Erryn reviews ‘Badlands (Badlands Book 1)’ by Morgan Brice. This book was released by the author on June 26, 2018 and is 296 pgs long. The audiobook version of this story was narrated by Kale Williams and released on March 12, 2019. The audiobook is 8 hrs and 20 mins long. A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Why I read this book: I’m a Kale Williams fan and I wanted to try something new.
Medium and clairvoyant Simon Kincaide owns a Myrtle Beach boardwalk shop where he runs ghost tours, holds seances, and offers private psychic readings, making a fresh start after his abilities cost him his lover and his job as a folklore professor.
Jaded cop Vic D’Amato saw something supernatural he couldn’t explain during a shootout several years ago in Pittsburgh and relocated to Myrtle Beach to leave the past behind, still skeptical about the paranormal. But when the search for a serial killer hits a dead end, Vic battles his skepticism to ask Simon for help.
As the body count rises, Simon’s involvement makes him a target and a suspect. But Simon can’t say no, even if it costs him his life and heart.
Buy Links: Audible US | Audible UK| Amazon US | Amazon UK|
My Review:
I’m not a believer in the supernatural or paranormal events, but part of me knows there are things that are hard to explain. When I read a book in this genre, lifting my sense of disbelief is necessary and depending on how good the book is, letting go of my incredulity is either easy or a challenge. Morgan Brice’s Badlands is one of those books that is so well written, I was able to immerse myself in Simon’s world of things that go beyond the simple explanation. Things that go bump in the night.
Vic D’Amato is a cop with a healthy dose of skepticism. Only a personal brush with the supernatural has him questioning what he’s always known and believed. I related to his brusque attitude and his unwillingness to just accept there are things beyond the known world. He is a good foil for Simon Kincaide who not only believes in things defying explanations but has seen his world collapse because of those beliefs. Now he runs a shop in Myrtle Beach where he offers ghost tours, provides psychic readings, and sells amulets and other protective trinkets. He’s an earnest guy who only uses his psychic power for good.
As a homicide cop, Vic has been tracking a serial killer who seems to be going after people on work visas – people who are transient, have few friends, and whose families are back in their homelands. These people are working in Myrtle Beach to earn some extra income but their precarious immigration status makes them easy targets for unscrupulous business owners who take advantage. Oh, and serial killers. Vic decides he has nothing to lose by seeing if Simon can provide some clues but his skepticism makes Simon reticent to reveal what he knows. He begins his own investigation by speaking to other psychics in the area, warning them they might be at risk because they seem to be more likely to be victims of this vicious serial killer.
Even after a vision of his own demise, he keeps investigating, wanting to do his part to end the string of gruesome murders. I loved Simon’s earnestness but did roll my eyes a time or two about his investigative methods. But he’s a civilian and inexperienced, so it made sense. I loved Vic’s cynicism and related to him. What I really liked, though, was the chemistry between the men. Despite their differences, they are truly meant to be together.
I enjoyed the book and would recommend it. With Kale Williams as a narrator, I was guaranteed to have a great listening experience. All the voices were distinct and his portrayal of the female characters, including Simon’s best friend, were great. There are more books to come and I’m excited to listen to them. With Simon at his side, I can see Vic loosening up. At least a little bit.
My Rating:
10/10 Pots of Gold (100% Recommended) – Compares to 5/5 Stars
***The second book in the Badlands series, Lucky Town, is up for pre-order on March 29, and the third book, The Rising, is coming soon to audio***
Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK
Morgan Brice
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Morgan Brice is the romance pen name of bestselling author Gail Z. Martin. Morgan writes urban fantasy male/male paranormal romance, with plenty of action, adventure and supernatural thrills to go with the happily ever after. Gail writes epic fantasy and urban fantasy, and together with co-author hubby Larry N. Martin, steampunk and comedic horror, all of which have less romance, more explosions. Characters from her Gail books make frequent appearances in secondary roles in her Morgan books, and vice versa.
On the rare occasions Morgan isn’t writing, she’s either reading, cooking, or spoiling two very pampered dogs.
Other books include Witchbane, Burn, Dark Rivers, and Badlands. Watch for more in these series, plus new series coming soon!
Rainbow Gold Reviews 
I’ve enjoyed this series (although I wanted to smack Simon in this particular book, lol) as well as the connecting ones. Thanks for the lovely review.
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