Review: The Nightmare Birds by Amie Irene Winters

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Author: Amie Irene Winters

Publisher:  CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Released: July 23, 2016
Series: Strange Luck

Official Synopsis:  
Only those who possess wild eyes, an impulsive heart, and a wandering spirit hunt for the Theater of Secrets--and once they witness the darkest of magic, they don't return.

It promises to change your life forever--but is the mysterious Theater of Secrets legend or something more? Tasked to answer that very question, Daisy Darling sets out to uncover the truth and is thrown headlong into a life where inexplicably strange and dark things happen nightly. A life of deception and uncertainty. A life in the spotlight as the theater's ringleader.

As Daisy assumes her new role, she not only discovers a surprising connection between herself and the previous ringleader, but also the haunting truth behind the theater's limitless power. Determined to expose the theater and foil its wicked plan, Daisy must first embrace her heritage before she can defeat the dark forces at play.

Mysterious. Dark. Fantastical. Perfect for fans of H.P. Lovecraft and Neil Gaiman. If you love magic, teen fantasy, mythology, occult themes, and dark circuses, then the world of THE STRANGE LUCK SERIES awaits you!

My Review:
Have you ever felt there was something more in this world that you needed to discover?  Have you ever felt so interested and curious about something that you would do anything to understand what it was or the meaning of it?  How about learning someone's story and wanting to do anything in your power to help them out because you cared so deeply for the story?  Well in book II of the Strange Luck series, that is exactly how Daisy Darling feels. 

Book II, The Nightmare Birds, pulls you in from the very beginning with a new adventure and a story about a mysterious theater that moves from city to city and country to country.  It starts with a lady coming in to the shop, Strange Luck, that Daisy now runs.  The lady has brought in ideas to sell to the shop and one of the ideas is a book.  The book speaks about the theater and the many amazing things it holds within its walls.  The back story of the book that the woman, Jan, tells Daisy is glorious and peaks Daisy's interest so much so that Jan has convinced her to find the theater. 

The book has many twists and turns from moments you wish would last forever to moments that you would just rather forget.  There are secrets and lies, betrayal and trust, as well as budding friendships and death.  Keep in mind that the book is fantasy, so there are surprises around every corner.  There are answers to questions from the first book, but the second book poses new questions as the story unfolds. 

If you are looking to get lost in a book that presents you with another option of what the world holds, I would highly recommend The Nightmare Birds.  Be sure that you read book I, Strange Luck, first though as this is definitely not a stand alone.  Book I plays quite the role in the layout of Book II.

The book was well-written, thought out, and put together so well that it receives a 5 star review in my opinion.  I am not sure if the author is planning to continue this series, but from the ending of book II, I do hope there is a third!

About the Author:

Amie Irene Winters grew up in California but now makes her home in western Pennsylvania. Along the way she earned degrees in anthropology, religious studies, and environmental studies. She is the author of the Strange Luck Series.

When not writing, she can be found hiking with her dog, baking desserts, or breaking a sweat in kickboxing class. You can learn more about Amie and her hobbies at amieirenewinters.com.

 I give this book:  ★★★★★