Review: "The Mirror's Truth"

The Mirror’s Truth by Michael R. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Manifested delusions from every angle clash and contort reality, as characters twist fate to match their fractured beliefs.

World & Lore:
Fletcher returns to his gritty, broken world with the same vivid grime and chaotic beauty that made Beyond Redemption so immersive. The depth of world-building here continues to shine. Everything feels lived-in, scarred, and dangerously teetering on the edge of belief and madness.

What keeps it fresh is how he layers new forms of delusion onto each new character. Every introduction brings a warped curiosity: What do they believe, and how will that belief reshape the world around them? This isn’t just a narrative mechanic, it’s the beating heart of the world, and it gets more disturbing and addictive with each page.

There’s also one chapter that stands out as the most grotesque, visceral thing I’ve ever read. No spoilers, but it was so creatively revolting that I had to reread it five times. Fletcher makes discomfort an art form and I couldn’t look away.

Characters & Arcs:
Stehlen, Wichtig, and Bedeckt return, but their paths diverge—and in that space, their delusions and egos have room to spiral. Their bond is frayed, tugged between lingering loyalty and unchecked selfishness. Do they owe each other anything anymore? Or have they outgrown even that?

New characters expand the mental battlefield, often exposing the original trio’s deeper flaws. These aren’t just side stories; they act as a lens into the distorted psyche of every major player.

Morgen, now a god, wrestles with what it means to lead. What does justice look like when belief defines truth? What kind of morality can a delusional god uphold?

Plot & Pacing:
The Mirror's Truth is steady, deliberate, and deeply psychological. The weight comes from internal fractures, from the way characters chase their delusions and deal with the wreckage they leave behind.

There are great fights, but most of the tension comes from watching characters spiral, lie to themselves, and double down when the truth threatens to surface. It’s about cause and effect, belief and consequence, and how no one ever really has all the information they need to make the right call.

If Beyond Redemption asked what belief could create, The Mirror’s Truth asks what it costs.

Themes & Tone:
Identity, madness, ambition: these aren’t just abstract ideas, they’re the fuel. Fletcher dives into the terrifying idea that belief is more than personal—it’s infectious, manipulable, and dangerous. The world doesn’t just bend to belief. It breaks.

This book explores:

• The seductive nature of delusion

• How power distorts perception

• The fine line between ambition and godhood

• How past loyalty competes with present selfishness

The tone is bleak, violent, and philosophical but laced with brutal humor that keeps it grounded. The characters are deeply flawed, sometimes hilarious, often despicable, and always interesting.

Fantasy Flavor:
Instead of traditional tropes, The Mirror’s Truth leans on:

• Godhood born from belief, not birthright

• Morally ambiguous choices with far-reaching consequences

• Characters that are selfish, scorned, and sometimes suicidal

• Gritty philosophical questions

If you like your fantasy dark, unhinged, and more concerned with why someone acts than what they do, this is for you.

Quotes That Hit Hard:
“The facts don’t matter. Facts are a hindrance. Unless they support whatever it is you’re saying, in which case they are the most important thing in the world and anyone who says otherwise is an idiot.”

"We live meaningless lives and then die. Why should the Afterdeath be any different?"

"This is a dirty world. Rules and cleanliness are temporary. Chaos and filth are forever. You will try and build perfection, and then you will watch it crumble at your feet."

Personal Takeaway:
The Mirror’s Truth delivered on every front. The layers of belief, raw character development, and deeply flawed perspectives kept me turning pages late into the night. Fletcher doesn’t just write characters—he builds unstable minds, gives them power, and lets you watch the world burn in their wake.

I’m fully locked into this series. The world of Manifest Delusions is an absolute descent into the best kind of madness.

Rating:
★★★★★ (5/5 Stars)

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Review: "The Tenant"

The Tenant by Freida McFadden
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

The Tenant was an underwhelming read that lacked character depth and offered minimal suspense for a book marketed as a thriller. The stakes felt weightless, and the twists—far from surprising—came off as rushed and unearned.

Pacing:
Hard to pin down. I finished this in a day not because it was gripping, but because the content was light and undemanding. Unfortunately, that also meant a lack of suspense to keep me hooked. Some chapters—like those dedicated to a fish funeral—felt like pure filler.

