Blank 12 by Aleeza Nelson

Review by: Samantha M. Siciliano

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Quick Summary:

Blank 12 catapults us into a post-apocalyptic America, where Devon—a young man infected with the Blank 12 disease—struggles to survive. This disease bestows strange powers but often destroys one’s sanity. Devon’s family sought refuge in Florida’s Glass Cities, escaping the chaos outside. Now, Devon is drafted into the Blanker Defense Force, forced to wield his powers in a world where danger lurks at every turn, including hiding his true identity.

The Review:

Let me tell you, Blank 12 is a wild ride! After a streak of haunted and historical reads, plunging into the adrenaline-fueled world of Glass City was a breath of fresh, dystopian air. Devon’s character is a standout—his backstory unfolds seamlessly, giving us just enough to understand his motivations and intentions without overwhelming us. I felt a deep connection to his fierce desire to protect his family and his girlfriend, Reisha. Who wouldn’t risk it all for their loved ones?

Devon’s interactions are authentic and relatable, especially with his squad in the BDF (Blanker Defense Force). The relationships are present but never overshadow the pulse-pounding plot—perfect for young adult readers who crave action over romance. My students would devour this book! They’d revel in the dystopian setting, debate the most loathsome characters, and spin endless “what-if” scenarios. The pacing is spot-on: no info dumps, no handholding, just pure, immersive storytelling.

Now, let’s talk about the ending. Things were a bit rushed, and I was left with burning questions: How did a helicopter from D.C. track Devon and Reisha all the way to the Mexican border? How did “so-and-so” become president? What fate befell Devon’s family? I invented my own answers—maybe Dr. Noah was secretly sending patient data to D.C., or perhaps a sneaky tracking device was involved. And of course, I imagined a happily-ever-after for his family (because who doesn’t love a happy ending in a dystopian world?).

As a teacher, I couldn’t help but notice quite a few grammatical hiccups, especially in the final chapters. They didn’t ruin the experience, but I did find myself pausing to mentally edit.

Will there be a sequel? I hope so! I’m eager to see more world-building, answers to my lingering questions, and the author’s growth. Watching a story evolve is one of my favorite things.

Blank 12 was exactly what I needed— fast-paced, engaging, and thoroughly enjoyable. I’m giving it a solid 3.8 out of 5. If you’re craving a fresh dystopian adventure, do yourself a favor and READ THE FRACKING BOOK!

I received an advanced copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. This book will be released in February 2026.

Up Next: Red Rising by Pierce Brown

Haunted Southwest Florida by Christopher Balzano

Review by: Samantha M. Siciliano

Welcome, fellow spooky seekers and history lovers!

Thanks for joining me for this eerie adventure into the haunted corners of Southwest Florida! If you enjoy this review, don’t forget to follow, subscribe for updates, and share with your fellow ghost story enthusiasts. Your support keeps our haunted little book club alive—and maybe a little possessed. Drop a comment below; I love hearing your thoughts!

Quick Summary:

Step into the shadowy past of Southwest Florida, where curses have lingered since Hernando de Soto arrived in 1539 (and maybe before, since the First People lived there for many years). From Civil War specters and tragic love stories to spiritual leaders (or cult figures, depending on who you ask), this book is packed with tales that will send a chill down your spine. There’s even a ghostly lawman protecting departed children. Intrigued? Read on—if you dare.

The Review:

Christopher Balzano’s Haunted Southwest Florida is a must-read for anyone craving a supernatural road trip. Honestly, I wish I had this book back in 2020 when I visited Florida! We flew into Punta Gorda and stayed in Venice. Had I known about Mary Leah Sandlin’s haunted home, I would’ve made a detour! I was especially touched by the story of the Wynn family, who treated Mary Leah—who died at just 14—as one of their own kids a little under a century after her death. It’s rare to read about the living and the dead coexisting so peacefully.

