EDITORIAL REVIEWS
Book 2 - Decima King Series
*Please note that Independent Book Review does not use a star rating system.
Mimic
By T. Kolodziej
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense / Supernatural
Reviewed by Alexandria Ducksworth - Independent Book Review
An exciting paranormal adventure with a swirl of the macabre, mystery, and some downright creepiness
Content creator Damion Beck is last seen on a livestream playing with a spirit board. His whereabouts are unknown from the moment his camera malfunctions. Initially, people believe the culprit behind Damion’s death is an ordinary human
criminal, but the more that psychic Dee King dives into the case, the more she realizes the murder suspect
might be a multi-dimensional monstrosity.
It doesn’t take long for Dee and her crew—detectives Jonathan Rennic and Rebecca Stokes—to find his remains. After similar cases to Damion’s pop up in many parts of Canada, Dee seeks assistance from her goddess companion Nyx for answers. Meanwhile, rival investigators believe Dee has everything to do with the strange deaths, not an otherworldly creature. It’s up to her to find whatever is devouring people before it disrupts the entire world and all planes of existence.
Mimic’s mystery and plot twists are its sparkling stand-out features, and this mystical creature makes it a real page-turner, especially once you venture through the puzzle of its purpose. The paranormal adds some zest to the missing-person mystery. One scene even features Dee visiting the victims in the “Aethereum” to learn more about their abrupt
demises. This metaphysical place is “where consciousness goes when it leaves a manifested reality. When people die, their consciousness transitions through this place before returning to the singularity of the Absolute.”
Another element Kolodziej brings to life is world mythology. As Dee works on the case, there are multiple references to the ancient Egyptian gods, who have important positions judging the dead in the afterlife. Ravens appear many times in the book too. Often representing death, they were Odin’s messengers in old Nordic tales, and their
appearances in this book add some real intrigue to the story. I’m glad Mimic pays homage to and includes such mythology.
This is a fun, fast-paced joyride. There is never a slow moment as we venture through Canada and the higher planes of existence. Author T. Kolodziej is top-notch when it comes to creepiness, excelling in keeping the creature’s identity and origins under wraps—for the scariest monsters are the ones we cannot see. No one has a clue about the monster’s appearance in the beginning, so, left to the readers’ imaginations, we tend to imagine the worst thing possible.
This book has it all. Horror, intrigue, occult mystery. The characters play their roles well with smart and sometimes witty dialogue, and the plot is twisty-turny with consistent, speedy action. Kolodziej sure knows how to serve up a delightful
supernatural dish.
Mimic
T. Kolodziej
Eli Lukas Publishing (2024)
ISBN: 978-1738779758
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (03/2024)
5*- Fantastic Supernatural Horror
“Mimic” by T. Kolodziej is a spine-tingling horror novel in which readers will find themselves caught up in a horrific supernatural adventure. This book begins when an online content creator accidentally opens a portal into another world while he is using a scrying board to connect with the supernatural realm. This portal allows a creature from another world to enter ours, a creature with a voracious appetite. It uses its ability to hide its true appearance and appear to be like things known to us, such as people and animals.
Decima King is called in to assist with her supernatural investigative skills when people start going missing and their gruesome remains are found. She and her colleagues soon discover that the deaths are not caused by a human serial killer. They also realize that this Mimic has a specific appetite for humans with certain conditions. Decima and her team race against the clock to stop the deaths, taking extreme action to try to send the creature home.
Kolodziej masterfully creates a sense of horror and foreboding in this tale. Readers will find themselves feeling an overwhelming sense of unease as they discover what this creature can do in order to be able to feed. In many cases, the creature can even mimic beloved pets. This makes matters worse as the investigators realize they never know what the creature is going to imitate next.
The characters are well-crafted, and I loved the protagonist’s special abilities. It was also very realistic that many in law enforcement believe that Decima King is a shyster. She must prove herself to them while having to work quickly to solve the case. Trying to convince non-believers that there is a creature from another realm involved with local murders makes for a strong and interesting conflict.