Suspense and Atmosphere:
Any tension that built up dissolved quickly with overly convenient explanations. Moments that could’ve simmered were instead wrapped up immediately, leaving little to hold onto.

Characters:
Krista came across as more annoying than compelling, and her role in the story felt too minimal to matter. Blake’s constant hand-wringing and helplessness wore thin fast. Whitney had potential, but like the rest of the cast, lacked the depth to feel truly developed.

Twists and Reveals:
The reveals felt like afterthoughts—stacked at the end and rushed through with little buildup. Without tension or meaningful setup, the payoff just wasn’t there. Nothing felt earned, and the conclusion wrapped up without the satisfying complexity a good thriller needs.

Underlying Issues:
Themes like self-worth, trust, and relationship strain are touched on but never explored with any real depth.

Psychological Focus:
The premise—being forced to take in a tenant due to financial hardship—sets up some psychological tension, but it’s played too safely. The unease of opening one’s home to a stranger had potential, but it barely scratched the surface.

Darkness and Disturbance:
This is a “safe” read—nothing too graphic, intense, or emotionally raw. Everything is kept at a surface level, which undercuts any sense of real dread or unease.

- Final Thoughts
The Tenant feels like a book written quickly, checking the right boxes without digging any deeper. It might work for someone looking for a breezy one-day read with minimal emotional or narrative investment, but if you’re looking for a thriller with tension, complexity, or weight, this likely won’t do it. Every conflict is presented with an immediate explanation, which makes for a passive reading experience.

Rating:
★★☆☆☆ (2/5 Stars)

I was excited to read this given its popularity, but it ended up falling flat and never really went deeper than the page itself.

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Review: "Beyond Redemption"

Beyond Redemption by Michael R. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An epic construct of a tangled world where gods, desires, inner selves, and selfish intentions all grapple for control.

World & Lore:
Fletcher builds a world that’s grimy, dark, and completely believable in the worst (and best) ways. From dirt crusted inns to forest-flanked roads, everything feels used, lived-in, and dangerous. What really stood out to me was how belief literally shapes reality, and how power comes not just from strength but from perception.

The dopples, physical manifestations of a person’s worst flaws, were one of my favorite elements. It’s such a creative and unsettling way to explore identity. The idea that your self-doubt or greed could crawl out of your head and fight you for control? Absolute stuff of nightmares.

Characters & Arcs:
The trio of Stehlen, Wichtig, and Bedeckt are the backbone of this story. They’re all selfish, damaged, and wildly entertaining to follow.

• Bedeckt is the tired veteran who pretends he's done with the game but keeps getting pulled back in.

• Stehlen is an unrepentant thief who trusts no one and would probably steal your last breath if it got her ahead.

• Wichtig might be one of the most annoying and fascinating characters I’ve read in a while—completely obsessed with fame and utterly delusional, but somehow still fun to watch.

Morgen’s arc is one of the most drastic—starting as a quiet mystery and evolving into something much more powerful and dangerous.

Konig’s struggle with identity and control fuels much of the story’s conflict. His obsession with gods and legacy leads to some of the book’s most intense moments. It’s a great example of Fletcher’s talent for making character flaws drive the plot.

And I’ve got to talk about Gehirn Schlechtes: she’s chaos in the best way. The Hasserbrand angle was such a cool twist, and I loved every scene she was in.

Plot & Pacing:
This isn’t a typical action-heavy fantasy. The pacing is still great but leans more into the psychological, and I was totally into it. There’s plenty of blood and chaos, but the real tension comes from watching these broken people chase power, make half-informed choices, and unravel under the weight of their own delusions.

It’s less about big battles and more about belief twisting reality, plans made in the dark and consequences no one truly understands the gravity of. No one really knows what they’re unleashing when they fabricate a god; who controls a god, what it becomes, or how it will alter the world that created it.

Themes & Tone:
Identity, power, delusion—this book goes deep. Fletcher plays with the idea that we are what we believe we are… but that belief can be corrupted, manipulated, or straight-up weaponized for another's gain. It’s bleak, but not hopeless.

There’s also humor, which I appreciated. It’s dry, sometimes brutal, but it makes the characters feel real and tangible, especially in the middle of all the madness. The tone is heavy and dark, but the banter and absurdity keep it from sinking completely into misery.

Fantasy Flavor:
Tropes include: birth of gods through belief, sacrifice of self (and others) for power, and unreliable characters with dark pasts.

