This is a sponsored review. All opinions are 100% mine!
Does anyone remember going into a video rental store, running across a slew of low-budget supernatural movies, and getting goose bumps by just looking at the freaky VHS cover arts?
If you're old enough, then you probably know exactly what I'm talking about. Well, I had that same feeling when I first laid eyes on the art cover art for the novella The Witch Port Video Game by writer-singer-actor Lenoard Bassed. Ironically, the author had originally intended to write a movie script instead of a book but eventually he decided to turn his idea into a YA novella.
“I was able to spend more time developing the characters and their world…the whole thing was just such an organic experience and extremely enjoyable, creative for me.” ~ Leonard Bassed
The plot centers around three school friend - Martin, Mackenzie, and Francesca - from a fictional town called Cradle Creek, who get introduced to a new video game called The Witch Port from a new acquaintance, Bianca Morris. At first glance, it looks like a simple sorcery game but they quickly realize it's actually real when the mysterious MacQuoid brothers arrive, as they are identical to characters in the game. Already freaked out enough, the teens start exhibiting supernatural abilities. Now they must literally play "The Witch Port" if they are to survive all this madness.
Final Thoughts
There are so many supernatural YA books out there that it's just really difficult me to keep up with all them anymore. Like I've already mentioned, the cover art for The Witch Port Video Game reminded me of the old school horror VHS covers, which was the main reason why I wanted to review this novella in this first place.
The plot feels like the television series "Charmed" where three characters suddenly have witch-like powers but this story has more of a horror vibe to it than fantasy. The novella is just over 100 pages so don't expect very much character depth, well, except for the main character, Martin. The "Witch Port" plot is intriguing but with only 100+ pages of storytelling there isn't enough time to explore it. However, this is the first entry of a new series so the author will have other chances to flesh out his witchery creation.
Overall, The Witch Port Video Game was a fun, fast-paced read. My only complaint is the novella's small text size. It's readable but if a reader wears eyeglasses, like me, then reading it might put a strain on your eyes. Other than that, I didn't have a problem with novella. If you're into witches and supernatural tales, then I do recommend reading The Witch Port Video Game.
About the Author
Writer-actor-singer Leonard Bassed was born in the town of Middleburg, Mpumalanga and raised in Johannesburg. He started taking vocal lessons at age eight and studied drama throughout his high school years. A mentor encouraged him to pursue an acting career. Leonard went on to complete acting classes in both South Africa and later Los Angeles. Currently, when not writing or singing, Leonard continues to study acting techniques with the renowned Margie Haber Studio in Hollywood. In his free time, he enjoys travel, reading and movie going. His latest book is The Witch Port Video Game.
Learn more about the author at: https://leonardbassed.com/
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