Blog Tour: From The Ashes By Danielle M. Orsino

 Joining with R&R Book Tours It is our day on the book blog train as we welcome the 3rd exciting installment in the Birth of the Fae series From The Ashes by Daniella M. Orsino. 

From the Ashes

Genre: Fantasy/ Fae

Publication Date: January 20th, 2022

Queen Aurora and King Jarvok are finding that there is a thin line between love, hate, and Oblivion.

The war between the Court of Light and Dark has finally ended, and peace reigns. The Court of Light continued advising the human monarchs of Europe while the Court of Dark kept to themselves, intervening only to act as the humans Dark Gods and Goddesses.
The two Courts were both upholding their respective duties as written by the Treaty of Bodhicitta, until Queen Mary the first of England reneges on a Changeling contract with the Court of Light. This unfortunate act puts events in motion which led to the last Fire Drake, Bishop Awynn, making the ultimate sacrifice. Awynn loses his light while saving The Dark Fae King during a tense standoff with Queen Aurora.
Queen Aurora swears revenge upon Mary for Awynn’s death and issues the same warning she gave her Father, King Henry the Eighth, so many years ago. However, King Jarvok had his own point of view on Queen Aurora’s vengeance and pays Aurora a visit to deliver his critique of her technique, leading to a knock-down drag-out fight between the two Fae monarchs.

Both Leaders refuse to bow even if it means certain Oblivion…

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Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and at the Bookshop.org

About The Author

Danielle M. Orsino is a fantasy novelist whose lifelong vision is to create whimsical realms that her readers can escape. Her compelling word-weaving pays homage to a multitude of personal muses, from Chris Claremont and George Pérez (both famous comic book writers) to Anne Rice and Wonder Woman.

The creative spark of storytelling has been with Danielle ever since she was a child, but martial arts and her nursing career took center stage into adulthood. Then, on a day like any other, it was reignited during the most unexpected of moments: while treating one of her patients. Seeing that they longed for a distraction during their arduous treatments, the floodgates of inspiration soon burst forth. So, Danielle took it upon herself to tell them a story; a fantastical narrative that would leave the confines of that IV room’s walls and land upon a page. Before she knew it, what started as an imaginative tale to pass the time, turned into a book, followed by an entire series: The Birth of Fae. This awe-inspiring series includes Locked out of Heaven (Book One), Thine Eyes of Mercy (Book Two), and From The Ashes (Book Three), all of which are published by 4 Horsemen Publications, Inc. And with an unwavering passion for cosplay and comics, it was a unanimous decision to place her on the cover of each book in all her Fae cosplay glory. The Birth of Fae also features Los, an affable chameleon dragon inspired by her fun-loving Yorkie named Carlos. 

When writing wasn’t at the forefront of her mind, Danielle was a successful Martial Artist. Some of her achievements include “1999 World Martial Arts Hall of Fame Inductee”, “Female Martial Artist of the Year”, “WKA World Champion Silver Medalist 2008”, and numerous more. She has also garnered hundreds of martial art tournament wins, various other national and world titles, and features on big-name channels like TLC and CBS. She even had the rare opportunity to perform for former U.S. President Bill Clinton and collaborate alongside Vincent Lyn and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. From there, she pursued her Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science, and she is now a Licensed Practical Nurse who focuses on Lyme disease research.

This “New Queen of the Fae’s” unmatched world-building and masterful Fae-origin retellings have led to an ever-growing queendom of “Fae-natics”. To begin embarking upon a quest in an epic world unlike any other, visit Danielle M. Orsino’s official website at http://www.BirthOfTheFae.com. You can also connect with her on Instagram (@BirthOfTheFae_Novel) and Twitter (@BirthOfTheFae).

“After summoning this world into existence through an imaginative force of will, Danielle has scoured every inch of the landscape several times over. Critics often praise a story’s world-building by saying that it feels “lived in.” Well, the world of the Fae certainly seems like that because Danielle herself has happily lived there for years as she worked to put all of this together… My favorite part of this story is that it is gloriously depicted in vibrant images.” -Clete Barrett Smith, New York Times Bestselling Author of If We Were Giants, Aliens on Vacation series, and Magic Delivery

The Birth of the Fae | Instagram | Twitter

Book Review: You*ology: A Puberty Guide for Every Body by Melisa Holmes MD, FACOG Trish Hutchison MD, FAAP, Kathryn Lowe MD, FAAP

 

Gynecologist Melisa Holmes, MD, FACOG, and pediatricians Trish Hutchison, MD, FAAP (co-founders of the popular website, Girlology, and proud stars of a Tampax commercial in which they blitz through a lightening-round of tampon myth-busting, so you know you’re in good company) and Kathryn Lowe, MD, FAAP keep the tone upbeat and engaging, while short stories featuring a cast of diverse characters add relatability and humor in their colorfully-illustrated guide.