Perfect for fans of grimdark with psychological and philosophical edges. If you like Abercrombie or Mark Lawrence, this will be your jam.

Quotes That Hit Hard:

“Belief defines reality. Forget this and die.”

“A lie repeated often enough becomes truth. The louder, the better.”

“Gods were born not of virtue, but of madness and desperation.”

These lines don’t just sound awesome, they hit at the core of the book’s entire premise.

Takeaway:
I tore through this book and was hooked from the start. Beyond Redemption is the kind of book that keeps you up way too late wanting to devour another chapter, and makes you try to piece together all the angles when you aren't reading. It’s exactly the kind of dark, chaotic, character-driven fantasy I love.

If you’ve got even a passing interest in grimdark or dark fantasy, this should absolutely be on your list. I’m already moving on to the next book in the Manifest Delusions series.

Rating:
★★★★★ (5/5 Stars)

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Review: "An End to Sorrow"

An End to Sorrow by Michael R. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An End to Sorrow is the kind of book that grabs you by the throat and drags you through a world full of necromancers, demons, gods, dragons, sorcerers, shamans, and wizards. Somehow it makes you love every brutal second of it. Fletcher doesn’t just write dark fantasy. He makes you live in it.

The story never lets up. It feels like getting strapped into a roller coaster with no brakes, and you’re weirdly okay with that. The pacing is relentless, the conflict has weight, and the stakes keep getting higher and more complex.

What really sets this book apart though is the mental side of the journey. Khraen isn’t just fighting monsters—he’s battling himself. Every step forward comes with a question of who he really is and whether he can live with the person he’s becoming. His internal conflict is just as intense as the blood-soaked battles, and watching him struggle to piece together his soul and confront the truth of what he really is hit me the hardest.

On top of that, Fletcher does a brilliant job showing how unclear loyalty can be. You start to really question who’s on Khraen’s side and why. Just like him, you’re left trying to figure out who’s a friend, who’s a threat, and who’s playing a much deeper game. That shifting tension of these entangled relationships kept me hooked.

Amidst all of this, Bren continues to steal scenes with his perfectly timed sarcasm. His running line—“is my one flaw”—is expertly placed and always hits the mark. It’s the kind of humor that sticks with you. I’ve caught myself using it lately, which might be my one flaw.

Two quotes that really stood out to me:

“Can a man who dies thousands of deaths ever truly be dead?”
“One should always strive for freedom from oppression.”

They sum up the soul of this series—fighting for freedom, identity, and survival when everything, even your own mind, seems against you.

I finished this book feeling wrecked but satisfied, and craving more. The story is unforgettable. Fletcher nailed it.

Rating:
★★★★★ (5/5 stars)

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Review: "She Dreams in Blood"

She Dreams in Blood by Michael R. Fletcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

She Dreams in Blood picks up right where Black Stone Heart left off and keeps the momentum going. The pacing stays tight and engaging, and the story continues to explore what makes Khraen such a compelling character. This time, the focus shifts more toward self-realization as he is forced to confront who he truly is and begins to accept the cost of becoming that person. It is dark, intense, and emotionally layered.

The world expands in eerie and memorable ways, especially with the chilling necromancer camp in the south. Fletcher’s world-building remains strong, full of vivid detail and atmosphere. Bren also stands out, with great character growth as he matures and strengthens his bond with Khraen.

If there is one drawback, it is that some of the suspense loses its impact. Khraen ends up in situations that feel like they could be the end, only to be saved by oddly specific events. After a few of these, the danger begins to feel less meaningful.

Still, She Dreams in Blood is a powerful and satisfying continuation. It deepens the themes, raises the stakes, and keeps The Obsidian Path series on solid footing. A strong 4 out of 5.

Rating:
★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)

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Review: "Black Stone Heart"

Black Stone Heart by Michael R. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Black Stone Heart is a dark and immersive fantasy that delivers everything I look for in the genre: strong character development, vivid world-building, and weighty, morally complex themes. Fletcher writes with a sharp edge, crafting a story that balances brutal action with introspection.

The linear storytelling makes the narrative easy to follow without sacrificing depth. The world is rich with ancient lore, demons, gods, and hidden histories, all of which add a sense of scale and mystery that kept me hooked. I especially appreciated how the story explores the consequences of personal choices and the constant pull between kindness and darkness, without ever feeling forced.

