This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite
Birds in the Black Water by Kodie Van Dusen is a supernatural tale that is as suspenseful and intriguing as it is introspective. This is the story of Neviah. Ever since she was a child, she has been able to see a dark world known as the Other Side, where shadowy figures dwell and are ever vigilant. It is a place of many things, but forgiveness is not one of them. She uses this access to build a thriving counseling practice, but deep-seated guilt continues to haunt her after a professional decision 10 years before resulted in a client named Martha being placed in protective custody. Now a young boy comes to her, introducing himself as Martha’s son. This allows Neviah to rectify her error. This proves to be challenging because the shadowy figures are on the move, and they are bent on destroying Neviah by getting to her loved ones.
Most of the action in this supernatural tale is related by way of conversations. The protagonist is a professional counselor and talking to people is an essential part of her job. This gives you a low-key feeling at the beginning, and then it jolts you into awareness as you move along with the plot. I am personally fascinated by the idea of the Other Side. As Kodie Van Dusen wrote this tale after losing a loved one, this may well be her figurative interpretation of the human psyche where feelings and thoughts come to dwell during times of loss, grief, and confusion. This is what makes Birds in the Black Water a brilliant psychological and supernatural tale that you don’t find every day. It’s a powerful story about loss, guilt, and renewal. This story strongly establishes these themes with its readers because we’ve all been there at some point. It’s a sure-fire must-read.