The plot will have readers feeling like they are on a rollercoaster. A scary rollercoaster. I love how different the plot is, providing the reader with the refreshing experience of something incredibly unique. “Mimic” is truly an experience that will leave readers feeling unsettled long after they finish reading the climactic ending.
“Mimic” is the second book in the Decima King Series, following the initial book, “Saving Fate.” While I feel that it can stand alone and be read without the first, I am intrigued by this series and plan on going back to catch up as I am excited to have discovered this author and series. I also look forward to reading the forthcoming books in the Decima King Series. “Mimic” by T. Kolodziej is most definitely a must-read for fans of supernatural horror.
*Reviewed by Keith Mbuya for Readers’ Favorite
As a solar storm slowly unfolded in the night sky, Damion Beck, a YouTuber from Calgary, Canada, was set to go live on his channel. To Beck, it was just another night to make scripted videos about the supernatural realm for his millions of followers. Except on that fateful night, nothing goes as planned and Beck’s residence is the center of a crime investigation the following day, a possible homicide. Ontario Police Service Detectives Rennic, Stokes, and Decima are sent to Calgary to aid the Royal Canadian Bureau of Investigation at the scene. Before they can wrap their heads around the case, many deaths are reported countrywide and they are all consistent with Beck’s case. While the victims are nowhere to be found, all that is left of them is a clump of hair, teeth, and nails. Decima, a detective with psychic abilities, is warned by a spirit about the random deaths. It turns out Beck had unknowingly opened a portal to the spirit world, and a deadly demon was on the loose on Earth. If not stopped, the demon could be the end of the world. Detectives Decima, Stokes, and Rennic have to rely on their wits to stop the demon before it’s too late. Can they pull this off? Find out in T. Kolodziej’s Mimic.
The author pays great attention to detail, but just enough so as not to bog down the pace of the plot. This coupled with the depictions of the scenes had me feeling like I was right next to the characters, helplessly watching every scene unfold. One moment I was watching Decima help the RCBI track down a serial killer using her special abilities. The next thing I knew, I was staring in horror as unsuspecting victims met their end at the hands of a bloodthirsty demon. I was plunged into a world of action, drama, horror, mystery, demons, sleuths, and so much more. The tone of the storyline had me on the edge of my seat, hooked, flipping from page to page. Just when I thought I had figured out where the story was headed, I would be slapped with a twist I never saw coming, and the plot would quickly pick up pace in another direction. Kolodziej brings out the cast’s traits and emotions, firmly anchoring the story’s grip on reality. This allowed me to connect with them. Lovers of mystery sleuth novels with a paranormal touch will find T. Kolodziej’s Mimic an enthralling read.
*Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite
Mimic is a work of fiction in the supernatural, dark fantasy, and suspense subgenres, and is the second novel in the Decima King series. The work is best suited to mature readers owing to scenes of violence, adult themes, and the use of explicit language throughout. Penned by author T. Kolodziej, this intriguing tale thrusts readers into a realm where ancient myths collide with contemporary technology as an online content creator inadvertently triggers a portal to another dimension. Decima, Rennic, and Stokes find themselves entangled in a perilous pursuit against a shape-shifting entity with a sinister agenda. As they race against time to decipher the mystery behind the malevolent force, the stakes escalate, intertwining crime investigation with supernatural suspense and cosmic intrigue.
Author T. Kolodziej has crafted a fascinating work that blends the best of dark and eerie genres to offer a complex and atmospheric adventure. Picking up the action of an existing series is never easy, but Kolodziej drops readers right back into the action with great cinematic command of scene description and the physical action of the characters. Through its captivating storytelling and intricate plot, Mimic invites readers on an exhilarating journey of discovery, where the boundaries between myth and reality blur, and the quest for truth takes center stage. This emotional core of the tale is delivered well through the speech and thought presentation of the characters, which is authentically shaped by the world around them and conveyed with original and distinct voices for each one. Overall, Mimic is a highly recommended read for fans of intense supernatural dramas with plenty of suspense and thrills.
*Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers’ Favorite
Jonathan Rennic and Rebeccah Stokes are assigned to assist the RCBI in solving a series of murders. But before they can make a breakthrough in the case, the duo receives new instructions to investigate another series of disturbing murders. Rennic and Stokes call on Decima, their psychic friend, to assist them, but she struggles to make any headway. They are unaware that they are hunting an entity with a unique ability that enables it to hide in plain sight while carrying out its grisly activities. The clock is ticking as Rennic, Stokes, and Decima battle against suspicious colleagues and otherworldly beings to stop a killer whose actions, if left unchecked, will tear apart the fabric of space and time in T. Kolodziej's Mimic.
In Mimic, solving crimes takes on an extraterrestrial dimension. T. Kolodziej builds a captivating science fiction plot that weaves ancient folklore into a well-crafted detective story. The characters are likable as regular people, making for sound and realistic character development. The reader will glean a veiled allusion to earlier books from Rennic's conversation with the stranger at the supermarket, where he subconsciously demonstrates his continued desire to track down his former captor. Nyx's exciting discussions with the detectives give a lighthearted touch to a serious story. One instance is when Nyx shares her thoughts on the human race with Rennic. I enjoyed how the narrative transports readers into the excitement of pursuing Rennic, Stokes, and Dr. Schaffer as they track the Khybodon. If you are a sucker for crime drama and adventures with a time travel theme, Mimic is the book for you.
*Reviewed by Chewable Orb - Reedsy
Loved it! 😍
An otherworldly being has entered the portal and Earth is now under siege. Can Decima, Rennic, and Stokes capture it before it's too late?
Mimic by T. Kolodziej
A portal is opened mistakenly and what comes forth is unleashed upon humanity. With the aid of Decima, who uses extraordinarily unusual tactics for detective work, Rennic and Stokes are assigned to the case. Following clues set forth by the entity, they come closer to solving the mystery. One major obstacle is the continued meddling of a fellow agency more akin to using more "traditional" methods of apprehending criminals. Needless to say, they are not privy to the magnitude of otherworldly danger they are engaging in. The clock is ticking, every moment the entity runs free is one step closer to life as we know it being altered forever.
Fantastic read. So if True Detectives and a Dr. Who episode had a spinoff with a slight horror element this might be the result. The weaving of a police procedural with ancient sci-fi and mystical undertones was something I didn't know I needed in my life, but I am a huge fan now. Kudos to the author for giving me something unique to read. I loved Decima, as she reached into her subconscious and navigated her way through the case bringing such a different and interesting narrative to this type of genre. Throughout the novel, I could feel T. Kolodziej's passion for storytelling conveyed through her writing of Decima. The descriptive nature of her writing style gave me a thorough overview of the grave magnitude of the situation. Scary yet beautiful at the same time. Did I mention the ending? Oh, the ending was full of unmitigated bliss, I think I did a fist pump which might be a first.
In closing the portal of this supernatural thriller, if you have any interest in ghost hunting or plain cat-and-mouse mysteries this will surely satisfy your reading pallet. I had no issues reading this title as a standalone title but I will say it created an appetite for me to read more from the author's catalog. I am giving this a solid 4 out of 5 stars⭐ Spookily Recommended!!
Book 1 - Decima King Series
Author's new book receives a warm literary welcome.
Readers' Favorite announces the review of the Fiction - Supernatural book "Saving Fate" by T Kolodziej, currently available at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BMN5Q61Q.
Readers' Favorite is one of the largest book review and award contest sites on the Internet. They have earned the respect of renowned publishers like Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Harper Collins, and have received the "Best Websites for Authors" and "Honoring Excellence" awards from the Association of Independent Authors. They are also fully accredited by the BBB (A+ rating), which is a rarity among Book Review and Book Award Contest companies.
