Book Reviews – Page 5 – Sassy Reviews

May 26, 2026

Bestiary of Blood

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Bestiary of Blood 📚
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Nzondi’s The Devil’s Blood, featured in the anthology Bestiary of Blood, is a horror fable that blends philosophy, folklore, and dark fantasy into a surprisingly emotional story. The tale builds its horror through atmosphere and unsettling ideas about fear, evil, and humanity’s obsession with the concept of the devil. The story follows a curious mother mosquito on a strange journey through the animal kingdom as she searches for answers about the existence of evil.

One of the strongest aspects of the story is the way Nzondi uses animals to explore human beliefs. The owl, coyote, and hyenas each provide different perspectives on morality, religion, and nature, turning simple conversations into thought-provoking reflections on good and evil. The dialogue feels theatrical at times, almost like a dark bedtime fable, which gives the story a unique voice that lingers long after reading.

Nzondi succeeds in creating a story that is unsettling not because of monsters hiding in shadows, but because of the uncomfortable truths hidden within fear, faith, and human nature itself. The Devil’s Blood is a short story that rewards thoughtful readers with layers of meaning. This story kept me on the edge of my seat until the last page.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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May 25, 2026

Peace, Love, & Murder

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Peace, Love, and Murder 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Alan R. Warren ✍️
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This book is a gripping and unsettling true-crime account that explores not only the infamous crimes of Charles Manson but also the cultural chaos of the 1960s that allowed his influence to grow. Alan R. Warren reconstructs Manson’s troubled childhood, repeated criminal behavior, and manipulative personality, showing how he preyed upon vulnerable young people searching for identity and belonging. The book’s strongest feature is its ability to place the Manson story within the broader backdrop of the hippie movement, drug culture, anti-war protests, and the changing social climate of America.

The chapters covering Manson’s relationships with figures connected to the music industry, including members of The Beach Boys and the influence he believed he found in The Beatles, are fascinating. The author illustrates how Manson manipulated people psychologically, using drugs, isolation, fear, and distorted spiritual ideas to maintain control over his followers.

This book is an intriguing read for fans of true crime, criminal psychology, and American cultural history. Warren balances biography, historical context, and crime reporting effectively. Peace, Love & Murder: The Charles Manson Story is more than a true crime story. It kept me on the edge of my seat until the last page. The narration is strong and smooth.

• 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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May 25, 2026

Made in the Shade

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Made in the Shade 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Deborah Wilde ✍️
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The protagonist, Miriam Feldman, is a middle-aged magical fixer navigating dangerous supernatural politics while balancing sarcasm, trauma, etc. Wilde’s writing is fast-paced, filled with witty one-liners and vivid descriptions that make even bizarre situations feel believable. The opening chapters alone deliver car crashes, shadow magic, vampires, and dark humor.

This is a story about identity, fear, aging, grief, and reclaiming personal power. Miriam is not a flawless heroine; she’s exhausted, insecure, stubborn, and deeply human, which makes her relatable. The magical worldbuilding is layered, especially the concept of the Kefitzat Haderech and the moral consequences tied to shadow magic. Wilde introduces supernatural lore with confidence, weaving Jewish mythology and paranormal elements into something unique.

Made in the Shade is a paranormal adventure with heart, humor, and a heroine readers will genuinely root for. Deborah Wilde successfully combines laugh-out-loud dialogue with darker themes of mortality and destiny. Fans of paranormal women’s fiction, urban fantasy, and character-driven mysteries will find this novel difficult to put down.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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May 22, 2026

Dark Pilgrim Rising

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Dark Pilgrim Rising 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: R. Peter Ubtrent ✍️
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Since the beginning, the novel establishes a futuristic universe where the memory of Earth itself has faded into myth, and humanity is divided by powerful Houses, assassins, and religious institutions. The prologue alone is gripping, introducing the meticulous assassin D’Cyn and the shocking murder of the emperor in a sequence filled with tension, strategy, and cinematic detail.

