Damned: A Magnus Blackwell Novel, Book 1 by Alexandrea Weis with Lucas Astor

Damned: A Magnus Blackwell Novel, Book 1
by Alexandrea Weis with Lucas Astor

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Reviewed For Readers Favorite


Altmover Manor has sat empty and crumbling for over sixty years, but as an architect, it is a dream come turn for Will to be able to restore it to its former glory, and Lexie is willing go to along with her fiancé, until she walks into the house and realizes that something isn't right. Of course being the practical man he is Will doesn't believe in her feelings or ghosts, but as Lexie starts learning about the house, she learns of the tragedies that occurred there. Lexie also meets the ghost of the former owner, Magnus Blackwell, and from there things get complicated. Damned is the story of Lexie, learning to deal with her gift and helping the ghosts of the house, and Magnus finding redemption for his previous sins during his lifetime. It is a complex story with lots of twists and turns and just when you think its over you find its only half way through. Author Alexandrea Weis with Lucas Astor has created a multilayered story that is complex and compelling. As a reader you find yourself drawn in and wanting to know more and keep reading, until before you know it the book is finished and you are begging for another installment in the story.

Damned, A Magnus Blackwell Novel is the first book in a series. Given the titles one would assume that the series revolves around Magnus Blackwell and his exploits, but as he is dead already in book one I am note exactly sure what book two would be unless it goes back and revisits his life before his death. This is a complex story with two very dynamic characters taking the lead in Magnus and Lexie, Will plays a supporting role. The whole story speaks of life and death, atoning for your actions, and the actions you take having consequences. Author Alexandra Weis with Lucas Astor is an amazing team in that they have created a multilayered story that is complex and compelling, that feels like real life and that draws you in and makes you want to keep reading. There are some adult themes in the story because it does talk about the death of Magus and a few other people, and there is some talk of sex, so I recommend it for adults, but in reality it is probably nothing more than most high school students have already heard, but I would leave that up to parents to decide.

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Rogue's Hollow by Jan Tilley

Rogue's Hollow 
by Jan Tilley


My rating: 4.6 of 5 stars


Reviewed for +Readers' Favorite 


You've driven through them, those little places way out in the middle of nowhere that are no more that a collection of five or six houses, a store and a bridge or two. That is Rogue's Hollow, the old mill used to employ a lot of people, but when it shut down and most people moved out of town, Norma turned the mill into a general store. Now that Malachi has it, he's added a little history section, a guide to all the haunted places around the area and they do a pretty good business around Halloween. When a turn of events brings young Travis into his store and life, he finds a friend, and Travis finds a purpose. Author +Jan Tilley  gives the readers what looks like on the surface a heartwarming story of an old man mentoring a young kid and both of them being better for it. Problem is, there are secrets, deep secrets they both hide, deeper that either of them realized at first.

Rogue's Hollow is the perfect name for the town. The only two people left in town that we meet are Malachi and Roberta and they are not about to move. They are definitely rogue's not conforming to the idea of leaving this old forgotten place and moving on. Slowly over time you learn the history of each of the places that are said to be haunted, and some of them are truly haunted it you're willing to be patient. Over time the history of the town and the forefathers is revealed as well, and that is a little different to say the least. Author +Jan Tilley  writes a wonderful heartwarming story with dark undertones that you just can't figure out until the last page. It is a great read for anyone, young adult through old adult. This is really going to keep you glued to your chair!

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