Heather Marie Adkins

This story has quite a bit of depth for a short piece. The plot plays out at a good pace, and the content offers us a convincing look at otherworldly possibilities.

Rebecca's character is well developed. I enjoyed the interplay between Rebecca and her daughter. Their abilities are handled in a way that is both believable and intriguing.

My only complaint is that the ending feels rushed. We are told about the aftermath, rather than being allowed to experience it along with the characters. show more Aside from that small issue, this is a highly entertaining story. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author. show less

Okay, so I read "What a Witch" by Colleen S. Myers specifically in this collection...received a copy of that portion for review.

You've heard me before, short stories are not my bag, but this one definitely starts out with a bang! Vampires are taking over the world, or pretty much HAVE, and while humans were being corralled, mages seemed off hand since they don't appeal to their particular tastes. But then, something changes, and it seems they are ALL under siege...and so begins the show more anticipated, yet unexpected "quest" for these two sisters, and their brother (eventually). With their powers, they're a force to contend with, but only if they can control them, and that's easier said than done...with good reason as we find out along the way. Up the ante with secrets being played close to the vest even within covens, and an unexpected yet not completely unwelcome romantic entanglement that'll take both parties by surprise, and you've got a tale that you'll enjoy, but will still leave you chomping at the bit for more. show less

I received a free kindle copy of The Gateway of Light and Darkness by Heather Marie, published by Curiosity Quills from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

I gave this book five stars. This book starts where The Gateway Through Which They Cames stops.

“Yeah, dude, I see you. Believe me.” I say that last part under my breath. It’s not his problem that I can’t seem to do my job without fearing that another demon––a Shadow from the Order––will burst through my chest again. show more Sometimes I can still feel the scrape of their claws inside me, the bone and flesh still raw.

Absentmindedly, I press my hand against my chest and rub the phantom pain away.

“Can you help me out, kid? I’ve been limping around like a bloody wanker for the last few days.” His English accent is thick and apparent, now that I’ve taken the time to notice."

With this Bleeder, it all went wrong. Aiden heads to see Trevor. "It’s not sitting right. Not just what I did, but the way my body is reacting to the situation. My body doesn’t feel like a body anymore. It’s become some sort of vessel that I can no longer control. A place where strange entities coexist that are not a part of me, but are me. I picture them like aliens that have chosen my body as their life source, taking refuge inside of me. And I’m just in the passenger seat of my own mind, watching as the world burns."

Aiden is talking with his friends Trevor & Evan & thinks to himself: "The things I’m capable of have yet to register and I can’t give myself to the Light completely. Not when the Light and Dark within me are equal in strength. And not when I’m incapable of deciding which side I’m really on. Or rather, when the opposing forces waging war inside of me haven’t consumed one or the other just yet.

This realization makes me fear the day that one will win over the other, because even I'm not sure which side I will choose."

After he leaves his friends he remembers Koren Banks & that crossing her through the Gateway was so hard because he loved her & knew he was losing her forever.

He finds out he is being watched & later overhears his father, Michael talking to Father Martin about being protected from those watching, the Men of Light. He also discovers that Julie, Father Martin's niece is also a a Mortal Gateway. But she is consumed with light & doesn't lose consciousness when one passes through her.

"The message sent by the Brethren has become abundantly clear. If you choose to go against them, they will destroy everything you believe in. It’s the same message the Brethren started centuries before. When they pillaged and destroyed every inch of land they could to cause fear. To break the human condition until there was nothing left.

So many times in history our world fell into the Darkness the Brethren inflicted upon it. And the farther we descend down the steps, the harder it hits me just how close we are to it happening again."

I highly recommend this paranormal book. show less

These was one of the better anthologies that I have read

I first discovered this series because of posts on IG and then gladly purchased it because of Dani Rene (her story was exceptional by the). However this book was something so much more of just her. There were so many authors, many of them new to me, that brought this anthology to life. There were stories for everyone. Some tamer than others but all magical.

I discovered several new authors in this collection to follow now.
I highly show more recommend this collection. Very well done. show less