And here’s a twist I didn’t see coming: a connection to Benton Harbor, Michigan—practically in my backyard! Tootie McGregor wanted a proper road in front of her home, so she hired Maurice Pearl from Benton Harbor to build one using macadam. But when his crew started digging for materials on a nearby island, they unearthed a staggering number of human bones—possibly over 100 bodies! If that island isn’t haunted, I’ll eat my EMF reader (I don’t have one, but I will buy one just for that excursion).

Balzano’s storytelling shines brightest in his exploration of how oral history evolves. He presents original versions of ghost stories and then shows how they’ve morphed over time. One example: the tale of a Vietnam War veteran who supposedly jumped from the Canopy Walk. Turns out, the timeline doesn’t add up—the Canopy Walk wasn’t even built yet! It’s a fascinating look at how legends adapt to fit our narratives and how they endure through later generations. 

While the stories were captivating, I did wish some of the photos were better lit—there were a few I wanted to examine more closely. Also, the chapter Who Plays at the Opera House felt somewhat scattered. In other chapters, I noticed some repeated information and minor typos throughout. These are small critiques and didn’t detract much from the overall experience. 

Despite a few hiccups, Haunted Southwest Florida is a delightful dive into the eerie and unexplained. Balzano’s laid-back, tour-guide style makes you feel like you’re walking alongside him through haunted halls and cursed lands. I give it a 4.3/5—a perfect pick for spooky season reading!

IN CONCLUSION, READ THE FRACKING BOOK!

I received this book from Arcadia Publishing in exchange for an honest review. 

If you enjoyed this review, don’t forget to follow, subscribe, and share with your fellow book lovers. Your support keeps our reading community alive (and maybe a little haunted)!

Up Next: Blank 12 by Aleeza Nelson

Haunted Virginia Cemeteries by Sharon Pajka, PhD

Review by: Samantha M. Siciliano

Welcome, fellow thrill seekers and history buffs!

Thank you for joining me for this review! If you enjoy what you read, please consider following, subscribing for updates, and sharing with friends or on social media. Your support helps our reading community grow. I love hearing your thoughts—feel free to leave a comment below!

Quick Summary:

If you are craving a brisk, spine-tingling read this spooky season, dive into Haunted Virginia Cemeteries by Sharon Pajka. It is your ticket to a world where history and hauntings collide. Pajka’s book isn’t just a collection of ghost stories; it is a lantern guiding you through the shadowy corners of Virginia’s past! She illuminates the lives of colonial settlers, women, war heroes, soldiers, enslaved peoples, and dearly departed pets. 

The Review:

Sharon Pajka’s writing is warm and inviting, making you feel as welcome as a hot apple cider on a crisp autumn night. She invites you to sit in a cozy chair by the fireplace, put on your warm blanket, and listen to her as she spins tales that blend history, folklore, and local legends for all to read.  She brings history to life through her plethora of photos, primary sources, and local folklore, making sure to preserve the stories of the deceased and of places that might otherwise be forgotten.

The book is filled with fascinating stories. The first chapter explores animals in cemeteries, and later, you’ll discover presidential pets interred at Sherwood Forest’s Pet Cemetery. One memorable tale involves author Ellen Glasgow, who, after passing away, wanted her late, beloved dogs buried with her—a sentiment I wholeheartedly share!

I have been to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington, where the remains of unidentified soldiers from World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War are located. However, I was not aware of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution in Alexandra, Virginia. His story could have easily been lost to time. However, he and unidentified others from the Revolutionary War, whom he represents, can be remembered and thanked for the sacrifices that they made.

There are quirky legends, too, such as the obelisk at Bruton Parish Church in Williamsburg. Belonging to Nathaniel Beverly Tucker (1784-1851), it is said to have been struck by lightning three times, THRICE, leaving marks that some say resemble famous faces. At first glance, I could see Abraham Lincoln’s face, and after staring at the picture for a few more moments, I saw a pit bull. Others say that they see Edgar Allen Poe. 