   You*ology: A Puberty Guide For Every Body

   Release Date: April 19th, 2022

  Genre: Educational

   Publisher: American Academy of Pediatrics

  Available at: American Academy of Pediatrics  and Amazon

                                   

  Synopsis

What if learning about changing bodies wasn’t secretive or shameful? And what if it could even be inclusive, fun, and, well, kind of adorable? A new kind of puberty guide, You-ology embraces an inclusive approach that normalizes puberty for all kids. Traditional puberty education only contributes to a sense of isolation and often does not include all kids' experiences of puberty and leaves kids with questions about how puberty will affect their friends and classmates. For curious kids and parents looking to talk about puberty in an inclusive way, You-ology offers fact-based, age-appropriate, and body-positive information about the physical, social, and emotional changes ahead for all kids.

 Colorful illustrations keep the tone upbeat and engaging, while short stories featuring a cast of diverse characters add relatability and humor.

                                                   

 REVIEW

 Having the privilege of receiving an advance copy, I proclaim this book should be placed in every public and private school in the nation (How I wish I had that power.). 

You*ology is a must-have guide to puberty. I mean, where was this book when I was growing up? I am jealous!

Targeted for boys and girls, You*ology answers all those big puberty questions you were afraid to ask and the why behind it. The doctors step outside their physician personas and get real, teaching us in a fun, entertaining way that is not so horrifying for kids or parents.

 You*ology tackles not just puberty, but just growing up in general, which is what puberty is growing up! You*ology also includes talks about bullying, school cliques, feelings, emotions, and more. Puberty entails a lot more than just physical changes it deals with emotional changes as well. You*ology dives into it all by incorporating fun stories with the help of a diverse cast of characters. Through Kimi, Leshaun, Stephanie, Oliver, and Maria, we learn about the weird, uncomfortable changes our bodies can go through during puberty. They even tackle the topics of gender diversity in the chapter 'When Puberty Doesn't Feel Right.'

 Puberty is one of the most challenging times for kids. I loved how You*ology focused not on just the sterile puberty basics but dives into the in-betweens of puberty, such as hygiene, maintaining healthy nutrition for your changing body,  hormones, emotions/feelings. Then all ends with a pep talk that your body is wonderful and you got this.

 I remember I grossed out my oldest in the puberty talk by being a little bit too scientific. He never asked me another question again. With his now 9-year-old twin brothers approaching that mark in their lives, I now have a tool to help us through. An absolutely brilliant book!                                                      

My rating is 10**********out of 10 stars.                    

 

 

Meet The Doctors

 

Melisa Holmes, MD, FACOG

Co-founder of Girlology and a graduate of The Medical College of Georgia. As an Ob-Gyn, Melisa joined the faculty at the Medical University of S.C. (MUSC) where she held joint appointments in Obstetrics/Gynecology and Pediatrics. She served as director of the MUSC Teen Clinic and created a clinic for sexual assault survivors. As a nationally recognized advocate for adolescent health, she has served on the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' Committee on Adolescent Health Care and worked with National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. She is on the Board of Directors for the SC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy and serves on the Advisory Board for Amaze.org, a global sexuality education project. In addition to co-authoring the Girlology series of books, she has written numerous scientific papers and textbook chapters as well as articles and guest blogs. As a passionate teacher for her patients, Dr. Holmes received a national award from the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists for patient education. As an excellent clinician respected by her peers, she was also named among the Best Doctors in America.

 

 

 Trish Hutchison, MD

Is a board-certified pediatrician, nationally-recognized health educator, and author. Dr. Trish is the co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Girlology — a leading girls’ health app.Dr. Trish founded and directed a young women’s health center for the Department of Adolescent Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina. She is an expert on adolescent development, teen sexuality, parenting, and has been listed among the Best Doctors in America. Dr. Trish has also co-founded the Period Education Project — a not-for-profit organization providing menstrual health education to underserved groups throughout the country. In addition to creating the Girlology content, she currently practices medicine at the College of Charleston’s Student Health Center. She earned her MD at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and then completed her Pediatrics residency at Vanderbilt University.

