Moody

Michael Thomas Perone’s Danger Peak is a heartfelt and exhilarating coming-of-age novel that beautifully blends the excitement of childhood adventure with the emotional weight of loss and self-discovery. Set against the nostalgic backdrop of the 1980s, the story transported me to a world filled with dirt bikes, daring dreams, and the kind of friendships that define who we are. The author’s vivid descriptions and authentic dialogue made me feel as though I was right there with Robert and his friends, racing toward a goal that is as symbolic as it is literal. What I admired most about Danger Peak is how Perone weaves together action and emotion so seamlessly. While on the surface it’s an adventure about climbing a dangerous mountain, at its core, it’s a tender exploration of grief, courage, and healing. Robert’s internal struggle to live up to his brother Danny’s memory is portrayed with subtlety and honesty. His journey felt real, with moments of both vulnerability and determination that I found deeply moving. Another standout element for me was the cast of characters, particularly the quirky Dr. Howard and the loyal duo of Chris and Rinnie. They provide not just support but layers of meaning to Robert’s quest. The friendships feel genuine, and the humor sprinkled throughout offers the perfect balance to the novel’s more reflective moments. The symbolism of the Action Bike as a tool for emotional rebuilding truly stayed with me. Ultimately, Danger Peak is more than just an adventure story—it’s a reminder that the greatest challenges often lie within ourselves. I would highly recommend this book to readers of all ages who enjoy tales of friendship, resilience, and quiet triumphs. It’s a touching, thrilling ride that lingers long after the final page.

—Kara Macris

Danger Peak is a heartfelt coming-of-age novel that follows 13-year-old Robert Kin on a daring quest to climb the treacherous mountain that took his older brother Danny’s life. Set in the late 1980s, the story combines childhood adventure with emotional depth as Robert, alongside his loyal friends Chris and Rinnie, builds a supercharged dirt bike to conquer the mountain and his grief. Perone creates a vivid world full of nostalgic charm, capturing the essence of boyhood with treehouse meetings, schoolyard teasing, and secret plans. Yet beneath the adventure lies a powerful exploration of loss, identity, and the pressure of living up to a sibling’s legacy. Robert’s strained relationship with his father adds emotional weight, making his mission not just about the peak, but about being seen and understood. The writing is clear and engaging, with natural dialogue and moments of humor that balance the deeper themes. Each character feels authentic, especially the dynamic between the three boys. Perone blends excitement, warmth, and vulnerability into a story that will resonate with both younger readers and adults. Danger Peak is a touching reminder of how bravery can take many forms, and that some journeys must be taken with heart as much as with courage.

—Magic Through Your Eyes

(Danger Peak is) that one book that takes you back to being a kid…and quietly breaks your heart, too. Set in the late ‘80s, Danger Peak is a nostalgic coming-of-age adventure filled with dirt bikes, friendship, and one boy’s mission to finish what his late brother started. What starts as an exciting ride becomes a beautiful exploration of grief, courage, and healing. Think Stranger Things + Stand By Me but with a personal emotional punch. Short, gripping, and unexpectedly moving — this book reminded me that sometimes the bravest thing we do…is just trying again. Highly recommended for readers who love heartfelt stories with a hint of thrill.

—Absolutely a Reader

(Danger Peak) gave me a feeling of those good old days when we would race our bicycles with friends, fall down, laugh, and dream about doing big things. It has fun parts, emotional moments, and reminds you about the value of true friendship. The teacher Dr. Howard was super funny, too! He helped the kids build a stronger bike, and their little adventures made me smile a lot. I also felt sad for Robert when he thought about his brother. It made me think about the people I miss too. The story shows that not every family is perfect, but friends and small joys make life better. It teaches us to keep going, no matter how hard things get. I really liked the bond between Robert, Chris, and Rinnie. True friendship like that is rare these days. I would surely recommend Danger Peak to kids, teenagers, and even grown-ups who want to remember their childhood days and little adventures. It’s simple, fun, and has a lot of heart. If you like bikes, friends, mountains, and chasing dreams, this book is for you.

—Nishfa Nasar

To purchase Danger Peak, please click the button below:

Danger Peak on Amazon

For The Electric God and Other Shorts:

In The Electric God and Other Shorts, Michael Thomas Perone delivers a captivating collection of six dark tales that delve into the unsettling intersections of technology, identity, and sanity. From a small town’s descent into television-induced madness to a writer receiving cryptic messages on his paper, each story presents a unique narrative that challenges perceptions of reality. Drawing inspiration from the eerie atmospheres of The Twilight Zone and the speculative fiction of Ray Bradbury, Perone crafts tales that are both thought-provoking and haunting. With sharp prose and unexpected twists, this anthology is a must-read for fans of psychological fiction. The author has written this book in 254 pages, which I read in a couple of hours only. Turn the pages to dive into this amazing book. The narratives unfold at a steady rhythm, allowing readers to fully absorb the intricate details while remaining engrossed in the story. When I started reading the book, I fell in love with the writing style; it was really simple yet beautiful. This book offers an unforgettable literary experience that will leave you craving for more. Overall, I would definitely love to read more amazing books by this author. Highly recommended.