Warning! Goosebumps guaranteed! Perhaps the creepiest story comes from Cedar Hill Cemetery in Covington. Martha Jordan’s tragic fate of being buried alive in 1848 touches on a deep, universal fear: being mistakenly pronounced dead while still alive. Pajka even references modern cases from 2009 and 2022, proving that truth can be stranger - and scarier - than fiction. 

Pajka’s storytelling kept me captivated night after night. She brings history to life just like reenactors at Old City Cemetery in Lynchburg, where performers share the stories of those who rest there. As you wander among the gravestones, you can almost hear the whispers from the past. Whether or not you believe in ghosts, this book inspires you to visit these renowned sites and explore them on your own.

While I would have loved to see maps and actual newspaper clippings of the stories, the book’s rich research, evocative images, and ghostly encounters more than made up for it. This book is the perfect companion for this spooky season. I rate it 4.7/5. Pajka’s passion for history and hauntings shines through every page. She has two other books available and one she is currently working on—I’ll be adding them to my TBR!

IN CONCLUSION, READ THE FRACKING BOOK!

I received this book from Arcadia Publishing in exchange for an honest review. 

If you enjoyed this review, don’t forget to follow, subscribe, and share with your fellow book lovers. Your support keeps our reading community alive (and maybe a little haunted)!

Up Next: Haunted Southwest Florida by Christopher Balzano 

The Haunted Guide to New Orleans: Ghosts, Vampires, & Voodoo Protection by Rory O’Neill Schmitt, PhD, & Rosary O’ Neill, PhD

Review by: Samantha M. Siciliano

Welcome to my review! If you enjoy this piece, please consider following (the blue button to the right), subscribing for updates, and sharing with friends or on social media. Your support helps grow our reading community. I love hearing your thoughts—feel free to leave a comment below!

Thank you for reading, sharing, and becoming a part of this reading community!

Quick Summary:

Looking for a quick, spooky read this season? Planning a trip to New Orleans and curious about where to find the local haunts? The Haunted Guide to New Orleans offers a glimpse into the city’s paranormal folklore, including ghosts, vampires, and Voodoo traditions.

The Review:

This book is a treasure trove for anyone curious about New Orleans’ supernatural side. While it primarily focuses on ghosts, there are dedicated chapters for vampires and Voodoo as well. 

Two stories especially lingered with me after finishing the book.

First, Madame LaLaurie’s house stands out as both fascinating and disturbing. My interest in her story began with American Horror Story, which introduced me to both Marie Laveau and Madame LaLaurie. The cruelty inflicted on so many is unimaginable- truly nightmare fuel. I was surprised to learn the house is now owned by a ghost entertainment company. They paid HALF of what it is worth due to its haunted reputation. At 10,000 square feet, the logistics of maintaining such a place is staggering.

Another memorable tale is that of Pierre Jourdan at Muriel’s. According to the book, a psychic once communicated with his spirit to resolve his rageful outbursts. The solution? Reserving a table for him and his guest, complete with bread and wine. The staff continues this ritual daily, and his temper remains in check—unless they forget!

The book is filled with similar stories about ghostly interactions and even offers practical tips for those wanting to experience New Orleans like a local, including recommendations on where to eat and what to order. 

However, the writing style didn’t fully resonate with me. The authors’ approach, which may echo their grandmother’s storytelling, includes frequent questions and imagined scenarios that sometimes distracted from the ghost stories, historical details, and factual information that I was more interested in. While the book covers a wide range of places and ghosts, I found myself wishing for more depth in the history of the locations and the personal stories of the ghosts.

Overall, The Haunted Guide to New Orleans is creatively written and well-researched—a decent choice for a quick, seasonal read. I rate it 3 out of 5 stars. If you’re intrigued by New Orleans’ haunted history, give this book a try!

IN CONCLUSION, MAYBE READ THE FRACKING BOOK!

I received this book from Arcadia Publishing in exchange for an honest review. 

Up Next: Haunted Virginia Cemeteries by Sharon Pajka

Beyond the Mark: Ashes of the Hero by Kevin Gallant

Review by: Samantha M. Siciliano

Welcome to the review! Before you read further, please click the blue follow button to the right of this review. Also, please consider adding your email address to receive updates about future reviews. Finally, please share this piece with a friend you think might enjoy it or post it on your favorite social media platform. Your support means a lot to me!

