For those interested, I thought I’d share two reviews of my recent published ebook, Unknown Sender. Both of these are official book review bloggers, and both of whom do great work on their blogs. Enjoy!
First review from Jaffalogue
Unknown Sender by Ryan Lanz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The urban legend of the caller ID-blocked phone call asking if one has “checked the children?” gets a new thoroughly eerie spin in this short horror story when Jessica receives an anonymous text: “Do you lock your doors at night?” Jessica has enough anxiety as it is–academically, socially. Her perfect roommate, Aubrey, with the stellar grades, easy beauty and ideal boyfriend will never understand, and now someone’s bullying Jessica? or worse–threatening her.
Jessica’s finger hovered over the W key.
[Who is this?]
. . . Even as she lifted the phone again, she knew it was silly–she would hear when the text came in. It chirped in her hands, and she dropped it in surprise.
[I’m someone who’s asking if you lock your doors at night. You wouldn’t want a stranger getting in.]
The roommates opt to get out of the house Aubrey-style, which means a large house-party hosted by ideal boyfriend, Ricky. But the texts keep coming, now commenting on Jessica’s outfit and if she’s having fun. With a potential stalker on the loose, the girls flee the party:
The streetlights must have been on for a while, creating clouds of insects, all swarming toward the light as their only savior. During the day, the park appeared so innocent and inviting, whereas now it looked like it contained a hundred human-sized places for someone to hide. From somewhere over her left shoulder, a car alarm went off, making her jump.
This spine-tingling tale hits all the right moves as Jessica and Aubrey try to outpace the texts and the range of the cellular service. It is highly recommended.
I was contacted through The Book Review Directory for this review. The author, Ryan Lanz, has a blogsite that can be followed. Hopefully, a longer collection of short stories will be on his horizon.
[Check out my other reviews here.]
Second review from Brit’s Nook:
Author: Ryan Lanz
E-Book: 25 pages
Publisher: Applebury Press (June 5, 2015)
Blurb:
Jessica’s world revolves around studying at college and affording prepackaged meals, which leaves little time for socializing. In fact, she is quite content without being noticed, which only makes the attention of a mystery texter all the more unwanted.
She isn’t unfamiliar with strange advances, but this is something entirely different. This person knows things about her. Things beyond just an average stalker.
Even after all that, Jessica would be much more content to forget than discover who is chasing her, electronically or otherwise. Eventually, she finds out that she can’t outrun her past.
Meet the Author:
Ryan Lanz was born and raised on the island of Oahu in Hawaii until he was a teenager and then lived in California for a time. He enjoyed a brief experience with film before becoming involved in the performing arts, touring with a music performance group as a vocalist to a dozen countries on three continents over the length of five years.
His first published work was Unknown Sender, and he looks forward to many more in a variety of genres.
He also enjoys blogging about the culture of writing and brings on guest authors to share their writing tips.
My Review:
Unknown Sender is a novelette that will leave you shocked and begging for more as you read. When I first began to read through the first couple of paragraphs I could have easily been distracted but, that quickly changed. I found that I had to know what was going on. I didn’t notice anything happening around me as I dove deeper and deeper into this story. The characters in this story were very intriguing and kept this story moving along. The main character, Jessica, has some self-esteem issues which makes her easy to identify with somewhat. This is a horror story; however, there isn’t anything that is going to make you go hide behind your favorite pillow. This was a great short read, and I recommend that you give it a shot. Trust me; I was pleasantly surprised with just how much I enjoyed this quick read.
Disclosure: I am an official book review blogger and I received this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Happy Reading!
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This is so exciting!!
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I agree! : )
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Good reviews are the best! Congrats
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Thank you Jess!
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Congratulations!
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Thank you!
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Congratulations!
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Thank you!
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Let me preface my comment by divulging that I hold a master’s degree in criminology, have studied serial killers and have read a lot of true crime stories. This novelette was like a strong drink that creeps up on you. The suspense builds steadily and pulls you in. And then bam! The ending hits you with no warning. In a word, shocking. It was somewhat confusing at the end also, but confusing in a way that left you wanting to read more. Hope there’s a sequel or a “Book 2” in the works!
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Wow, what a neat comment. Thanks for sharing, especially considering your background. If I’m asking this right, was it in-line with your area of study? (I’m trying to ask in a way that won’t hint to the ending)
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Yes, it was!
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: )
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I’ve been trying to post a review but for some reason the Amazon website will not load. I’ll keep trying.
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That would be wonderful. Thank you, STC. I appreciate the Amazon review.
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I want to personally thank you for the positive Amazon review (at least, I’m assuming it was yours, due to the mention of your degree in it). You rock. : )
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Yes, that was me! And you’re welcome.
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Congratulations on the great reviews. It’s not always easy getting reviews in the beginning, speaking from personal experience. Just from the blurb and the reviews, they make me want to check out your book!
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Thanks josois! I welcome you to do so. : ) I added some review quotes in the “My book” tab above, if it helps.
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If only it wasn’t horror. Not my genre, at all. 😦
But it sounds like you did a great job with it. If I ever decide to read a horror story, yours will be the first one I pick up.
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Thanks Andrea! I’m tinkering around with a YA fantasy concept, so we’ll see. : )
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I’m kinda late to the party but just stumbled across your blog and thought I’d say congrats on the killer reviews.
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Thanks Scott!
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