—Niket a Reviewer

I stumbled upon The Electric God and Other Shorts by Michael Thomas Perone on a dusty shelf in a used bookstore tucked away in a quiet corner of town. I wasn’t looking for anything specific—just killing time on a rainy afternoon—but the quirky title caught my eye. I flipped through the first few pages, and before I knew it, I was seated on the floor, completely absorbed. There was something raw and oddly familiar about the voice in the introduction—like reconnecting with a childhood friend who also spent hours dreaming in the dark. As I read The Electric God, I was struck by its eerie relevance. Though written in the ’90s, it felt eerily predictive of today’s screen-obsessed world. The dystopian setting of Drake, Illinois, with its eerily docile citizens and TV-run classrooms, wasn’t just speculative fiction—it felt like a cautionary tale we’ve already ignored. Teddy’s story, though laced with absurdity, stirred something deep—fear, recognition, maybe even guilt. The line between satire and reality blurred in unsettling ways, and I found myself reflecting on my own digital habits. What lingered most, however, was the emotional core hidden beneath the satire. Perone’s characters aren’t just vehicles for ideas; they’re painfully real, especially Teddy, whose desire to save his mother from her TV addiction felt heartbreakingly earnest. Despite the story’s dark tone and surreal moments, it was Teddy’s humanity—his confusion, his resilience—that haunted me long after I closed the book. I didn’t expect to feel so much. The Electric God and Other Shorts stayed with me because it made me laugh, squirm, and think. It’s a reminder that the stories we write in our youth—raw, imperfect, fearless—can still resonate decades later. Perone’s sly humor and sharp insights cut deeper than expected, and I’ve found myself recommending the collection to anyone who’s ever felt swallowed by screens. It’s weird, it’s dark, and it’s brilliant.

—Kara Macris

First impression? The title alone — The Electric God and Other Shorts — sets the tone for something electric, eerie, and offbeat. From the very first page, Michael Thomas Perone pulls you into a surreal yet oddly familiar world where the line between sanity and madness is disturbingly thin. These aren’t just stories; they’re twisted mirrors reflecting our fears, obsessions, and psychological fragility. Each plot packs a punch: a town hypnotized by television, a writer haunted by his own paper, a futuristic detective solving his own death. Perone’s writing style is razor-sharp, concise, haunting, and emotionally charged. The pacing of each short keeps you hooked, while the unpredictability keeps you uneasy. The themes dig deep into modern alienation, identity, technology, and mental health, leaving you with more questions than answers. It’s nightmare fuel with a literary twist. Personally, I loved how each story leaves a mark, even after you’ve closed the book. The way Perone blends dystopia, psychological horror, and strange fables is masterful. In conclusion, this collection is a chilling, thought-provoking experience that fans of Black Mirror, Twilight Zone, or dark literary fiction will absolutely devour. It’s weird, it’s wild, and it’s worth your time.

—Pragya’s Bookshelf

Michael Thomas Perone’s The Electric God and Other Shorts is a striking collection of dark, often unsettling stories…Perone’s voice is at once humorous and honest, making the collection feel both intimate and sharply observant. The title story, The Electric God, is a chilling and prophetic piece of speculative fiction that explores the dangers of screen obsession. Through the eyes of Teddy, a teen in a TV-addicted town, Perone masterfully satirizes media saturation and the loss of human connection. What feels at first like an exaggeration quickly becomes disturbingly plausible as elements like remote learning and binge-watching mirror real-world developments. Perone’s storytelling is marked by bold ideas, eerie visuals, and a knack for unsettling twists. The prose can be raw in places—a natural result of youth—but that rawness gives the stories an emotional urgency. Though some endings are grim, they never feel gratuitous; rather, they reflect a young writer earnestly grappling with the darkness of the world around him. Ultimately, The Electric God and Other Shorts is more than a nostalgic collection—it’s a powerful window into a developing writer’s mind. Perone’s early work shows not just potential but a unique voice that balances horror with heart, warning with wit, and dread with depth.