 

  

Kathryn Lowe, MD, FAAP

Graduated from Concordia College and then served in Peace Corps in Bolivia for two years where she discovered her passion for pediatrics.  Following that, she attended the University of Connecticut School of Medicine and completed her pediatric residency at Maine Medical Center.  Since then, she has worked as a pediatrician in both the clinic and hospital setting and currently is a Clinical Assistant Professor with the University of Washington School of Medicine where she helps educate our future generation of physicians.  She currently serves on the executive committee of the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on LGBT Health and Wellness, and has also had leadership positions with the Montana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She is the co-founder of the non-profit Gender Equality Montana whose mission is to raise awareness about gender diversity at the community level.  She has also led many pieces of training on gender diversity at the community level, state level, and national level.  

Book Review: I Own My Magic: Self Talk for Black Women by G. Michele Goodloe, LCSW

 

Practice self-love, embrace mindfulness, and build a positive daily ritual with inspiring prompts, meditations, and reflections just for Black women.

You’re aware of the way you talk to others, but how do you talk to yourself? Is your self-talk in need of a kindness boost? Improve your self-esteem and love the woman that you are with these powerful affirmations. A celebration of Black female identity, this book contains a huge dose of confidence in a small, convenient package. Inside you’ll find:

Quotes to empower you and fuel you for success

Reflective prompts that challenge you to live as your most authentic self

Inspiring words of wisdom on today’s Black female experience These words and practices of self-care will encourage you to honor your true power, live life to the fullest, and show strength in everything you do.

AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON AND ULYSSES PRESS

REVIEW

I Own My Magic is a surprising read as it incorporates as a journal too! If you don't prefer to write in your books as I do, you can easily use a side journal for your journey of finding your womanhood again.

 In the book, Goodloe first shares her own experiences then guides us in how we can learn to embrace who we are, love who we are, and let go of the negativities we often hold on to. We realize and understand that it is okay to say no. It is okay to set boundaries. Taking time for yourself is not a sin or selfish, and neglecting can be damaging our health.

We learn how to release what society and everybody thinks we as black women should be in my favorite chapter, 'Releasing Your Super Woman Cape.' We understand how to find our joy again in Celebrating Who You Are, plus the overall beauty of being a black woman today.

Each chapter ends with a self-reflecting journaling option to ponder. Little affirmations follow to empower you more. 

Not a simple read; call yourself inspired, and you're done with the book. It is a personal workbook to engage in, self-reflect, and learn about who you are as a woman, not what society or family says you should be.

 Goodloe hit hard with her self-reflecting questions too. In my first read-through, I was stumped by some of the questions she asked, making me realize I had been guilty of many things Goodloe talked about.

While Goodloe leans the book toward Black women, I think internationally; this book is for all women. I related to this book more so as just a woman than, say, a black woman, as the overall message is simply self-love and self-care and reclaiming your magic.

My rating **** 4 out of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 Michelle Goodloe is a licensed clinical social worker and an experienced project manager dedicated to helping make self-care practical and accessible for busy, caring people.

With a professional background in providing clinical interventions, compassion-based services and statewide advocacy for people impacted by domestic violence, child abuse and stress-related conflict, the focus of Michelle’s career has been to develop and institute accessible and resourceful avenues of support through her agencies: The Essence of Healing LLC and gmichelle.com.

Michelle is the owner and psychotherapist with The Essence of Healing LLC, a private therapeutic practice based in Atlanta, Georgia. She is also the creator of the wellness-resource website, gmichelle.com. Michelle facilitates interactive workshops for non-profit and private organizations that experience challenges with addressing self-care, compassion fatigue and professional burn out.

Michelle lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and son.

 

 Learn More and Follow Michelle

Instagram @thegmichelle

Twitter @thegmichelle

 Website: gmichelle.com

 

 

 

Book Cover Reveal: Killian the Assassin by Wendy L. Anderson

 In partnership with R&R Books Tours again we at Indie Promotions are happy to join in sharing this amazing cover reveal for the upcoming Killin the Assassin, the first book in a brand-new series by Wendy L. Anderson. Coming this spring!

Killian the Assassin (The Legends of Everclearing #1)

Expected Publication Date: Early Spring 2022

Genre: Epic Fantasy

Assassin, thief, arrogant rogue…

Pagan drumming in Killian’s veins would never let his sword fail or his heart stop thirsting for blood. It felt as if the old gods gathered around him, waiting for blood to spill.

