Title: Riftsiders: Identity Theft
Author: Paul A. DeStefano
Genre: Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
Book Blurb:
Enrique and the demon inside him didn't kill a man in New Mexico. No. No way. Did they? His possessed autistic girlfriend, Elkie, doesn't think so either. Probably. Even with all that evidence.
Guidry the Technomancer isn't so sure, but he'll do what he can to help Enrique reveal the truth before Memphis "Witchkiller" Aldrain, the Shotgun Sorcerer, catches up.
It’s going to take help from their friends, demonic and otherwise, to unravel the mystery of how Enrique didn't or did commit murder. On the run, they’ll find hidden Riftsider towns, demonic night clubs, and unworldly ways to get around--a necessary precaution once a hellhound gets on their trail. The clock is ticking. Will they find the truth before bounty hunters - or worse - find them?
Note from the author: Riftsiders: Identity Theft starts hours after the end of the first book, Riftsiders: Unlawful Possession.
My Review:
The twists and turns never stop in this book. This is book two of a paranormal adventure series and I’m torn whether this is better than book one. The world-building is epic, the characters leap from the page, the action keeps readers turning the pages, and the romance continues to develop between Enrique and Elkie.
Like all paranormal/urban fantasy books, it starts with the world-building. Paul A. DeStefano takes a world from his imagination and makes it believable. He takes something everyone can relate to (identity theft) and puts his own creative spin on it. The supernatural beings are so well done with their special abilities, talents, and strengths, it’s hard to imagine they aren’t real. The world-building is descriptive and full of intricate narration. It made me think twice about whether I want to become a riftsider.
The characters are what make this an unputdownable read. Both Enrique and Elkie leap from the page and into your heart. Other characters are so vibrant and likable, they captivated me. Each character has its own backstory and voice. Their arcs in this story are riveting.
The action in this book is well-detailed with just the right amount of suspense and tension. Very descriptive, too, so the action comes alive.
If you’re looking for a story that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end, pick up this book. I strongly recommend this book to all readers.
My Rating: 5+ stars
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Author Biography:
Paul and his wife live on Long Island, NY, with a strange menagerie that includes a dog, a few cats, sugar gliders, a hedgehog, a bearded dragon, various fish, and several grown children that have not left. After graduating Hofstra University with a split degree of English and Acting, he worked in the boardgaming and roleplaying industry for decades, including officially licensed projects for Star Trek and Lord of the Rings. He did not win the Origins Award for Best Miniatures Rules in 2004 and has totally forgotten that bitter defeat. When not actually playing and working on games, he is sometimes found touring internationally, giving lectures on worldbuilding and character design. Being a professional full-time blacksmith for several years made him realize how much less painful it was to go back to writing. He's been lucky enough to hold the Top Humor Writer badge at Medium multiple times, and has had his work narrated by James Cosmo (Lord Mormont from Game of Thrones) on multimillion dollar Kickstarter projects. It is also worth noting that having never taken any lessons in bassoon, he still cannot play one.
Social Media Links:
FB: Paul D’s Tainted Dragon Inn https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BQGQSGSZ?ref_=dbs_m_mng_rwt_calw_tkin_1&storeType=ebooks&qid=1675975543&sr=8-1
Twitter @TDIPaulD
Insta: TaintedDragonInn
Reviewed by: Nancy