This is a gripping, atmospheric read with real emotional and philosophical weight. If you enjoy grimdark stories with moral tension and layered world-building, this one is worth your time.

Rating:
★★★★★ (5/5 stars)

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Review: "A Tide of Black Steel"

A Tide of Black Steel by Anthony Ryan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Anthony Ryan’s A Tide of Black Steel exceeded my expectations for what a grand fantasy novel should be. Despite being told from the perspectives of multiple characters—a narrative technique that can sometimes feel distracting—Ryan handles the character switches masterfully. Each chapter is lengthy enough to allow plenty of development and action, making the transitions smooth and engaging. Although the connection between the different story lines was initially challenging to piece together, the anticipation of seeing these characters' paths converge kept the story compelling.

Plot and Structure:
The plot is intricately woven through themes of political intrigue, honor, and sacrifice. Ryan expertly balances these elements, creating a narrative that is both complex and coherent. The structure of the book is logical, and while the climaxes lead to resolutions, some were pleasantly surprising and shocking, adding to the overall enjoyment of the story.

Character Analysis:
The character dynamics between Thera and Lynnea were among the most exciting and intriguing aspects of the book. Their unique origins and complementary skills make them a formidable pair, and their understanding of each other’s intentions adds depth to their partnership. Elvine is another standout character; her journey from her beginnings in the Covenant to her critical role in the story's conclusion is both compelling and satisfying.

Ruhlin's character arc is a powerful exploration of balance, sacrifice, and identity. His internal struggle with his "fire blood" and the burden of being called to something beyond his mortal nature is portrayed with nuance and depth. Radylf, on the other hand, represents the theme of freedom versus enslavement. Although he is technically free, he is as bound by his circumstances and obligations as the other characters, making him a complex and tragic figure.

Themes:
The book delves deeply into themes of sacrifice, honor, pride, betrayal, personal ambition, power, control, identity, and loyalty. Characters constantly balance their outward goals with their true thoughts, often hidden beneath layers of manipulation and secrecy. While some themes are more subtle, they all leave a lasting impact, resonating long after the book is finished. These themes, though set in a fantasy world, are timeless and relevant, echoing the complexities of the modern world.

World-Building:
Ryan’s world-building is immersive and well-developed. Although the fantasy names of people and places can be challenging at first, the world feels whole and vividly depicted. The nature of the world and its intricacies are gradually revealed, creating a clear and engaging picture that pulls the reader into the story.

Writing Style:
Ryan’s writing style is engaging, maintaining a steady pace throughout the book. Unlike some fantasy novels that can become long-winded, Ryan strikes the perfect balance between description and action, keeping the story moving while allowing room for the reader's imagination. His ability to leave certain elements to the imagination adds an additional layer of engagement.

Final Thoughts:
The Tide of Black Steel is poised to be a hit within the fantasy community, offering a rich and accessible narrative that can draw in a wide audience. While the book is complex enough to satisfy seasoned fantasy readers, it is also accessible enough for those new to the genre. If you’re on the fence or usually steer clear of fantasy, this novel is a great entry point—it’s just that good.

Thanks to NetGalley and Orbit for an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

Rating:
★★★★★ (5/5 stars)

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Review: "2040: A Silicon Valley Satire"

2040: A Silicon Valley Satire by Pedro Domingos
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The premise and idea of this book were enough to pique my interest. With a background in software development and AI, I found the description intriguing. However, the technology mentioned in the book felt very surface-level and almost corny. I was also interested in the heavily political nature of the book, but it didn’t quite land as expected.

While politics were a central theme from the beginning, the execution fell short. Despite the focus on an AI president, the political elements were exaggerated to the point of being unconvincing, even for a satire. The characters felt extremely shallow, and their conversations and decisions seemed weightless, which was contradictory to the gravity of a presidential election that could end America as a whole. The satire spelled things out so explicitly that it left little to the reader’s imagination. There was very little suspense or any hook that compelled me to keep reading.

The ending was particularly disappointing. It was abrupt and wrapped everything up in a neat bow in about five pages, leaving nothing to ponder. For a political satire, I expected to be left reflecting on the implications of our own political decisions rather than feeling unsatisfied with an overly tidy conclusion.