Killian the Assassin has been hired to guard the daughter of a wealthy Lord. Blackmailed into going on a perilous journey over treacherous seas, and among violent mountains, he faces danger and demons. Fighting the bloodlust that always follows him, Killian discovers a lonely, innocent girl who did not betray but has been betrayed. She deserves love and protection, but is he the one to give her what she needs? 

Tainted by the need for salvation, driven by sword lust, darkness follows them as together they become the first in the Legends of Everclearing.

Killian the Assassin! He’ll double-cross you, bed your wife, and steal your gold, all with a smile.

Follow Killian the Assassin on his journey in this new fantasy series, the Legends of Everclearing!

This new series does not just a revisit the best of the Kingdom of Jior fantasy series but is addicting, with new characters, and heart-stopping adventures!

Coming Soon!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Wendy L. Anderson is a Colorado native and mother of two boys. She has an English Degree from Regis University and writes books, short stories, and poetry. Wendy is a devout reader of the classics, fantasy, sci-fi, and historical fiction. She has decided it is time to write down the fantasies from her own mind. Writing about everything from fantastical worlds to the stuff of her dreams she takes her stories along interesting paths while portraying characters. and worlds she sees in her mind’s eye. Her goal is to deviate from common themes, write in original directions and transport her reader to the worlds of her creation.

Wendy L. Anderson | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

Indie Movie Review: The Hunter's Anthology (2021)

 

Six strangers find themselves trapped in a New York City subway by Mac, a mysterious man who claims to be a demon hunter. Insisting one of them is evil, he peeks into their souls discovering five eerie, supernatural tales: a desperate woman goes to a fortune teller, newlyweds discover a creature lurking outside their apartment, a young man visits an insane asylum, bullied twins discover a wish-granting coin and a man lusting after a co-worker discovers a magic potion shop. It's then up to Mac to solve the mystery and destroy the demon amongst them.

 

 

 AVAILABLE TO WATCH ON Tubi and Amazon Prime

REVIEW

 Reminding me of one of those late-night syndicated T.V. shows I used to watch in the 90s (Forever Knight anyone), The Hunter's Anthology series is an enjoyable watch. As the premise states, six strangers get trapped on a subway, and one is a demon. It is there that our demon hunter Mac (Taylor August) must peer into each one's soul to find which one is the demon. Each episode is Mac looking into a soul as each is connected to a supernatural tale. 

There are five episodes, each highlighting a passenger. 

 

Episode 1: We meet Tabitha (Janna Bossier) and her story in  The Fortune Maker.

Janna Bossier (Tabitha) Marilyn Oran (Madame Rene)

 

Episode 2: Married couple Madison (Kristy Cloetingh) and Clint (Olev Aleksander) in Channel 14 as they discover they can view their new apartments security camera on their T.V. only to see something they wish they did not see. 

Olev Aleksander (Clint) and Kristy Cloetingh (Maddison)

Episode 3: Visit to the Asylum is Steven's (Cole Taylor) story that is more psychological horror than supernatural. Or is it?

Alica Foxworth (Mrs. Capshaw) Dennis Rubin Green (Mr. Capshaw)

 

 

Episode 4: You Can't Unwish a Wish tells Jennifers's (Sara Mari Lopez) story.

Sara Mari Lopez (Jennifer) Kato Lopez (Jessica)

 Episode 5: Rod's (Eric Colton) story in  Lust Potion Number Who Cares leads to a who lust potioned who? Only ending with some sinister results.

Eric Colton (Rob) Yoko Hyun (Mooni)

 

Written and directed by Robert Smithline, The Hunter's Anthology is an easy one-day bing watch, and each episode pulls you into the next, leading to its twist ending. Benjamin Wolf, leader on cinematography, does an upscale job for indie filmmaking, and everything is shot and angeled smoothly and beautifully, making it very lovely to watch. 

 

 

Acting-wise, Taylor August's cowboy demon hunter motif, while some may say it is cliché, it grows on you. August brings a mystery yet vulnerability to his role as Mac well. Hey, if you hunt demons all your life, you'd become a grizzled cowboy loner too. Plus, he is gorgeous so whoever dislikes him are jealous haters. Anyway!

 However, Eric Colton (Rod) and Cole Taylor (Steven) also shine in their roles, as does the rest of the main ensemble cast and co-stars. Yoko Hyun (Mooni) in Lust Potion Number Who Care is flamboyant and hilarious in her banter with Eric Colton's Rod.