At the end of the article, you’ll find a comment box. Please feel free to leave your thoughts. I love learning and discussing books! Please be positive and friendly to our writers! Enjoy!

Thank you for reading, sharing, and joining this reading community!

Quick Summary:

Beyond the Mark is a dark fantasy adventure novel that follows the journey of two mages, Flynn and Orion. The story kicks off with Flynn engaged in battle alongside three heroes- Basil, Emily, and Maverick- against the Dark Mage. Near the conclusion of the confrontation, Flynn vanishes for 5 years. When he regains consciousness, he finds himself in a mead barrel owned by a ship captain named Orion. Orion is initially wary and distrustful of Flynn, explaining that he is a fugitive with a hefty bounty on his head. Flynn persuades Orion to cooperate by promising her that he will help search for a lost orb if she, in turn, helps him clear his name. The narrative invites readers to accompany Flynn and Orion on their quest to prove Flynn’s innocence, seek knowledge, build camaraderie, and above all, embark on thrilling adventures as they continue their struggle against evil. 

The Review:

Beyond the Mark was an enjoyable, engaging, and quick read. It served as a refreshing change of pace after a heavy historical fiction novel. The experience reminded me of playing Dungeons and Dragons with friends- the story was filled with moments reminiscent of rolling critical fails and sweet natural 20s. It was evident that this first-time author thoroughly enjoyed crafting this work.

I relished the relationship between Orion and Flynn. Their dynamic reminded me of my own long-standing friendship with my best friend, which started off with hesitance but grew into something essential and irreplaceable. Likewise, Fynn and Orion’s relationship blossoms from a tentative connection into a bond where they care for, worry about, and rely on each other. Their witty and sarcastic banter added a lively element to the story and kept me entertained throughout. 

 

As I read, I noticed that the pacing felt very rapid, with events unfolding quickly and without much buildup. It seemed as though everything happened within a span of five days. I believe the author could have devoted more time to developing the world, the magic system, and the backgrounds of the original heroes, as well as the new additions to Flynn’s group. More insight into Flynn’s past and the villain of Silverpeak would have added depth. I am hopeful that future installments will expand on character development and magic-building.

Flynn’s status as a level one mage and fighter after his disappearance was understandable, but I wanted to see more of his growth in basic skills—such as drawing water from a well or using his fire abilities. The prohibition on dark magic limited his capabilities, but the skills he did acquire, like flesh weaving and creating a dark magic vortex, were well-integrated and used effectively at key moments in the book.

The character Winston felt underdeveloped and rushed. Perhaps the author intentionally left gaps in Winston’s backstory to explore his hometown in a future book, allowing readers to learn more later. In contrast, Gemini’s character was well-crafted, with enough backstory and complexity to understand her motivations and see her growth throughout the story. Regarding Victor, I wished for more elaboration on his background and a deeper exploration of his motivations. While his demeanor was convincing and made him an effective antagonist, I wanted to be inside his mind to understand his choices.

One aspect that detracted from the experience was the author’s use of both first and third person narration. Personally, I prefer when an author selects one perspective and maintains it consistently throughout the book. However, I recognize that some readers may not find this bothersome, so this is just a matter of personal preference.

I am eagerly anticipating the release of the second book and plan to be among the first to purchase it. I am excited to see the author’s growth and to discover what happens next to these characters. I hope to see more world-building, character development, and a longer timeline of events in the sequel.

Overall, this novel was exactly what I needed—something mellow, engaging, and enjoyable. I give it a solid 3.7 out of 5.

IN CONCLUSION, READ THE FRACKING BOOK!