The author has done great work in writing the characters. Ailanthus, the central figure introduced in the penal colony on K’ar Krack’a, is well written because he is not portrayed as a survivor shaped by hardship and mystery. His interactions with characters like the stoic Tethys, the fierce Thaliana, and the chaotic Antlia create strong emotional dynamics that keep the story engaging. The hints about Ailanthus’ forgotten past and unusual abilities create an ongoing sense of intrigue.

The story picks pace once the main plot threads begin to connect, and the layered mysteries surrounding identity, power, and destiny makes the story even more interesting. Dark Pilgrim Rising is a highly detailed sci-fi adventure that rewards patient readers with a fascinating universe and gripping storyline.

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𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

May 21, 2026

Tanya, We Have A Problem

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Tanya, We Have A Problem 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Patti Lee ✍️
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The story begins with Tanya waking up next to a man who is definitely not her husband, immediately throwing readers into a messy, suspenseful, and humorous situation. Lee’s writing shines through Tanya’s relatable inner monologue, balancing comedy with genuine emotional tension as Tanya navigates marriage struggles, motherhood, and the consequences of one impulsive night. The fast-paced opening makes it difficult to stop reading, as every chapter reveals more layers to Tanya’s already complicated life.

Tanya is flawed and funny making her an easy protagonist to connect with. Her interactions with her husband Bill, her children, and her best friend Bonnie add both humor and emotional depth to the story. The dialogue feels natural and often hilarious, especially in scenes involving Tanya’s chaotic home life and her sharp observations about marriage and motherhood. Patti Lee captures the exhaustion and frustration of adult life while still keeping the tone light and entertaining.

Tanya, We Have a Problem is an entertaining blend of humor, domestic drama, and light mystery. Beneath the comedic moments, the novel explores themes of identity, trust, self-worth, and what happens when a woman begins questioning the life she has settled into. Readers who enjoy humorous women’s fiction with relatable life chaos, friendship dynamics, and romantic complications will likely find this book highly enjoyable.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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May 21, 2026

Sugar Plums and Death’s Intern

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Sugar Plums and Death’s Intern 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: D. C. Gomez ✍️
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From the opening chapters, the story introduces Bob, Death’s intern, as he struggles with sugar plum recipes, supernatural responsibilities, and mysterious encounters. The witty banter between the Reapers crew creates an entertaining found-family atmosphere, while the magical setting feels refreshingly unique. Gomez’s writing shines brightest in the character interactions, making even ordinary moments feel alive.

The introduction of Isabel, a trapped spirit with fragments of a tragic past, adds intrigue to the story. Her connection to Bob and the hidden dangers surrounding the cabin create tension that keeps the pages turning. The contrast between the playful “team-building retreat” chaos and Isabel’s darker storyline gives the book balance, allowing readers to enjoy many laugh-out-loud moments.

Sugar Plums and Death’s Intern is an entertaining book filled with lovable characters, sharp humor, and a touch of romance and suspense. Gomez successfully creates a world where Death’s interns, magical beings, and holiday-themed baking competitions somehow fit together perfectly. Readers who enjoy urban fantasy with strong found-family themes, light romance, and comedic energy will find this book hard to put down.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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May 15, 2026

Death on the Rocks

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Death on the Rocks 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Erik D’Souza ✍️
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The novel opens with the suspicious death of Wilbur Ghostkeeper, whose body is discovered on slippery shoreline rocks under seemingly accidental circumstances. From the start, the story creates an atmosphere of uncertainty, pulling readers into a layered mystery where nearly everyone seems to have secrets, motives, or something to hide.

One of the book’s strengths is its character-driven storytelling, especially through Suzanne Rickson, who quickly emerges as a strong central figure. Suzanne’s analytical mind, social awareness, and determination to uncover the truth make her an interesting amateur sleuth. Her interactions with her husband Charles, the police, and the community reveal complex relationships that go beyond a simple murder investigation. The dialogue feels natural, and the cast kept me invested.