"Reviewed By Essien Asian for Readers' Favorite
Things could not possibly get any worse for Jonathan Rennic. His last case ended in a major fiasco when the suspect somehow killed himself. The top brass wants answers he knows will not be forthcoming anytime soon. On top of all this, Sergeant Holtby decides this is the best time to assign him a new partner, and a woman at that. Rebecca Stokes knows earning Rennic’s respect is key to working together effectively, so when assigned a missing person case, she jumps at the chance to show him what they can do together. The deeper they dig, the more they realize this is no ordinary disappearance, but what they do not know is the answers they seek lie in the disturbing dreams a beautiful young woman cannot seem to get out of her head. Time becomes a precious commodity in this case as an unusual reckoning beckons for Rennic and Stokes in Tanya Kolodziej’s Saving Fate.
Roles are reversed as the hunter becomes the hunted in Tanya Kolodziej’s psychological thriller. Saving Fate places three individuals in a position where they must come to terms with their inner demons to solve an otherworldly mystery. Kolodziej’s characters are detailed in their makeup, as one can see from how Rennic’s struggles with his tragedy dictate his willingness to forge a meaningful future for himself. The supernatural discourse in the novel is quite detailed, with Kolodziej revealing a treasure trove of meditation-related knowledge that would certainly come in handy beyond this enterprising story. What stands out for me in Saving Fate is the way Kolodziej’s style of storytelling creates room for the reader to identify with the motivations of even the antagonists in a realistic and intellectually pleasing manner. For a debut novel, Kolodziej creates pure gold with this work. I enjoyed reading it."
You can learn more about T Kolodziej and "Saving Fate" at https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/saving-fate where you can read reviews and the author’s biography, as well as connect with the author directly or through their website and social media pages.
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*Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers’ Favorite
Saving Fate: Decima King Series (Book 1) is a supernatural mystery novel by T. Kolodziej. M is a wealthy and powerful serial rapist who chooses her victims using her special abilities. When she sets her sights on her next target, the man with the master numbers, the process becomes more difficult. M will do whatever it takes to reach her goal and is willing to get rid of everybody standing in her way because of her perverse yearning. Decima King must embrace her supernatural abilities to stop fate from happening and save the lives of everyone around her. The stakes have never been higher as Decima faces the darkness that unites them all. Detectives Jonathan Rennic and Rebecca Stokes have their hands full looking into unsolved suicides, missing person cases, and a mysterious ancient symbol that links all the victims. Decima is at the center of all of this.
The plot in Saving Fate is complex and captivating. T. Kolodziej takes you on a journey through the troubled persona of M. The story is fast-paced and never slows down. It was intriguing, and the supernatural, paranormal, and horror blended with the crime mystery. Awareness, reincarnation, divination, and astral projection were woven into the storyline. The twists and turns made sure I never knew what would happen next. The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat, and I turned the pages as fast as I could. The characters were well-developed, and I could relate to them. They were realistic and could be anyone I knew. My favorite character was Decima, as she embraces her supernatural abilities. The story was well-written and is an excellent read. The ending was a surprise and fitting.
*Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers’ Favorite
Things could not possibly get any worse for Jonathan Rennic. His last case ended in a major fiasco when the suspect somehow killed himself. The top brass wants answers he knows will not be forthcoming anytime soon. On top of all this, Sergeant Holtby decides this is the best time to assign him a new partner, and a woman at that. Rebecca Stokes knows earning Rennic’s respect is key to working together effectively, so when assigned a missing person case, she jumps at the chance to show him what they can do together. The deeper they dig, the more they realize this is no ordinary disappearance, but what they do not know is the answers they seek lie in the disturbing dreams a beautiful young woman cannot seem to get out of her head. Time becomes a precious commodity in this case as an unusual reckoning beckons for Rennic and Stokes in Tanya Kolodziej’s Saving Fate.
