Reviews
Reviews for Fallen SpiritsEditorial Reviews
The BookLife Prize by Publishers Weekly
Plot/Idea: Fallen Spirits, book two in the Mind Monsters series, is a supernatural thriller with a consistently uplifting and inspirational aura. Alex Scott goes on an intriguing voyage of self-discovery that involves a thrilling cross country car chase and plenty of mysterious and unexpected occurrences.
Prose: Hatz’s text is full of confidently written characters who largely communicate in raw, expletive-ridden volleys of dialogue. The imagery is frequently creative, buoyant and imaginative.
Originality: Fallen Spirits is witty, entertaining, and often sharply satirical.
Character/Execution: Hatz’s protagonist, Alex Scott, is colorfully and vividly realized. Her mesmerizing journey of self-discovery, with all its peaks and troughs, is effectively transmitted, bolstered by a stellar supporting cast of characters who exhibit carefully observed mannerisms and idiosyncrasies.
Independent Book Review, Toni Woodruff
“You’ll get no other book like this one. Unless we count the first. Imagination knows no bounds—or bowels—in this inventive, high-stakes sci-fi thriller.
Fallen Spirits is an absolute whirlwind. Who in which world could connect such inter-dimensional insanity combined with the unbelievable truth of human reality like Diane Hatz has here? The worldbuilding is a mishmash of creativity; what Hatz dreams up, Hatz makes happen.
Readers in love with the places language can take us will relish seeing what tricks the author has up her sleeve.
The ending leaves me wanting more…”
International Review of Books
This imaginative and darkly humorous fantasy explores the poignant struggles of a woman grappling with despair and personal setbacks in New York City. Unemployed and heartbroken, she is drawn into an underground network dedicated to reconnecting with spirits and harnessing their energy.
The narrative masterfully weaves themes of self-discovery, materialism, and redemption, blending absurdism, satire, and dystopian undertones.
The result is a high-stakes, surreal adventure that challenges the protagonist’s beliefs and ultimately leads to a tragic yet thought-provoking conclusion. The story captivates with its bold creativity and sharp commentary, offering a fresh take on contemporary issues through a fantastical lens.
The novel’s exploration of materialism, societal decay, and redemption resonates deeply, amplified by its sharp dark humor and tragi-comic tone.
I highly recommend Fallen Spirits to readers who enjoy thought-provoking fantasy novels with satirical undertones and a touch of science fiction. Its blend of humor, imaginative world-building, and profound social commentary makes it a truly memorable read.
WordMonkey Chronicles, Jackie Pick
Fallen Spirits, the second installment in the Mind Monsters series by Diane Hatz, is a gloriously offbeat fusion of satire and sci-fi, perfect for those who enjoy sharp humor and gleeful absurdity. (Also space-time disruptions! Beings from other realms! And possibly the end of the world!)
At its heart, Fallen Spirits is about hitting rock bottom, scrambling up again (and again), and just maybe believing in something — whether it’s oneself, community, or unseen guiding forces.
Hatz incorporates these deeper themes into a fast-paced story that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. She skewers the moral vacuity of the uber-wealthy elite in scathing commentary on capitalism gone awry. Hatz’s narrative voice is incisive, sarcastic, and a lot of fun. She is also gifted in what I believe to be an underrated skill: ending chapters well. Each “button” works, and putting the book down is a struggle because we just want to see what could possibly happen next.
Word of warning: if bodily functions — even when used satirically — are not your cup of tea, you will want to approach this with extreme caution.
If you’re looking for a full-speed-ahead slipstream novel that cheekily challenges conventions while exploring the power of belief, Fallen Spirits is the book for you.
US Review of Books, Joslyn Vann
“…The author’s intended message is clearly one of female empowerment, solidarity, healing, and redemption. The main character’s spiraling journey through depression, alcoholism, and self-loathing powerfully portrays the impact of physical and emotional abuse. …a stinging critique of capitalism, corruption, abuse of power, and misogyny in the corporate world.
…Ending with a compelling cliffhanger, this book is the perfect setup for the next book in the series.”
Midwest Book Review, D. Donovan
“…A zany romp…packed with satire, intrigue, and adventure. Will captivate newcomers as well as prior fans, but be prepared for a wild ride.”
Select Reader Reviews
Diane Hatz creates quirky and relatable characters and puts them in fantastical situations — can’t wait for the next book in this series! – J. Gardner
Fallen Spirits a thoroughly entertaining, engagingly told science fiction thriller that also has a whole lot of heart. Five stars! – C. Hayes