Death on the Rocks is a satisfying mystery novel. Erik D’Souza does a good job balancing clues, red herrings, and emotional stakes while also expanding the story beyond just a suspicious death. The book’s mix of suspense, family tensions, and community intrigue keeps the pages turning, making it an enjoyable read for fans of cozy crime fiction and character-focused mysteries.

• 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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May 15, 2026

It Came From the Trees and Other Violent Aberrations

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: It Came From the Trees and Other Violent Aberrations 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Joel McKay ✍️
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“It Came From the Trees and Other Violent Aberrations” is a gripping collection of dark fiction that blends horror, science fiction, and fantasy into a fast-paced and unsettling reading experience. From the very first story, “It Came From the Trees,” McKay establishes a tense atmosphere with vivid descriptions, grotesque imagery, and a strong sense of isolation. The setting deep in the forests of British Columbia makes the horror feel immediate and believable.

The anthology includes original stories that explore fear, violence, and human vulnerability through different genres and scenarios. McKay’s writing style is immersive, with sharp dialogue, well-paced action, and a knack for building dread before unleashing chaos. The inclusion of author commentaries after each story is a thoughtful touch, offering readers insight into his creative process, inspirations, and storytelling decisions.

This collection is a strong choice for readers who enjoy horror with imaginative concepts. Fans of creature horror, survival narratives, and eerie speculative fiction will likely find this anthology memorable. I had a great time reading this book. I am definitely interested in reading more books by the author in the near future.

• 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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May 13, 2026

The Journey, Not the Destination

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Journey, Not the Destination 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Dr. Steve Hudgins ✍️
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In this book, the author shares his personal journey along with the lessons he learned along the way. With promotions, achievements, and stability, Steve once believed his life was leading him toward a clear destination. Over time, however, he realized that the places and experiences that shaped him the most were never the ones he had planned to reach.

As readers go through this book, they are encouraged to let go of emotional burdens and create space for clarity, peace, and freedom. It beautifully reminds us that broken families are not always the end of the story, sometimes, they mark the beginning of a new mosaic.

The chapter Unexpected Detours highlights an important truth: life does not always unfold according to our plans. Unexpected turns often challenge our understanding of family, faith, and perseverance, ultimately helping us grow in ways we never anticipated.

This book reminds readers that the journey matters more than the destination. Both the broken and beautiful moments in life play an essential role in shaping who we become. The wisdom shared throughout these pages inspires readers to reflect on their own journeys and consider how their experiences are molding them into the people they are today.

I truly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to exploring more of the author’s work in the future.

• 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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May 12, 2026

Nuggets of Hope

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Nuggets of Hope: Cultivate Kindness 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Kim Lengling ✍️
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Nuggets of Hope: Cultivate Kindness by Kim Lengling is a warm and uplifting book that reminds readers of the extraordinary power hidden in ordinary acts of kindness. Through personal stories, reflections, and practical advice, the author shows how even the smallest gesture: a smile, a kind word, or a thoughtful act can create a ripple effect in someone’s life. The concept of “Nuggets of Hope,” represented by small stones shared with strangers, gives the book a memorable and heartwarming theme.

Lengling shares real-life encounters with people facing grief, loneliness, illness, and hardship, illustrating how compassion can become a source of healing and connection. These stories allow readers to see kindness not as a grand ideal, but as a daily practice accessible to anyone. The inclusion of practical tips, conversation etiquette, self-kindness, and ways to teach compassion to children adds extra value.

Nuggets of Hope is an encouraging read for anyone seeking positivity in a chaotic world. Its message is simple yet impactful: kindness matters, not only for others, but for our own emotional and physical well-being too. While the themes are straightforward and repetitive at times, that repetition reinforces the book’s purpose of making kindness a conscious habit.

• 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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