Midwest Book Review takes a look at “THE MATEGUAS ISLAND SERIES”

MATEGUAS ISLAND, A NOVEL OF TERROR AND SUSPENSE

Native American folklore blends with a tale of suspense and horror in the multifaceted Mateguas Island, the story of the Anderson family who is forced to relocate to rural Maine where they face a rising evil that could destroy not only their family, but the world.

“Be forewarned: this is first in a projected trilogy of novels about the Andersons: being first, it properly sets the scene and builds protagonists – but also being first, it offers no neat or set conclusion but leaves the door ajar for another offering….

“Readers are drawn in from the start by a variety of elements; from innuendos about the island’s Native American myths to your typical story of relocation and adjustment and especially its effects on the two Anderson children, who find that their explorations uncover dangers they couldn’t have seen coming.

“The movement back and forth between the girls’ perceptions and their parents is well done in alternating chapters that provide a changing focus, neatly tying together any loose ends of events and their impact and drawing readers into the motivations and perspectives of each character.

“Now, most stories of terror involve elements outside of the family: Mateguas Island employs a device other authors (most notably Stephen King in his classic novel The Shining) have successfully used in placing danger both outside and within the family structure….

“Surprising twists and turns and a powerful old box filled with magic: these are the elements of a fine horror story that slowly builds its plot with believable protagonists and engrossing color.

“Any who like horror stories and gothic fiction will find Mateguas Island an exceptional read.”

To read the entire review, click on this link:

http://www.midwestbookreview.com/mbw/may_14.htm#donovan

RETURN TO MATEGUAS ISLAND

Return To Mateguas Island, A Tale of Supernatural Suspense offers a satisfying sequel to Mateguas Island and delves more deeply into events, using the perspectives of different characters from young adults to a mother and her boyfriend, to probe actions of the past that hold dire implications for all involved.

“At the heart of a maelstrom of horror that encircles this close-knit family is the unsolved disappearance of a father, an island’s mysterious secret, and a mother’s connections with supernatural forces which can keep danger at bay for only as long as her inquisitive eighteen-year-old twins can keep their curiosity in check….

“The real power in Return To Mateguas Island lies not so much in its inclusion of supernatural rituals as in its exploration of simmering emotions that lay just under the surface of lives recovering from disaster….

“It’s the reason why chapters are titled not by paranormal encounters, but by the events which transpire between selected protagonists (“Terri and Shawn”, “Bill”, “Karen and Dex”). It’s the reason why the supernatural force described serves as a catalyst for events; not the end-all of these explorations. And it’s the centrifuge of a whirlwind of emotional forces that swirl around all involved in the backdrop that is Mateguas Island and its mystical heritage.

“While newcomers can access and enjoy this sequel, it’s especially recommended for prior fans of Mateguas Island who became involved with the protagonists and the mystery, and who want more. This audience will find the characters are flushed out and embellished, their motivations and lives are laced with more depth, and the compelling draw of the island and its mysteries create suitable devices for a novel that excels in emotional interconnections with a dash of supernatural suspense added in for good measure.”

To read the entire review, click on this link and scroll down till you locate it:

http://www.midwestbookreview.com/mbw/feb_15.htm#donovan

GHOSTS OF MATEGUAS

Ghosts of Mateguas joins others in the Mateguas Island saga in providing the third novel in a series that excels in blending supernatural forces with a family’s relationships and the lure of an island which has changed all their lives….

“Bill, Karen, Terri, and Dex’s fates seem predetermined and unshakable – or are they? Amidst a series of events that winds around a terrible truth and requires its protagonists to make difficult choices, Ghosts of Mateguas offers a compelling saga of grief, guilt, and perseverance that deftly combines suspense with supernatural intrigue.

“Prior fans of the series, especially, will find the further interactions between the characters to be engrossing and satisfying, staying true to prior events while adding deeper insights and tension and intrigue to the mix and adding a dose of revelations and truths that draw together prior events in a satisfying new story just as well-crafted as its predecessors.”

To read the entire review, click on the link below and scroll down:

http://www.midwestbookreview.com/mbw/apr_16.htm#donovan