Good [insert current time of day] to you my friends. Today I offer you my review of a book that beautifully wove mystery with paranormal and tread a thin line between horror and romance.

The Crow Box

The Shadow and Ink Series – Book One

Written by: Nikki Rae

Genre: New Adult Dark Paranormal Romance

Date of Publication: January 15, 2016

Cover Artist: Nikki Rae

One Sentence Synopsis:

Corbin, a college art student, starts hearing a voice that seems determined to drive her over the edge of insanity and into a world of hallucinations and living shadows.

(Longer) Book Description:

The small wooden box is dirty, the size of a human fist, and sealed with wax. When Corbin takes it upon herself to clean it and break the seal, a voice she has tried to ignore gathers strength. Shadows play on the walls at night, and with a family history of mental illness, Corbin fears the worst. But the voice tells her it is real. That its name is Six and it will prove it in time. Drawn to this mysterious entity, Corbin isn’t sure what to believe and the line between reality and her imagination blurs more every day.

Some doors should not be opened; can this one be closed?

My Thoughts

This book is a definite READ. It’s brooding atmosphere and the cluttered history of the characters combine into the perfect setting for the provoking questions it asks. Questions of where reality and dream intersect.  Questions of power, pain, and control.

It’s a mesmerizing story written with the lyricism of poetry with visuals that linger in your thoughts like a dream.

Characters

The relationship Corbin has with her mother is a diving force in how this story plays out. She loves her, but is terrified of following her path into mental illness. It adds a very real depth to the paranormal element of the story.

What Surprised Me

What surprised me most about this story was how ambiguous the evil entity is. Is it a demon? A ghost? A figment of a fraying mind? There’s plenty of evidence towards any of the conclusions, but it totally plays with your inner cynic.

I can’t wait to read book two and see where this story is going.

Verdict

5 out of 5 blood spattered stars. If you enjoy reading psychological mysteries, or stories that revel in their poetic language, absolutely check this book out.

Find a Copy

only available on amazon

About the Author

Nikki Rae is an independent author who lives in New Jersey. She explores human nature through fiction, concentrating on making the imaginary as real as possible. Her genres of choice are mainly dark, scary, romantic tales, but she’ll try anything once. When she is not writing, reading, or thinking, you can find her spending time with animals, drawing in a quiet corner, or studying people. Closely.

Connect with Nikki

Website ∇ Blog ∇ @NikkiRaexX ∇ Facebook Page ∇ Facebook Group

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