Indie Scouting Report: August 2018
A look at some of the best-reviewed self-published titles from BookLife authors.
In this month’s roundup of the best-reviewed BookLife titles, we highlight a medical thriller, a contemporary romance, a portrait of a modern witch, and two books for younger readers.
Hexen’s Cross by J. Kowallis
Synopsis: A portrait of a modern witch and student of European occult practices who finds herself caught in the middle of an ancient prophesy.
PW’s Takeaway: Kowallis’s blend of mythologies is immersive and impressive, and the volatile chemistry between the two protagonists propels this dynamic narrative forward into the series’ next volume.
Comparable Title: Anne Rice’s The Witching Hour
Sample Line: “The next thing I know, my father’s lifeless body hits the ground with a soft thud. It’s the same nightmare I have nearly every time I close my eyes.”
Love over Lattes by Diana A. Hicks
Synopsis: After a rejected rental application leads to an emotional breakdown in a café, Valentina de Cordoba meets a hunky stranger and leases a cottage on his estate. But can she keep their relationship strictly professional?
PW’s Takeaway: Each stolen glance is taut with sexual tension that continues to build until an utterly satisfying release. This irresistible romance is sure to satisfy.
Comparable Title: Christina Lauren’s Roomies
Sample Line: “Like an avalanche, out of nowhere, a hum in my chest spread and filled me with a kind of desire I’d never felt in my life. The kind I’d never thought could be for me.”
A Yorkie’s Tale by David Heaney
Synopsis: This novel centers on anthropomorphic animals who face significant questions about life’s meaning.
PW’s Takeaway: Heaney offers wisdom, poetry, and humor.
Comparable Title: Katherine Applegate’s The One and Only Ivan
The Organ Growers by Richard Van Anderson
Synopsis: In this thriller, a doctor avenges the death of his wife and daughter and finds himself on the run.
PW’s Takeaway: Hits the ground running... breathless.
Comparable Title: Robin Cook’s Charlatans
Petro and the Flea King by Kenneth Lamug
Synopsis: When Petro’s village is attacked by the Flea King, he sets out to find a solution to the infestation.
PW’s Takeaway: Lamug’s black-and-white artwork is accessible, expressive, and full of wit.
Comparable Titles: Luke Pearson’s Hildafolk series