Roles are reversed as the hunter becomes the hunted in Tanya Kolodziej’s psychological thriller. Saving Fate places three individuals in a position where they must come to terms with their inner demons to solve an otherworldly mystery. Kolodziej’s characters are detailed in their makeup, as one can see from how Rennic’s struggles with his tragedy dictate his willingness to forge a meaningful future for himself. The supernatural discourse in the novel is quite detailed, with Kolodziej revealing a treasure trove of meditation-related knowledge that would certainly come in handy beyond this enterprising story. What stands out for me in Saving Fate is the way Kolodziej’s style of storytelling creates room for the reader to identify with the motivations of even the antagonists in a realistic and intellectually pleasing manner. For a debut novel, Kolodziej creates pure gold with this work. I enjoyed reading it.
* Reviewed by Cristina Prescott for The Book Commentary
Saving Fate by T. Kolodziej follows Decima King, who experiences vivid dreams of a mysterious man and woman on a desolate road. She thinks it can be the effect of stress. Then she witnesses the suicide of a man from her dreams, and her supervisor goes missing. Decima suddenly understands that nothing is what it seems. She is enmeshed in a series of murder cases in which she is the prime suspect. Deaths linked to strange symbols are connected to her. Detectives Jonathan Rennic and Rebecca Stokes are closing in on her; however, she receives help from Nyx, an unfathomable ancient being from the Aetheric realm. But Nyx’s help comes at a cost —Decima must undertake the quest to save fate. But there is a twist as the perpetrator of the crimes sets her eyes on her next victim. She is a villain who is after the man with the master numbers. Can Decima outwit the villain and save fate?
Kolodziej has crafted a twisty, propulsive tale with remarkable and unforgettable characters. Decima is a character gifted with supernatural abilities who also receives help from a mystical being. While she has her unique strengths, she is still portrayed as flawed, which makes her lovable. The prose is gorgeous and the writing is sprinkled by moments that are magical. The intersection between dream and reality is perfectly executed in this fast-paced, engaging story. The eerie atmosphere that dominates the book pulls readers into dreamland. You have the feeling of waking from a dream when you turn the last page of this book —utterly absorbing. Destiny, sacrifice, murder, fate, and the battle between darkness and light are themes that are exceptionally developed. Saving Fate is a twisty tale with emotionally rich moments and characters that are robust. The author balances the perilous quest of the protagonist with an exhilarating sleuth work, creating a finely drawn world with complex characters to deliver a delightful reading experience.
*Reviewed by Thomas Anderson for Literary Titan
“Saving Fate” by Tanya Kolodziej is the inaugural installment in a projected series that expertly blends supernatural elements with the gritty realism of police drama. Centered around a disheveled detective whose reputation is under scrutiny, his reluctant partner, and the perverse M, a sadistic villain who selects her victims through divination and enslaves them, the story explores a world filled with intrigue and horror. Alongside these characters, readers meet Dee (Decima) King, an average office clerk who becomes an unexpected primary suspect in a series of gruesome torture and murders.
The book introduces a unique character, a telepathic fox named Nyx, who emerges as Dee’s protector. Nyx, a messenger from the Aetheric dimension, offers her assistance in a mysterious bargain. To save her fate, Dee must traverse the supernatural realm, delving into a world unknown.
Kolodziej’s opening chapter is an instant hook, plunging the reader into the midst of a dungeon scene filled with raw sensuality and power dynamics. Here, the narrative, though somewhat modest in its portrayal of the victim’s feelings, teases and intrigues yet stops short of delving into the gritty details. Given that M’s sexual deviance is pivotal to the plot, I think a more unflinching exploration could have added depth to her characterization.
The author’s descriptive passages oscillate between ornate language and moments of genuine lyricism. Phrases like “earth’s silver celestial in phase” are thought-provoking, while poetic touches such as “Sparrows sing their sunrise songs…” offer a refreshing contrast. Kolodziej excels in pacing, maintaining a relentless momentum that drives the plot forward.
“Saving Fate” is a captivating story that offers a fresh take on the supernatural thriller genre. The intrigue and complexity of the characters, coupled with the tension and mystery of the plot, make this novel an engaging read for both fans of the supernatural and police dramas. It leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment, ready to delve further into the extraordinary world that Kolodziej has crafted.