While the concept had potential, the execution did not live up to it. The book lacked the depth and subtlety needed to make a lasting impact. It presents a light, unserious, and overly exaggerated narrative. Even understanding that it is satire, the story felt under-baked and ultimately was not that enticing of a read. It might entertain those looking for a light, exaggerated take on future politics, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me.

That said, if you’re in the mood for a quick, light-hearted read with some humorous takes on future politics, you might still find some enjoyment here.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Rating:
★★★☆☆ (3/5 stars)

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Review: "Trapped Days"

Trapped Days: A Post-Apocalyptic Survival Thriller by Grace Hamilton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Disclaimer: I received a free ARC of this book from Booksprout in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Title: Trapped Days
Author: Grace Hamilton
Genre: Action/Adventure/Survival
Publication Date: August 7, 2024

Summary:
Trapped Days follows Shannon Grayson, a tough-as-nails long-haul truck driver, whose life is turned upside down when a massive electromagnetic blast hits North America while she’s unloading cargo at the South-Central Retail Supercenter, demolishing the power grid. Trapped inside the sprawling building with dozens of other survivors, Shannon must navigate a world without power and the looming collapse of society outside. Determined to escape and find her daughter, whom she hasn’t seen since entering witness protection five years ago, Shannon faces a grueling battle for survival.

Eight hundred miles away, Dennis Sullivan, Shannon’s witness protection officer, battles through the ruins of America to reunite with her and ensure their safety. As desperation turns to terror, Shannon and the others realize that in a world gone mad, the only people they can trust—and the only people they need to fear—are each other.

Review:

Themes and Content:
The novel explores the fallout of an EMP crippling the United States and possibly the world. Themes include moral dilemmas, the nature of humanity, and power struggles in a large-scale disaster scenario.

Characters:
Shannon is a relatable character with a strong character arc, developing trust in others while facing various conflicts and enduring betrayals. Dennis, the witness protection officer, is intriguing but feels inconsistent at times. His timidity and guilt contrast with his military background. Supporting characters are well-crafted, adding realism and depth to the story.

Writing Style:
Hamilton's writing is engaging and well thought out, providing vivid descriptions of the scenes. The alternating timelines are managed well, maintaining suspense and emotional depth.

Plot and Pacing:
The plot is fairly strong, especially as the first book in a new series. The book is told through the perspectives of three main characters, and the anticipation of their eventual interactions adds to the intrigue. The pacing keeps readers hooked, with each chapter revealing just enough to maintain interest and suspense.

Strengths and Weaknesses:
The atmospheric setting and well-drawn characters are major strengths. The main weakness lies in the beginning of Dennis's plot, which didn’t resonate as strongly with me due to its seeming implausibility in the context of the EMP crisis.

Personal Response:
While I thoroughly enjoyed Trapped Days’ engaging plot, rich settings, and overarching theme, I found the subplot involving Dennis's quest to find Kim during the EMP crisis somewhat implausible and less compelling. The book is well-written, with chapters alternating between Shannon and Dennis, adding depth and dynamism to the narrative. However, Dennis's decision to prioritize finding Kim over addressing the broader implications of a nationwide EMP attack seemed misaligned with the gravity of the situation.

Given that nearly half of the chapters focus on Dennis's journey, this subplot felt disproportionately emphasized. While his sense of duty and dedication are commendable, the context of a catastrophic event might have called for a more nuanced exploration of priorities and survival. This aspect of the story, though central, didn’t resonate as strongly with me and seemed to detract from the otherwise compelling and cohesive narrative. Once I accepted Dennis’s unwavering commitment to his mission, I enjoyed the rest of his story, but the initiation and reasoning of his plotline didn’t seem proportional to the disaster at hand.

Despite this, the book remains an enjoyable read with well-developed characters and a captivating plot. The setting and the unique circumstances of the EMP attack are vividly portrayed, keeping the reader engaged throughout. Overall, the book is a great addition to the genre, though I wish Dennis's subplot had a more convincing intention from the beginning.

Conclusion and Recommendation:
Trapped Days is a compelling start to a new series, offering a gripping survival story with well-drawn characters and a richly described setting. Fans of action, adventure, and survival genres will find much to enjoy. While the subplot involving Dennis's mission may seem less plausible, accepting it as a driving force for his character allows the rest of his journey to be more enjoyable. I recommend this book to readers looking for an intense, well-paced survival adventure.

Rating:
★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)

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