Marysvale Review online book tour

When I received the above book to participate in the online book tour I was a little less than interested. The cover reminded me of a recent trilogy about vampires that evoked feelings bordering on ridiculous.  The popular series I feel is juvenile, not something I cared to read.  So I put this book aside, avoiding the inevitable dull read. 

I had some time to kill while waiting for one of my children to complete a job I had to taxi them to, so I brought this book along.  Reading the prologue about a young boy encountering monsters left me knowing that I was not going to enjoy this book.  But, admittedly, I was intrigued just the same.  I wondered what HAD the boy seen? and how was this going to play out?  It only took a few more pages to draw me into the life of John Casey.  

The author, Jared Southwick, writes with passion and emotion.  His detailed writing is just enough to paint a picture of his story.  His passion for his characters is touching, drawing the reader into the feelings of each character, good and evil alike.  I found myself rooting for the hero while despising those with whom he fought.  Page by page I kept turning to find out more: who would prevail? how would John save those he loved?  what was his 'secret'?  where did he really come from?  Many surprises awaited as I continued with the drama.  

At the last page, I was left with a feeling of wanting more.....thankfully, there will be a sequel that I plan on reading.  

Here's a bit about the book, Marysvale and author, John Southwick:

John Casey was ten years old when his mother was murdered…and ten when his father hid the truth from him. Without that knowledge, he has no idea of the enemies that lie in wait.

Now grown up, John lives a solitary life, in a world enslaved by ignorance and superstition, at a time when anyone unusual is treated with distrust and even killed…and John has some very unusual gifts. When he is accused of witchcraft, John does the only thing he’s ever done—Run! That is, until he meets Jane, who lives in the bleak, imprisoned town of Marysvale. Life outside the safety of the town walls means certain death from the brutal monsters that hunt there. However, life inside, under the rule of a tyrannical leader, means no life at all.

As the love between John and Jane grows, the dangers of Marysvale unfold; and for the first time in his life, John discovers that there is something worth dying for.

A fun, clean, action-packed story filled with monsters and tyrants, heroes and heroines.

About the Author
Jared Southwick enjoys traveling and experiencing different cultures, cuisines, and associated food-borne illnesses. He once went night diving in the Pacific Ocean where, although he didn’t actually see it, he’s sure that a great white shark almost ate him. Jared petted an alligator in the Okefenokee Swamp, and a wild, heavily sedated black bear in her den. He explored the islands of West Africa, where his foot was attacked by a very ferocious, tiny octopus. However, he has never encountered a Brean…
He and his wife live in a quiet, friendly city, in the shadow of the Wasatch Mountains, where strange monster sightings are uncommon.

Visit the Author’s website

I'd say this book is an easy, fast-paced, suspense-filled read.  One that I was surprised that I actually enjoyed even though I could have done without the silly monsters.  I wish Mr. Southwick would have used something a little more believable, true-to-life.  


You can purchase this book in hardcover for $17.90 at this link:

OR for your Kindle for $7.95 here: