Book Reviews

Editor's Pick: Q.K. Petty inaugurates the thrilling 'Series of Four Seasons' with this gripping tale of ancient societies, deadly artifacts, and two estranged half-brothers, Orion and Eden—one embodying death, the other life. Eden tracks down Orion on the Gulf Coast, hoping to enlist him in the artifact-hunting organization, the House of David, to locate a dangerous object known as the Chains of Peter before it can fall into the wrong hands. Eden typically finds that his missions don't require much personal connection: 'Get in. Get the artifact. Get out. Maybe kill a few guys in the process, I don’t know,' he reflects. Yet, bringing Orion on board complicates things as Eden races against the enigmatic Whiteface and his masked killers at Seditio, an ancient order, to prevent global destruction linked to the Chains. 

Petty’s narrative flows with intent and vigor, drawing the reader into a world of adventure, conspiracies, and fierce action, all while avoiding common adventure-tale clichés. Crafting compelling fight scenes can be challenging for even the most seasoned writers, but Petty skillfully captures violence and suspense with sharp clarity and inventive humor. The action, while exhilarating, is consistently anchored in character development. Petty dives into the grisliness of scenes that illustrate Eden’s acceptance of death and his readiness to kill to protect his brother and those around him. 

While the set pieces excite and reveal the dynamics within the novel, the pacing can occasionally feel rushed as the story propels readers through one intense moment after another. The novel’s twists and the pivotal relationship between the half-brothers might resonate more if there were quieter moments for this engaging cast to reflect and process it all. Nonetheless, the quest and the bloody, shocking, yet humor-tinged action, are undeniably compelling. Orion's whirlwind introduction to Eden’s world—now possibly his—is memorably chaotic. Perhaps there will be deeper connections revealed in spring. 

Takeaway: The intense, bloody beginning of a promising thriller series centered on ancient artifacts and societies. 

Great for fans of: Derek Landy’s Skulduggery Pleasant series, Tom Knox’s The Babylon Rite.

"True Winter is one of the best books I have read to date!" — Kaila, Goodreads (★★★★★)

"Indiana Jones on acid. It's truly excellent." — Kate O'Shea (★★★★★)

"A dark, violent battle between good and evil that grabbed me from page one." — Jon, Goodreads (★★★★★)

"Confident, immersive, and resonant, this compelling installment in Q.K. Petty's Series of Four Seasons truly captivates." — Joshua Logan, Goodreads (4.5/5)

"This book is nothing short of extraordinary!" — The Sassy Bookworm (★★★★★)

"Q.K. Petty can really write some horrifyingly fantastic villains in this book review of the Series of Four Seasons." — alexa, Goodreads

"Even better than Book 1, which was fantastic!" — Melissa Cavanagh, Goodreads

"Each scene feels alive, and each twist is electrifying in this captivating series." — Lilith's Library, Goodreads

"Petty's prose sings with lyrical precision, making this series a must-read." — Kenneth McArthur, Goodreads

"There were some twists I didn't see coming in this remarkable book review of Q.K. Petty's work." — Shauni, Goodreads

"My personal favourite in the Series of Four Seasons." — Alex Lindfield, Goodreads

"An amazing joy ride of intensity." — Reader review, Amazon

"Heartbreak, betrayal, and stakes that hit like a hammer." — Reader sentiment in a Q.K. Petty book review, Goodreads

"Petty sticks the landing in this thrilling chapter of the Series of Four Seasons." — Joshua Logan, Goodreads (★★★★★)

"A gripping, gut-wrenching finale that delivers on every level in Q.K. Petty's remarkable style." — T M. Robertson, Goodreads

"A powerful and emotional conclusion to a memorable series that truly captivates its readers." — Lilith's Library, Goodreads

"Q.K. Petty's writing shines through in this book review, leaving an unforgettable impression." — Kaila, Goodreads (★★★★★)

"Sweet Fall, where do I start with you? You made my heart race and solidified this series as a favorite!" — Ivy Bookdragon, Goodreads