In the end, I would be interested in a season 2 following more adventures with the smoldering Hunter Mac.

My Rating is 8 out of 10 stars.

INDIE MOVIE REVIEW: Motivational Growth ( 2013)

 

Ian Folivor, a depressed and reclusive 30-something, finds himself taking advice from a growth in his bathroom after a failed suicide attempt. The Mold, a smooth talking fungus who was born of the filth collecting in a corner of Ian's neglected bathroom, works to win Ian's trust by helping him clean himself up and remodel his lifestyle. With The Mold's help, Ian attracts the attention of a neighbor he's been ogling through his peephole, Leah, and he manages to find a slice of happiness despite his unnatural circumstances. But Ian starts to receive strange messages from his old and broken down TV set that make him realize that The Mold may not be as helpful as it seems to be, and strange characters combined with stranger events cast Ian's life in the shadow of an epic battle between good and evil that Ian is only partially aware of.

AVAILABLE TO WATCH ON Amazon / Apple TV / Tubi / and Google Play

REVIEW

 

When low, down, and out, Ian decides to end it all after the death of his T.V. Kent; his attempt ends in debauchery, waking up to find the corner of mold (Voiced by the infamous Jeffery Combs) growing in his bathroom talking to him. The Molds got plans, Jack…yes The Molds got plans…to motivate Ian's life back into shape, that is! Hey, when life deals you lemons, why not take advice from a smooth-talking fungus which grows a mushroom out of it and asks you to eat it. 

 

Winner of the 2013 Atlanta Horror Film Festival for Best Feature and Best Feature winner at the 2013 Boston Science Fiction Film Festival Motivational Growth is absolute brilliance taking you on a dark fungal acid trip. Plus, giving the term, "I've got a mold problem." A whole new meaning.

Written and directed by Don Thacker, Thacker delivers Indie film at its finest. Motivational Growth is just pure enjoyment to watch. Sure Thacker leaves us with many questions, but The Mold smoothed it all over. Enjoy the showman, enjoy the show. Speaking of The Mold (voiced by the illustrious Jeffery Combs), he does not steal the film; Adrian DiGiovanni (Ian Folivor), our protagonist, our narrator does. Our narrator has to captivate, and Adrian's Ian does. He draws you in before he even speaks with his blank disheveled appearance. When he does speak you are wholly invested in Ian Folivor and his journey. This is all thanks to the amazing camera work the camera team does. Every shot, scene, and twist, that journeys us into Ian's mind-mucking fun that becomes Ian's horror mold-infested world.

Speaking of The Mold, whom I oddly found cute and charming. I would definitely buy The Mold plushie puppet if one were made. It is done by Puppeteer Midan Crosby and animatronic designer Andy Hosmer and, of course, the rest of the special effect and puppeteer crew, who I thought did a fantastic job creating The Mold and bringing it ready for its screen time. He is reminiscent of special-effects creature features of the '80s, and it fits very much in with the 80's vibe Motivational Growth gives off. Being a child of the 80s, this only made me love Motivational Growth more. It is now available to buy on Blue-Ray and DVD  Motivational Growth is sure to be a cult classic fave.

 

My Rating 5 out of 5 stars

Visit Motivational Growth @ https://www.motivationalgrowth.com/

 

BOOK REVIEW: The Silicon Gambit (Amy Radigan Thriller) by Isabella Steel

In Washington, D.C., embattled President Colin Rockwell is faced with the consequences of his sloppy personal life, indifferent attitude, and general incompetence in office. His serial philandering has made him a threat to national security, creating problems in the international arena.

Amy Radigan, a young and ambitious San Diego reporter, comes across a packet from a whistle-blower in the cold letter file. As Radigan sinks her teeth into the story, she discovers a massive cover-up regarding the San Onofre Nuclear Generation Station. The deeper into the investigation she goes, the higher the levels of government that seem to be involved—all the way up to the vice president.

As she and security specialist John Randall uncover the truth, an attempt is made on the lives of Radigan and her girlfriend. The protagonists' race to bring down the corrupt government officials, but will Radigan expose the truth in time to save them all?

AVAILABLE NOW ON Amazon and on BookBub

REVIEW

The Silicone Gambit is an amazing political thriller that will have you gripping your pages or gripping your Tablet. Steel is a book weaving mistress and she does not miss a beat.

