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Writing and reading are my passions! My dream to be a writer began, when as a five year old child I would ask my mother to write down the stories I would make up about talking dogs.
Since growing up and becoming further educated with a Bachelor's Degree in English (I have an affinity for classic literature), a Master's Degree in Leadership, and a degree in ultrasound, I have begun to pursue that dream in hopes of one day making it my career. I have many interests and ideas so my ultimate goal is to release works of fiction in multiple genres. Fantasy will always be my first love however, as I have always had an intense imagination that threatens to inundate me if not expelled onto paper.
I currently have five published books: an ongoing fantasy series with three installments so far (and a fourth one coming soon!), a fantasy short story, and a suspense/thriller short story. Several of my books have won awards, but the first book in my fantasy series, The Grey Eyed Storm: The Occuli, Book One, is now a multiple award-winning book which is very exciting!
Aside from writing, I enjoy physical activities like running, weight training and yoga. I am blessed to have an amazing family, close friends and two beloved canine companions.
Reviewed by Rosie Malezer for Readers' Favorite
The Violet Eyed is the second book in The Occuli series, written by Christie M. Stenzel. After having dreams about a stranger, Violet Kingsley comes face to face with the boy in her dreams at school, in the form of Drake. While their chance encounters are not frequent, each time they meet, the exchange between them seems deep, almost to the point of being sinister. Violet suspects Drake might somehow have been involved in her mother’s murder some years earlier, but, as she unveils each clue, she frustratingly ends up with more questions than answers. When she makes a horrific discovery in a new part of her grandmother’s home, her own beloved grandmother joins the growing list of suspects. On confiding in Drake, she soon steps into her own true identity as she discovers what it means to be an Occuli. What lies ahead for Violet, however, is about to test her strength, both physically and emotionally, whilst also testing loyalties and discovering truths which may be too terrifying to comprehend.
Christie Stenzel’s incredible writing style is intoxicating, drawing the reader into a magical world where anything and everything is possible. The second book in the Occuli series focuses around a teenager who not only wants to solve the riddle of her mother’s disappearance and murder, but also seeks out answers to her own identity. I found it interesting to observe the interaction between Violet and Drake, especially since her fascination with him draws her in so completely, regardless of his dark and scary nature. Many clues are uncovered in this magical tale, not only regarding the disappearance of her mother, but also the powerful nature of Violet herself, what defines her, and where her future lies. I thoroughly enjoyed The Violet Eyed, and wholeheartedly recommend it to readers aged over 15 years, who are fans of the paranormal, mystery, drama, romance, and finding oneself through it all.
