Huge thank you to PUYB for having me on the tour and to Victor for sending me a signed copy for review.
Author: Victor Acquista
Series: The Saga of Venom and Flame #1
Age: Adult
Genres: Thriller, Suspense, Mystery
Publication Date: August 6, 2020
Publisher: BHC Press
Source: Paperback
Purchase: Hardcover | Paperback | Kindle | Audible | B&N
Synopsis:
Ever since her great aunt left her alone in a cave when she was ten, Serena Mendez has been haunted by the traumatic incident. Now she’s an unemployed, pill-popping twenty-one year old suffering from nightmares and PTSD. When her psychiatrist suggests she visit her great aunt to get to the root cause of her ailment, she reluctantly agrees it’s time to confront the past.
Accompanied by her geeky friend Bryson, they travel to a Navajo Reservation to meet with her great aunt and return to the cave where it all began. But what she discovers points to an ancient conflict between the Illuminati and a Luminarian sect with origins to Atlantis—and she appears to be at the center of it all. With more questions than answers and only a handful of clues, Serena embarks on a mystical journey across six continents to learn more.
But sinister forces oppose her. Pursued by a powerful enemy, Serena must evade capture and fulfill her true destiny. Can she expose dark secrets and a hidden conspiracy? Or will those who wish to remain in the shadows find her first?
My Rating:
My Thoughts:
This was such an interesting story. I'm not big on the mystery, thriller or suspense genres so I wasn't sure how I would feel going into it. The synopsis and name of the series intrigued me enough so I went into it without too much pressure. I'm glad I gave this book a go. The writing was definitely something that pulled me in. The topics in this books are not for everyone. If you aren't up for a protagonist that can get on your nerves and deals with drug abuse and PTSD then this may not be for you.
Serena is an unlikable character to me, but I like that she was. She was snarky and sassy. She also had a lot of courage. She grows throughout the book during her journey for the truth. I was intrigued with the myths used in this book. I could tell that Victor did a bit of research to ensure that the myths aligned well with his story. The other characters were well written and all seemed to have purpose within the plot.
I definitely look forward to the sequel when it comes out. I want more! This was a page turner and I truly enjoyed the read. Not to mention: I love the cover of this book!
About the Author
Victor Acquista has become an international author and speaker following his careers as a primary-care physician and medical executive. He is known for “Writing to Raise Consciousness.” His multi-genre works include fiction and nonfiction and often incorporate social messaging to engage readers in thought-provoking themes.
He is a member of the Authors Guild, the Mystery Writers of America, the Florida Writers Association, Writers Co-op, and is a Knight of the Sci-Fi Roundtable.
When not pondering the big questions in life and what’s for dinner, he enjoys gardening and cooking. He lives with his wife and dog in Ave Maria, Florida.
Wednesday, November 18
Virtual Book Tour Kick Off at PUYB Virtual Book Club
Thursday, November 19
Book Teaser Feature at YouTube
Friday, November 20
Book Feature at Books Charming
***********
Tuesday, November 24
Book Review at Books for Books
Wednesday, November 25
Interview at b for Book Review
Friday, November 27
Book Feature at Readeropolis
**********
Tuesday, December 1
Book Review at The Faerie Review
Wednesday, December 2
Book Feature at What the Cat Read
Friday, December 4
Interview at Books and Benches
*********
Monday, December 7
Book Review at Sefina Hawke’s Books
Thursday, December 10
Guest Blogging at Jazzy Book Reviews
Guest Blogging at Blogging Authors
**********
Monday, December 14
Guest Blogging at Dear Reader, Love Author
Tuesday, December 15
Interview at The Writer’s Life
Thursday, December 17
Book Review at Nay’s Bookshelf
Book Review at A Room Without Books is Empty
Book Review at Ashley’s Bookshelf
Friday, December 18
Guest Blogging at The Story Behind the Book
Book Feature at I’m All About Books
Hope you all check out the book for yourself!
Have you purchased a copy yet?