—Florence Bookreviewer

The Electric God and Other Shorts is an unforgettable dive into the strange, the satirical, and the dark corners of the human mind. What immediately stands out is Michael Thomas Perone’s bold voice—his writing is sharp, unflinching, and wildly original. Each story is a tightrope walk between absurdity and brutal realism, making the reader question the limits of sanity and the strange logic of the modern world. What I especially appreciated is how Perone balances his dark subject matter with moments of biting humor and emotional depth. Stories like The Electric God and How to Save a Drowning Butterfly tackle heavy themes—media addiction, societal cruelty, mental health—but never feel preachy. Instead, they’re haunting allegories that linger long after the final page. His characters are flawed, fascinating, and deeply human, making their descent into chaos feel disturbingly real. Perone’s style is reminiscent of The Twilight Zone or early Bradbury, yet he adds his own raw, contemporary edge. The stream-of-consciousness technique immerses you directly into the characters’ unraveling minds, and his use of surrealism creates vivid, often unsettling imagery. Whether it’s a bullied teen turning to destruction or an author haunted by his own words, every story is carefully crafted to provoke thought and emotion. If you’re a fan of dark fiction with heart, satire with substance, or stories that twist your expectations, The Electric God and Other Shorts is for you. It’s not just entertainment—it’s a mirror held up to the absurdities of modern life. Don’t miss this brilliant and disturbing collection.

—Md Sadabul Haque

In The Electric God and Other Shorts, Michael Thomas Perone delivers a collection of unsettling, thought-provoking, and award-winning stories that dive headfirst into the surreal, the speculative, and the psychological. Winner of the 2024 Firebird Book Award (First Place, Short Stories) and Second Place at The Spring 2025 BookFest Awards (in the same category), this collection firmly establishes Perone as a master of dark, genre-blending short fiction that leaves a lingering chill long after the final page. The six stories in this volume each explore themes of alienation, madness, and the fragile boundary between reality and delusion. From the first tale to the last, Perone wields a sharp and imaginative pen, using science fiction, horror, satire, and psychological suspense to create intense, self-contained universes where ordinary people are pushed to extraordinary—and often disturbing—extremes. The titular story, The Electric God, is a darkly ironic commentary on society’s dependence on media. In a small town overtaken by an all-consuming obsession with television, Perone examines how passive consumption can mutate into collective madness. The imagery is disturbing and eerily familiar, a chilling warning wrapped in dark satire. Another standout tale features a struggling author who begins receiving mysterious messages on the very paper he uses to write. It’s a metafictional mind-bender that will resonate with anyone who has ever feared the written word might take on a life of its own. Then there’s the heartbreaking and horrifying story of a bullied teen whose academic brilliance devolves into psychological ruin—a tale that hits hard and deep, reminding us of the monstrous potential that can emerge from unchecked cruelty. Each story is carefully crafted, with Perone’s prose striking a balance between clarity and poetic flair. He doesn’t overindulge in exposition, allowing the reader to piece together the unsettling undercurrents and hidden meanings within each tale. The collection’s pacing is tight, and its tone fluctuates skillfully between dark whimsy and nightmarish dread. Perhaps what’s most striking about The Electric God and Other Shorts is its thematic cohesion. Though each story stands on its own, together they form a haunting mosaic of characters navigating an unhinged world—where technology, trauma, and truth distort the human experience. It’s part modern-day fable, part dystopian dreamscape, and wholly original. This is a collection best savored slowly, preferably with the lights on and a wary glance over your shoulder. Perone’s work doesn’t just entertain—it unsettles, provokes, and dares you to question what’s real, what’s fiction, and what might be lurking in the corners of both. The Electric God and Other Shorts is essential reading for fans of speculative fiction, dark satire, and the art of the literary gut-punch. It’s a wild, eerie, and unforgettable ride.

—Books for Badal

To purchase The Electric God, please click the button below:

The Electric God  on Amazon

That’s it! In a slightly related development, my Instagram account has now reached over 2,000 followers, which, again, is peanuts compared to some of my followers who have tens of thousands of followers or more, but is a big deal for an indie author like me. Sorry to put you guys through this long list of reviews again, but if you all promise to buy one of my books, I’ll stop these shameless plugs. Oh, who am I kidding? That won’t happen, but I’ll at least write these commercialized blogs less often (maybe).

In other MTP news, I have a few book-signing events coming up, so if you’re in the Long Island area, drop by for a chat, a free small ‘80s toy, and a great book!

Thursday, July 24: Fire Island Vines, Bay Shore, NY, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (Food will be served.)

Saturday, September 13: Glen Cove Street Fair, Glen Cove, NY (time TBD)

Sunday, October 12: Eisenhower Park, East Meadow, NY (time TBD)

Looks like I buried the lede again.

MTP

P.S.: Next week’s blog: Another break

P.P.S.: Don’t forget the Danger Peak audiobook is now available!

P.P.P.S.: The new edition of The Electric God and Other Shorts is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble:

The Electric God on AmazonBarnes & Noble