We open to James Quinn an Oceanside Harbor regular who out of friendship meets up with a college Christ Rodgers to help him collect water samples around a certain section of water. When both are nearly blown to kingdom come Steel has our attention. We then shift to political stuff and the gruesome death of a foreign reporter. Insert SVU dunt dunt music here. 

We then meet hard-nosed reporter Amy Radigan who is led to report on a possible pollution scandal in those same seawaters that may have political ties. This information can only add to the already political scandal that is brewing in the White House that could cripple the whole U.S. economy. Sounds headache-inducing but Steel story weaver goddess blends it all together and you are like dang this is getting good!

 For one Steel creates great characters and does brilliant complex storytelling that is easy to follow. Especially if you are new to this political thriller genre world. While not a political enthusiast Steel still manages to hold your attention by writing strong relatable characters that you want to invest in and just great simple storytelling, and you want more. If you love political thrillers check out The Silicon Gambit.

 

My Rating **** 4 out of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Isabella Steel lives near San Diego, California with her wife and dogs. An avid gardener, she raises roses and koi in her backyard. Her novel Ghost Witch left readers terrified & guarding their children. Critics and readers agree. Steel is a master world builder. The characters and settings come alive and enable total escapism. Highly recommended! She has also published two political thrillers set in San Diego, a science fiction novel, and an epic fantasy. Find her books on Amazon and at www.BlackRaptorBook.com

INDIE MOVIE REVIEW: Pungo: A Witch's Tale (2021)

 

A burned-out ex-Navy SEAL and an emotionally-damaged firefighter work together as handymen in Tidewater Virginia. Things turn surreal when a simple renovation job becomes a journey to another world to rescue their client from a trans-dimensional witch bent on revenge in this imaginative take on Grace Sherwood-the Witch of Pungo.

~Phillip J. Cook

Available to view on Amazon Prime Video and Tubi TV

REVIEW

A sucker for a good witch tale Pungo: A Witch’s Tale delivers that satisfaction. Based on actual history, there is actually a true Pungo, Virginia, and the “Pungo Witch” did exist. Her name was Grace Sherwood, and she was the last person to be tried as a witch ever in Virginia. In 2006 she was pardoned by former Virginian Governor Tim Kaine, who was mayor at the time. Her story is quite remarkable and should be looked up and read. Written and directed by Phillip J. Cook, he takes this tasty morsel of history and weaves a part fantasy, part horror, with a dash of part sci-fi tale of an adventure to watch, and it kind of works.

Cathryn Benson as Grace Sherwood(modern time)

We open in 1706, where the original Grace Sherwood (Cathryn Benson) is being tried by water and accused of being a witch, which does not bode well for our Grace. We then shift to the present, where we meet Grace’s descendant, also named Grace Sherwood (Also played by Cathryn Benson), who has inherited the old Sherwood family home from her great aunt. When she hires two handymen Bud Hayes (Mark Hyde), a former navy seal who is traumatized by the drowning of his teen daughter, and his partner Sam Dixon (Matthew Sharpe), an ex-paramedic who got relieved of duty, come to help with the repairs strange things, of course, start to happen. First to Bud and Sam and then to Grace. A bit unnerved, they continue till a crazy storm blow through only to find themselves in the same place but at different time. In flashbacks, we learn more about what happened to Grace’s ancestor and why she is the “Pungo witch.” Our crew then gets attacked by giant wood golems and crazy woodmen as Grace gets taken. Bud and Sam must now put their haunted past behind to save their client.

 

Pungo: A Witch's Tale Wood Golems

Visually Pungo: A Witches Tale is impressive, especially for an indie film. Cook acts as the cinematographer as well, having won numerous awards for his visual special effects and film work, so it is no surprise Pungo looks beautiful and he did it all on an indie budget of $20,000. Is it Hollywood ILM magic standard? No, but for indie, it is stellar, in my opinion. I often got lost in the film's visuals instead of the story. 

Mark Hyde as Bud Hayes

As for performances, the cast does a fair job. Cathryn Benson shines better as “witch” Grace than modern Grace getting to really ham it up. Mark Hyde as haunted ex-Navy Seal turned handyman Bud Hays plays him stoic and likable against Matthew Sharpe’s goofy bumbling Sam Dixon, creating a nice buddy dynamic. You can’t help but like them and enjoy going on the adventure with them, which Pungo: A Witch’s Tale is.

WATCH TRAILER

 

 

My Rating **** 4 out of 5 stars.