Up Next: The Haunted Guide to New Orleans by Rory O’Neill Schmitt, PhD, & Rosary O’ Neill, PhD

The Etruscan by Mika Waltari

Review by: Samantha M. Siciliano

Welcome to the review! Before you read further, I would appreciate it if you could click the blue follow button to the right of this review. Please consider adding your email address to receive updates about future reviews. Finally, please share this piece with a friend you think might enjoy it or post it on your favorite social media platform. Your support means a lot to me!

At the end of the article, you’ll find a comment box. Please feel free to leave your thoughts. I love learning and discussing books! Please be positive and friendly to our writers! Enjoy!

Quick Summary:

The Etruscan is a historical fiction novel that chronicles the life of Turms, an immortal Etruscan on a quest to discover his identity. The story opens with Turms ready to end his life; however, he is struck by lightning and loses his memory. He then embarks on a long journey of self-discovery. During his soul-searching travels, he becomes a pirate, a man of war, a farmer, and eventually something much more. This book takes place around 480 B.C.E. in ancient Greece and Rome. 

 

The Review:

As a former history educator, I find immense fulfillment in exploring histories from around the world, both during my college years and throughout my teaching career—especially while teaching 7th-grade Ancient History classes. However, one challenge in teaching this subject is not being able to cover every event that occurred in different regions during those times. Mika Waltari’s book does a remarkable job of filling in gaps in my knowledge about events and people from that era. Having some background knowledge about the history, names, and regions featured in the book helped me follow along more easily than with The Adventurer, another work by Waltari.

Waltari’s greatest strength lies in his ability to immerse the reader in the culture and time period of his novels. He consistently excelled in each book I have reviewed; the Egyptian being my personal favorite. I especially appreciate the inclusion of maps, which help me visualize where the characters are throughout their journey. While reading, I could vividly imagine the houses, décor, scents, food, appearances, and the cultural differences among the communities Turms encounters.  The section about the Siccani people was particularly fascinating—their way of life and interactions (or lack thereof) with outsiders took up a significant part of the book. I truly appreciated Waltari’s dedication to researching the Siccani and bringing their culture to life.

Having read three other books by Waltari, I have noticed a recurring issue: his portrayals of women tend to be limited, often casting them as either a harlot or a vestal, with little in between. In The Etruscan, Arsinoe—Turms’ partner—embodies this trend. She is depicted as manipulative, conniving, and unfaithful, making her an untrustworthy character. Arsinoe reminded me of Nefer Nefer Nefer from The Egyptian. Conversely, many young women in the book are described as virgins, which, to be fair, was historically considered an important attribute for young women.

Currently, the United States is experiencing a period of turmoil—people are angry, scared, and saddened by the divisions within the country. This nation has faced division many times throughout its history, and is deeply divided as of September 2025. The book highlights several principles that America was founded upon, and I want to conclude my review with a few quotes that stood out to me:

·       “… I do not believe that it is the gods’ intention that only one man or one nation rule the entire world. Nations keep one another in balance. They grow and progress as a result of mutual competition. All nations are equal and human suffering is the same, no matter whether the person be Etruscan, Greek, or black…”^[1]

 

·       “Intelligence, courage, and integrity suffice for a man. Pity the suffering, support the weak, slap the insolent across the mouth, tear the pouch of the greedy, concede the plowman has plowed land, protect the people from robbers and usurpers.”^[2]

 

·       “The law must protect the weak against the strong. The strong do not need protection.”^[3]

I hope that those in positions of influence and elected leadership in our government will champion these values. Compassion and empathy must shine in America again. Without them, I fear we risk falling into the grips of fascism.

This novel is well written and thoroughly researched, offering a wealth of historical information. I give it a solid 4 out of 5.

IN CONCLUSION, READ THE FRACKING BOOK!

Up Next: Beyond the Mark: Ashes of the Hero by Kevin Gallant

^[1] Waltari, Mika. “The Lucumo.” Story. In The Etruscan , 317–317. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1956. 

^[2] Waltari, Mika. “The Lucumo.” Story. In The Etruscan , 350-350. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1956.

^[3] Waltari, Mika. “The Feast of the Gods.” Story. In The Etruscan , 378-378. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1956.